BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Delegates attending the third International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) on Sunday agreed that ideological differences should not be a barrier to contacts and cooperation among Asian political parties. 

  "Concerning differences and conflicts between parties, Asia's political parties should adopt the spirit of seeking common ground and reserving differences, resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation or temporarily setting them aside so that they do not affect the normal development of bilateral relations," said Beijing Declaration, a document issued amidst the ICAPP.

  "We believe that Asian political parties should promote the sound and stable development of state-to-state relations through positive contacts and cooperation. They should continuously enrich the connotation and develop the potential for cooperation and make full use of their unique role in promoting economic development, advancing social progress and safeguarding regional security," it said.

  As for the ICAPP, the declaration said the ICAPP, established in September 2000, has become an important forum where legal political parties of sovereign Asian countries can exchange political ideas, seek political consensus and increase understanding and trust. 

  It has also become a new channel and new mechanism through which political parties can play their unique role in promoting regional cooperation and mutual development, the document said. 

  Meanwhile, the declaration pointed out that the cooperation in Asia is not exclusive, nor is it directed at any third party. Asia should develop itself by opening up to the whole world and advance through contacts all over the world. 

  The third ICAPP conference has been a productive meeting and met the objectives of further strengthening mutual friendship, exchanges and cooperation, increasing mutual understanding, trust and consensus, and jointly safeguarding regional peace, stability and unity, it noted.

  Over 350 delegates of 81 political parties and organizations from 35 countries participated in the third ICAPP conference.

  The major topics of the meeting include regional security and multilateral cooperation, economic growth and social progress, party building and the national development. 

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