It is gratifying to note that the leaders from various Asian political parties have remarkably assembled in this august common forum for the third time since year 2000. This forum has provided a good opportunity to all Asian political leaders for mutual exchange of views thereby promoting mutual understanding as it was envisioned during the first International Conference of Asian Political Parties in Manila. This Conference may further contribute to shaping solidarity among the Asian political parties enhancing their mutual cooperation. It will certainly help to accomplish harmony and unity among diversity. In fact, this type of regular conference of Asian political parties may contribute to promote the concept of an Asian parliament as discussed before. The very theme of the Conference clearly indicates the importance of the closer exchanges and cooperation among the Asian political parties emphasizing on the collective contribution to better and peaceful Asia. This kind of realization may contribute in bringing political parties of different ideologies and orientations together further enhancing the unity among Asian political parties. Such unity and understanding is an imperative to more secure, prosperous and stable Asia.

All pervasive unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, discrimination and deprivation in different societies have been causing social tension and political instability in different parts of Asia. These challenges are often compounded with various forms of ethnic, religious and sectarian conflicts in our continent. Achievement of developed, prosperous and civilized society through social justice, accelerated economic growth, equitable distribution of wealth and resources combined with good governance and participatory democracy might ameliorate those tensions and conflicts. Security of societies, nations and people’s is interlinked with those factors in many parts of our continent. It has been evidently seen in Asia that those societies are relatively thriving ahead fulfilling people’s aspirations and basic needs of life who have pursued the above-mentioned path of development, social justice and democracy. Therefore a shared vision for collective development and prosperity is equally important for meaningful partnership among the Asian political parties and governments.

Collective efforts and common understanding among political parties in our continent bear special meaning in Asian continent at the present competitive and complex world. Mobilization of resources for mutual benefit and reiteration of the principle of peaceful coexistence is best suited to Asian context that has divergence of culture, society and politics. The emerging new world economic scenario appeared due to the advent of the World Trade Organizing system and regional grouping for free trade arrangements have further increased the importance of trust, cooperation and solidarity among Asian political parties and the countries. Furthermore, the interest and rights of weaker societies or countries of Asia need to be rightfully protected and promoted for a stable Asian continent. It is also because of the lessons of history experienced in the past. Increased and enhanced cooperation among the Asian governments and countries based on mutual recognition of each other’s interests, difficulties and needs may help to expand partnership among the Asian countries. It might contribute to common prosperity and economic integration between diverse stages and modes of development in the Asian countries.

The role of political parties is not only crucial in shaping and reshaping our societies but pivotal for protection of people’s rights and national development. Mobilization of human resources and creation of a democratic political culture largely depends on the activities of political parties in a given society. This role could be more effective and compatible to time if the political parties themselves are built up with people’s support and clear forward-looking political vision. Therefore, the combinations of clear political vision and orientation and well-established organizational capabilities backed by management set up are essential for political parties. It also signifies that democratic decision making and transparency provide more credibility to a political party. Moreover, a political party dedicated to people and country is always accountable to masses and it well expresses and exercises the sovereignty of people in governance or state functioning. People are deprived of their rights and role in the absence of responsible, capable and dynamic political party in any country. We have seen this in many instances in various Asian countries too.

Nonetheless, it is quite natural that the background, development process and ideology of different political parties in different countries vary, as the parties themselves are the products of objective realities of a particular society and country. Hence the goal and destination of all democratic parties is the supreme well being of people and creation of a better world. This is a common ground for all of us to move ahead hand in hand.

We see exchanges and cooperation among political parties in Asia of greater importance. Such exchanges and cooperation not only promote mutual understanding and friendship between political parties but they also provide ideas and moral support in finding out solutions of conflicts and crisis faced by political parties like in our case. I believe that this Conference may be a milestone for mutual trust, friendly ties and cooperation between political parties of Asia, no matter whatever they pursue political ideology and development approach in their own national context.