Wishing ICAPP success
Zheng Li  Updated: 2004-09-03 08:33

Congratulations on the opening of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) in Beijing today.

This biennial gathering is the first international political party conference that the Communist Party of China (CPC) has ever hosted.

Delegates from 84 parties in 35 Asian countries are gathering together for this event, which is scheduled to close on September 5.

A party for Asian politicians, the ICAPP has seen its influence growing since its inception four years ago. This is a venue for parties from Asian countries to get to know each other better and share their experiences.

Considering the important role political parties play in their home countries, communication among them is bound to have a huge bearing on state-to-state relations.

Despite ideological differences, the desire among political parties to seek common ground and co-operation can only get stronger.

More frequent exchanges and co-operation between political parties from Asian countries is exerting increasing influence on regional and international issues.

It is against this backdrop that the ICAPP was initiated in 2000, with the aim of building a bridge of communication between Asian political parties.

The first two ICAPP conferences were held in the Philippines and Thailand in September 2000 and November 2002.

Under this session's theme "exchanges, co-operation, development" the conference will also touch on a wide array of topics including regional security, multilateral co-operation and political party building.

As an open forum for exchanges and dialogues, the ICAPP will serve as a platform for participants to share their respective insights and prospectives on the issues to be discussed in the meeting.

Conducting exchanges with political parties in other countries is an important task for the CPC.

China's economy has progressed rapidly over the past two decades thanks to the adoption of the reform policy, which includes opening the country to the outside world. This is the kind of experience that also applies to party building.

The importance of keeping its eyes and ears open to insights and ideas from others has always been stressed by the CPC.

As China's helmsman, the CPC and its capacity building is crucial to rejuvenating the country.

The CPC must draw lessons from others to help it along the way.

The ICAPP is just one assembly from which the CPC can draw expertise from foreign counterparts with which to enrich its own.

The gathering will also offer an opportunity for Asian politicians to get a first-hand look at China and the CPC.

The CPC is 83 years old. It has a lot of experience to offer others in return.

We wish the convention a great success.

(China Daily)

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