President Of Indonesia : We Need To Cooperate To Advance The Nation

Jakarta Globe, aacc2015.id, Apr 24, 2015

AACC2015, Bandung – The President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo invited all representatives of the Asian and African countries to start economic cooperation in order to increase the quality of life of their people.

“The Spirit of Bandung is to advance people’s welfare. Therefore, we must cooperate,” said President Joko Widodo at the height of the commeration of the 60th Anniversary of the Asian African Conference (AAC), in Bandung, on Friday (24/4).

According to the President, the Spirit of Bandung that was agreed by the founders should be a unifier that opens every economic cooperation potential. This should be a good momentum to produce various economic agreements in order to improve people’s welfare.

Still fresh in our memory is the struggle for independence by our predecessors. At that time, all Asian and African countries experienced the impact of colonialism. The Asian African Conference fosters a spirit of togetherness that was initiated by the Spirit of Bandung, to fight colonialism.

Previously, five countries were still dreaming of gaining independence from colonialism, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia. Their dream to gain independence inspired the birth of the Spirit of Bandung, the President added.

Through the AAC Commemoration, Joko Widodo invites all people of the represented countries to inflame the Spirit of Bandung in Asian and African in order to fight for peace, end poverty, and provide better welfare. (Photo: Host, Translator: Mia)

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"The Timing of the Great Shift" – Mar 21, 2009 (Kryon channelled by Lee Carroll) - (Text version)

“… Here is another one. A change in what Human nature will allow for government. "Careful, Kryon, don't talk about politics. You'll get in trouble." I won't get in trouble. I'm going to tell you to watch for leadership that cares about you. "You mean politics is going to change?" It already has. It's beginning. Watch for it. You're going to see a total phase-out of old energy dictatorships eventually. The potential is that you're going to see that before 2013. They're going to fall over, you know, because the energy of the population will not sustain an old energy leader. Remember where you heard it... in a strange, esoteric meeting with a guy in a chair pretending to channel. [Kryon being factious... Kryon humor] Then when you hear it, you'll know better, won't you? "Maybe there was something really there," you'll say. "Maybe it was real," you'll say. Perhaps you can skip all the drama of the years to come and consider that now? [Kryon humor again]

These leaders are going to fall over. You'll have a slow developing leadership coming to you all over the earth where there is a new energy of caring about the public. "That's just too much to ask for in politics, Kryon." Watch for it. That's just the beginning of this last phase. So many things are coming. The next one is related to this, for a country in survival with sickness cannot sustain a leadership of high consciousness. There is just too much opportunity for power and greed. But when a continent is healed, everything changes. .."

".. Many years ago, the prevailing thought was that nobody should consider China as a viable player on the economic stage. They were backward, filled with a system that would never be westernized, and had no wish to become joined with the rest of the world's economic systems. Look what has happened in only 30 years. Now, look at Africa differently …”

"The End of History"- Nov 20, 2010 (Kryon channeled by Lee Carroll) - (Text-Version)

" .... Africa

Let me tell you where else it's happening that you are unaware - that which is the beginning of the unity of the African states. Soon the continent will have what they never had before, and when that continent is healed and there is no AIDS and no major disease, they're going to want what you have. They're going to want houses and schools and an economy that works without corruption. They will be done with small-minded leaders who kill their populations for power in what has been called for generations "The History of Africa." Soon it will be the end of history in Africa, and a new continent will emerge.

Be aware that the strength may not come from the expected areas, for new leadership is brewing. There is so much land there and the population is so ready there, it will be one of the strongest economies on the planet within two generations plus 20 years. And it's going to happen because of a unifying idea put together by a few. These are the potentials of the planet, and the end of history as you know it.

In approximately 70 years, there will be a black man who leads this African continent into affluence and peace. He won't be a president, but rather a planner and a revolutionary economic thinker. He, and a strong woman with him, will implement the plan continent-wide. They will unite. This is the potential and this is the plan. Africa will arise out the ashes of centuries of disease and despair and create a viable economic force with workers who can create good products for the day. You think China is economically strong? China must do what it does, hobbled by the secrecy and bias of the old ways of its own history. As large as it is, it will have to eventually compete with Africa, a land of free thinkers and fast change. China will have a major competitor, one that doesn't have any cultural barriers to the advancement of the free Human spirit.. ...."

Bandung Message Signed

Jakarta Globe, aacc2015.id, Apr 27, 2015

AACC 2015, Bandung – ndonesian President Joko Widodo, Chinese President Xi Jinping and King of Swaziland Mswati III symbolically signed the Bandung Message in the Merdeka Building in Bandung, West Java, on Friday.

The Bandung Message is one of three documents produced in the meetings held as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Asian-African Conference (AAC).

The three documents are the Bandung Message, the Strengthening of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) which contains an implementation framework and follow-up of the Bandung Message, and the Declaration of Palestine.

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Armanatha Nasir has said China and Swaziland were selected to sign the Bandung Message along with Indonesia, based on particular consideration.

Nasir noted that China was selected to represent Asia to sign the document because it is a large and advanced country, while Swaziland was chosen to represent Africa because it is among the stable countries in the continent.

Besides the Bandung Message, the AAC also declared the document on the NAASP, and on the Declaration of Palestine which contains eight points, namely support for Palestinian independence,  appreciation of Palestine’s struggle and tenacity,  promotion of the two-state solution,  condemnation of Israel’s occupation,  condemnation of Israeli attacks,  support for the reconstruction of Gaza,  encouraging the realization of Palestine’s application for membership to the United Nations,  and pushing Asian and African countries that have yet to recognize Palesine as a country to do so. (Bambang Purwanto)

SBY Talks Up the Positives of Globalization

Jakarta Globe, Apr 25, 2015

Former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, right, defends the 'thought
revolution' campaign of President Joko Widodo, left.(Rumgapres Photo/Abror Rizki)

Jakarta. Former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasized the beneficial affects of globalization on Indonesia on Saturday following a week in which President Joko Widodo called for a reorganization of international institutions to reflect the rise of emerging markets.

“Don’t always view globalization as a threat. See it as an opportunity,” Yudhoyono said on Saturday in Jakarta. “This country must advance in harmony and stability.”

The former president also lent his support to Joko Widodo’s “mental revolution,” a loosely defined idea calling for a change of national mindset.

“His idea aims to change how we form the national character. I agree with the president completely,” Yudhoyono said.

Speculation continues to surround whether Yudhoyono intends to remain in front-line politics. The former president has cut a more vocal public figure of late, telling journalists he was considering retaining the chairmanship of the Democratic Party.

Belt and Road key to future of Africa-Asia cooperation

Want China Times, Staff Reporter 2015-04-26

Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the Asian-African Summit 2015 in Jakarta,
April 22. (Photo/Xinhua)

At the Asian-African Summit or Bandung Conference 2015 held in Jakarta, Indonesia, President Xi Jinping of China delivered a speech calling for win-win cooperation between Asian and African counties. China still has an important advantage in its huge labor-intensive industry to help Africa's developing counties develop their economies, China Securities Journal reports.

Xi said China will push for cooperation between Asian and African nations, pledging to give zero tariff treatment to 97% of categories to most developing nations which have diplomatic ties with China and will continue to offer subsidies to developing counties without any political conditions. China hopes all countries in the region can work together to on its New Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (Belt and Road) initiatives and join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), pushing for joint maintenance of regional and world peace and stability.

In 1955, representatives from 29 Asian and African countries and regions gathered in Bandung to discuss independence, peace and economic prosperity. The Bandung Conference opened a new chapter in the developing countries' struggle for national independence, economic development, social progress and a more balanced international order.

Beijing's Belt and Road initiative will explore the deeper-level cooperation potential and expand cooperation room among related countries along the routes. For developing countries, insufficient funding for infrastructure is one of the most difficult problems. The AIIB aims to make up this shortfall. So far, the AIIB has attracted 57 nations to be its founding members.

The Belt and Road will involve territory occupied by around 4.4 billion people, accounting for 63% of the world's population, with total economic output of about US$2.2 trillion, representing 30% of the world's total. The nations along the routes are mostly new and emerging economies. The Belt and Road will build on existing foundations to push for more complementary cooperation to expand regional cooperation.

China and Pakistan have jointly promoted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as one of the important projects in building the Belt and Road, triggering rising investments.

Due to rising worker salaries, China has gradually lost its advantage in labor costs, with a large volume of labor-industries destined to gradually move out of the nation. While Africa, which has a population of over one billion, will be the only place in the world that can receive China's huge labor-intensive industry, especially as the average per capita salary in African countries is only about one-fifth to one-tenth of China's.

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"The Recalibration of Awareness – Apr 20/21, 2012 (Kryon channeled by Lee Carroll) (Subjects: Old Energy, Recalibration Lectures, God / Creator, Religions/Spiritual systems  (Catholic Church, Priests/Nun’s, Worship, John Paul Pope, Women in the Church otherwise church will go, Current Pope won’t do it),  Middle East, Jews, Governments will change (Internet, Media, Democracies, Dictators, North Korea, Nations voted at once), Integrity (Businesses, Tobacco Companies, Bankers/ Financial Institutes, Pharmaceutical company to collapse),  Illuminati (Started in Greece, with Shipping, Financial markets, Stock markets, Pharmaceutical money (fund to build Africa, to develop)), Shift of Human Consciousness, (Old) Souls, Women, Masters to/already come back, Global Unity.... etc.) - (Text version) 

“… The Future of the Illuminati

Now, I want to tell you something that you didn't expect and something I've reported only one other time. What about all of the money that the Illuminati has? There are trillions and trillions of euro in banks, under their control, waiting. What are they going to do with it and where are they going to use it? It's still here. They're waiting.

This group is waiting for something to happen that they know is going to happen, for they see it coming as much as I do. However, I would like to tell you something that they don't expect. With awareness comes generational shift. Those in charge of this money will not always be elders. The indigos eventually will have it.

They are waiting for something to happen in Africa - the building of a new civilization, a continent that has nothing to unlearn. Once Africa is cured, once it's ready, a new civilization can be created from the ground up. Africans will be ready to learn everything about building a foundation for the most advanced civilization ever and will do it with the most modern and inventive systems available. Eventually, this new continent will even beat the economics of China.

This is the prediction and always has been, and the Illuminati's money will fund it. Did I say the Illuminati will fund it? [Kryon laugh] The Illuminati's money will fund it, but there is a difference from the past, dear ones. The ones who inherit the positions in the Illuminati will be a different consciousness. Listen, they are not suddenly going to be the ones who have the good of everyone in their hearts - hardly. They want to make money, but what they will see instead is a way to make a great deal of money through this investment. In the process, it will automatically help hundreds of thousands, and they will be at the beginning, the foundation, that builds the new Africa. The new African states of unification eventually will create a continent stronger than any of the others, and it will have one currency. The resources alone will dwarf anything in the world. ...”

DPRK (North Korea) to establish 2nd int'l tourist zone

English.news.cn  2015-04-24  Editor: huaxia

File photo shows DPRK's first international tourist zone Wonsan-Mt. Kumgang.

(Xinhua/KCNA)

PYONGYANG, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has declared a second international tourist zone, the official KCNA news agency reported Thursday.

The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly on Wednesday promulgated a decree, announcing the establishment of the Mubong special zone for international tourism.

The special zone will cover some areas of the Mubong workers' district in Samjiyon County, Ryanggang Province, the decree said.

The DPRK Law on Economic Development Parks and other regulations on foreign investment will apply in the special zone, said the KCNA.

It is the second international tourist zone set up in the DPRK after the Wonsan-Mt. Kumgang international tourist zone established in June 2014.

Peace in the Korean peninsula was the main focus of the Democratic People’s 

Republic of Korea during AAC plenary sessions at the Jakarta Convention Centre, 

Wednesday (22/4). To realise such peace, support from Asian and African countries

 is necessary.

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Peace In Korean Peninsula Requires Asian African Support

60 years after first Bandung Conference, a very different world

Want China Times, Editorial 2015-04-25

Xi Jinping, center left, is flanked by Joko Widodo as they walk to the meeting
venue for the Asian-African Summit in Bandung, Indonesia, April 24. (File photo/CNA)

Around 30 leaders of Asian and African countries gathered in Bandung, Indonesia to mark the 60th anniversary of the first Asian-African Conference of 1955, which led to the Non-Aligned Movement.

Both President Xi Jinping of China and Prime Minister Shizo Abe of Japan attended the event, even though the two countries have not been actively involved in the past. This showed the two rivals' efforts to seek allies and forge ties.

The main goal of Xi's appearance at the event, which was mainly attended by Chinese officials at the level of the deputy foreign minister in the past, is to enhance China's global influence as the country is promoting the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the "Belt and Road" trade route initiatives.

Xi urged Asian and African nations to work together to promote the building of a community of common destiny for all mankind in his speech at the summit, calling for trade and investment liberalization and cooperation among developing countries.

It is important for China to ease other countries' concerns about its construction in the disputed South China Sea, when the country is seen as an emerging power that is stronger and has greater potential than Russia.

Abe, on the other hand, was seeking to ease tensions created by Japan's involvement in territorial disputes and controversies surrounding its actions in World War II and a proposed amendment of the country's postwar pacifist constitution, while reminding the world about its important role in the Asia-Pacific region.

The small influence of the Non-Aligned Movement that started 60 years ago shows that only countries with real strength can change how the global politics work. This year's summit in Bandung is perhaps a new landmark in which the world sees the rise of a new power and the reshaping of global balance of power.

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President Joko Widodo, center, chats with Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, as

 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, looks on at the opening of the

60th Asian-African Conference in Jakarta on Wednesday. (AACC2015/Prasetyo Utomo)

Peace In Korean Peninsula Requires Asian African Support

Jakarta Globe, aacc2015.id, Apr 23, 2015

AACC2015, Jakarta – Peace in the Korean peninsula was the main focus of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea during AAC plenary sessions at the Jakarta Convention Centre, Wednesday (22/4). To realise such peace, support from Asian and African countries is necessary.

So said the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea, Kim Yong-nam, in the first Plenary Session of the 60-year Commemoration of the Asian African Conference (AAC) at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), on Wednesday (22/4). “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has a strong commitment to achieving world peace, including in the Korean peninsula region,” Kim said.

As such, a concrete effort to realise peace must be made through strengthening South-South Cooperation. “Entering the 3rd millennium, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will play an active role in the realisation of economic prosperity and peace,” he said.

Kim went on to say that the spirit of the Ten Principles of Bandung in 1955 would strengthen the unity of the peoples of Asia and Africa. “The birth of the Ten Principles of Bandung cannot be separated from the tremendous spirit of Asian African leaders to escape from imperialism,” he added.

The principle of state sovereignty, Kim further explained, resulted in the liberation of Asian African peoples from the shackles of colonialism. “Now, with the new Asian African strategic partnership, progress in the social, political, and economic sectors can be truly realised,” he said.

At the same time, Kim expressed his belief in a need for mutual respect towards the domestic affairs of any country. “Other countries have no right to criticise our country, including the issues of human rights and nuclear weapons,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the mobilisation of foreign troops in the Korean peninsula will definitely affect the peace process. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea are still at war, and the two countries have signed no peace treaty since the 1953 ceasefire. The Republic of Korea gained military support from the United States during the conflict with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. (Translator: Muhardi)

The Spirit Of Bandung Helped Japan To Gain International’s Acceptance

Jakarta Globe, aacc2015.id, Apr 23, 2015

AACC2015, Jakarta – The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated that the Bandung Spirit had helped his country to gain international community’s acceptance after the World War II.

“Live and let live. That’s the President Sukarno’s quotation which is better known as the Spirit of Bandung. The spirit allows us to re-enter the international community after the World War II,” said Prime Minister Abe at the Asian-African Summit in the Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of Asian-African Conference in Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC), Wednesday (4/22).

According to him, the value of the Spirit of Bandung, which prohibited colonialism, helped his country to recover from the World War’s impact. “To those friends of ours who had formulated the Bandung Spirit, let me take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude,” he stated.

The Spirit of Bandung, he added, is enhancing the relation between the two continents. “It is time for us to show strong unity, which was built between the two continents, to the rest of the world. Let’s show them,” he concluded. (Photo: Host)

Iran President : Islam, Christianity And Judaism No Different

Jakarta Globe, aacc2015.id, Apr 23, 2015

AACC2015, Jakarta – President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani said, respect for different religions, ethnicities and races is the foundation for overcoming terrorism. Concrete action must be taken by religious leaders to prevent terrorism and achieve tolerance.

“In preventing terrorism, there is no difference between Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism nor Africa, Asia and Europe. Religion must not become a political instrument, especially Islam, which brings a message of peace for the world,” said Hassan firmly in the first plenary of the 60th Anniversary AAC at Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC), Wednesday (22/4).

He asserted the need for prompt identification of the causes of youths to join terrorist groups. “The problems of culture and economy that may lead to radical views must be identified,” he said.

He added, the problem of social justice should be a main consideration in order that terrorist groups not be allowed to expand their influence. “Financial, political and intelligence support for terrorist groups must be stopped,” he said.

Hassan labelled armed conflict in Syria and Yemen a common consideration. History shows that military intervention has not been an effective solution to crises experienced by these countries. Conflict resolution or settlement should be conducted through dialogue.

Besides this, Hassan affirmed that the Ten Principles of Bandung, which were first declared 60 years ago, had been an inspiration for Iran in fighting against arrogance. “Economic sanctions toward Iran for its nuclear programme has been a demonstration of hostility and an example of dangerous steps,” he said.

The Iranian people were inspired by the first AAC in Bandung in 1955 and by the values of Islam to keep promoting cooperation towards peace. The Ten Principles of Bandung, said Hassan, should be translated into concrete action, thus it will manifest success for the New Asian African Strategic Partnership. “All Asian and African nations should strengthen the spirit of association in facing the rapidly changing world,” he said.

(Photo: Antara, Editor: Gusti Andry, Translator: Donum Theo)

Related Articles:

"The Recalibration of Awareness – Apr 20/21, 2012 (Kryon channeled by Lee Carroll) (Subjects: Old Energy, Recalibration Lectures, God / Creator, Religions/Spiritual systems  (Catholic Church, Priests/Nun’s, Worship, John Paul Pope, Women in the Church otherwise church will go, Current Pope won’t do it),  Middle East, Jews, Governments will change (Internet, Media, Democracies, Dictators, North Korea, Nations voted at once), Integrity (Businesses, Tobacco Companies, Bankers/ Financial Institutes, Pharmaceutical company to collapse),  Illuminati (Started in Greece, with Shipping, Financial markets, Stock markets, Pharmaceutical money (fund to build Africa, to develop)), Shift of Human Consciousness, (Old) Souls, Women, Masters to/already come back, Global Unity.... etc.) - (Text version)

“.   New Tolerance

Look for a softening of finger pointing and an awakening of new tolerance. There will remain many systems for different cultures, as traditions and history are important to sustaining the integrity of culture. So there are many in the Middle East who would follow the prophet and they will continue, but with an increase of awareness. It will be the increase of awareness of what the prophet really wanted all along - unity and tolerance. The angel in the cave instructed him to "unify the tribes and give them the God of Israel." You're going to start seeing a softening of intolerance and the beginning of a new way of being.

Eventually, this will create an acknowledgement that says, "You may not believe the way we believe, but we honor you and your God. We honor our prophet and we will love you according to his teachings. We don't have to agree in order to love." How would you like that? The earth is not going to turn into one belief system. It never will, for Humans don't do that. There must be variety, and there must be the beauty of cultural differences. But the systems will slowly update themselves with increased awareness of the truth of a new kind of balance. So that's the first thing. Watch for these changes, dear ones. ...."

Indonesia Improves on Happiness Scale

Jakarta Globe, Vanesha Manuturi & Tabita Diela, Apr 24, 2015

Women in traditional West Java dress parade down the street during ceremonies
 marking the 60th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference in Bandung,
West Java, Indonesia, April 24, 2015. (AFP Photo/Bay Ismoyo)

  

Jakarta. Indonesia improved in its ranking in happiness, making it the 74th happiest country in the world, but the nation trailed  regional neighbors, according to a recent global ranking in a report on happiness.

Singapore and Malaysia ranked 24th and 61st place, respectively, in the 2015 World Happiness Report, which was released on Thursday by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network — a global initiative for sustainable economic development under the United Nations.

Indonesia — which has the biggest economy in Southeast Asia — moved up two notches from 76th in the 2013 World Happiness Report.

Switzerland topped the list, followed by Iceland and Denmark, as Scandinavian nations continued to dominate the top ten positions in the happiness ranking. Among other Asian giants, China came in at 84th place, while the second most populous country, India, placed 117th.

First launched in 2012, the World Happiness Report is the third annual report that attempts to measure happiness in 158 countries across the world. The report captures average subjective well-being, aiming to provide a global social progress measurement on a dimension broader than just economic growth.

The report uses six variables to quantify happiness include gross domestic product per capita, perception of corruption, healthy life expectancy and perceived freedom to make life choices. The report also measured social support variable by asking whether respondents have someone to count on in times of trouble. The generosity variable, on the other hand, is measured by recent donations.

The report found that “differences in social support, incomes and healthy life expectancy are the three most important factors,” in separating countries’ level of happiness.

“The challenge is to ensure that policies are designed and delivered in ways that enrich the social fabric, and teach the pleasure and power of empathy to current and future generations,” according to the report, which was compiled by economists John Helliwell, Richard Layard and Jeffrey Sach. “When these social factors are well-rooted and readily available, communities and nations are more resilient.”

Still, Indonesia’s government has yet to factor in happiness in its policy-making initiatives, as the nation lags in producing jobs to help  narrow the gap between rich and poor.

“In terms of GDP per capita, there is still a big disparity in income among Indonesians. This is one of the government’s tasks, which means initiating more labor-intensive programs in order to create jobs in the country,” said Aviliani, an economist at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef).

“Corruption is also a culture that the government must continue to eradicate in the country.”

GlobeAsia

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Jokowi Pleased With Asian-African Conference Results

Jakarta Globe, Basten Gokkon,  Apr 23, 2015

An estimated 20,000 students played the angklung, a bamboo instrument,
setting a world record to celebrate the Asian-African Conference, at Bandung’s
Siliwangi Stadium on Thursday. (Antara Photo/Sigid Kurniawan)

Jakarta. President Joko Widodo on Thursday closed the Jakarta leg of meetings of the Asian-African Conference as delegates head to Bandung for the closing ceremony on Friday.

At least 90 countries from the two continents have worked together to formulate three important documents: the Bandung Message; the Declaration on Reinvigorating the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership; and the Declaration on Palestine.

On Thursday, Joko officially authorized the documents as the outcome of the 60th commemoration of the high-level conference.

“I believe that the concepts that have been produced will reflect the Bandung Spirit and the interests of every country,” he said.

“I, therefore, would like to express my appreciation for the enthusiasm and the commitment of your majesties and excellencies, and of all parties involved in the formulation of the outcome documents and in the convening of this summit,” Joko said before the delegates at the Jakarta Convention Center.

He urged the world to listen to the voices and decisions made during the conference, saying the summit was one of the largest intergovernmental forums outside the framework of the United Nations, in which Asian and African countries, as well as a number of international observers, take part.

“The voices in the summit represent the voices of Asia and Africa,” Joko said.

He added that participating countries had also agreed to reinvigorate the core ideas of the South-South movement, namely prosperity, solidarity and stability of Asian and African nations.

“We have agreed to establish a network of peace-keeping centers in the two regions, to facilitate capacity-building cooperation,” Joko said.

The conference condemned acts of extremism and terrorism in the name of religion and resolved to promote dialogue between cultures and faiths, he said. The summit also agreed to foster trade and investment as the engine of growth.

“In this regard, we will pursue a fair, multilateral trading system, which is pro-growth and inclusive; which would contribute to growth, investment and job opportunities; and which promotes sustainable development,” Joko said.

He highlighted the Asian and African countries’ recognition of the centrality of the maritime sector as well as the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean in bridging the economic development of the two continents.

“In this regard, maritime cooperation will become one of the pillars of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership,” the president said.

“I will work hard with all of you to ensure the materialization of the strategic partnership. I will also strive, with your support, for the prosperity, equality and stability of all Asian and African countries,” he said, ending his remarks.

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe, co-chair of the day’s forum, said the three documents captured the ideas and visions of where Asian and African nations would lead in the future through the Bandung Spirit.

“This was a very successful meeting … There is no doubt therefore that this summit will be historic,” he said.

Joko also announced several other outcomes from the conference.

“I’m very glad to announce that we’ve established April 24 as Asia-Africa Day; reinforced Bandung as the city of Asian-African solidarity; and more importantly, the opening of the Asia Africa Center in Indonesia,” Joko told reporters.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi said her office, which organized the conference, had not yet decided where the center would be  located.

She said the countries would have another meeting to plan the venture.

“What we have prepared are the programs that will be run under the Asia Africa Center and also the modalities,” Retno said.

The United States, which attended the conference as an observer, praised Indonesia, saying it had long been a champion for peace and cooperation on the international stage.

“Very notably, however, over the past 17 years Indonesia also has become a model of democratic transformation, religious pluralism and tolerance, and economic development,” said Robert O. Blake, Jr., the US ambassador to Indonesia, who led his country’s delegation at the conference.

“It is now home to the world’s largest democracy after India and the United States,” he added.

He said that as a fellow democracy, the United States shared Indonesia’s respect for fundamental human rights — the first of 10 principles extolled by the original Bandung Conference in 1955.

“It is our hope that the countries attending this conference in 2015 will leave Bandung inspired by Indonesia’s commitment to a political system based on the consent of the governed, rule of law, and respect for human rights,” Blake said. “Countries whose policies respect and reflect these rights are far more likely to be more peaceful and more prosperous.”

The United States, the ambassador said, was fully committed to partnering with countries in Asia and Africa to advance cooperation and address shared challenges together.

The United States has been increasingly involved in Asia and the Pacific.

US President Barack Obama’s strategic decision to rebalance US efforts and resources toward the Asia-Pacific region is an example of how vital the region is to Washington’s interests.

Many, however, see the renewed US engagement in Asia as an attempt to counterbalance  China’s growing clout in the region.

“Our expanding engagement with Asia is about sustaining progress and stability in a region relatively free of conflict — a region where democracy increasingly has taken hold,” Blake said.

“Our rebalance provides for a win-win scenario in which every country in the region, including China, contributes to the continuation of decades of peace and stability.”

He added that beyond Bandung, challenges remained, including combating climate change, stopping the spread of infectious diseases, strengthening good governance, and countering violent ideologies and terrorism.

“The United States looks forward to cooperating with Indonesia and other countries represented at this conference to overcome these challenges,” Blake said.

Jokowi Calls for Reform of UN at Asian-African Conference

Jakarta Globe, Ezra Sihite, Apr 22, 2015

President Joko Widodo, center, chats with Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, as
 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, looks on at the opening of the
60th Asian-African Conference in Jakarta on Wednesday. (AACC2015/Prasetyo Utomo)

Jakarta. President Joko Widodo has criticized the United Nations and the world’s financial institutions for leading an imbalance of economic and political power.

Joko’s speech in Jakarta opened a meeting of Asian and African nations to mark the 60th anniversary of a conference that was seen as a united stand by the developing world against colonialism and led to the Cold War era’s non-aligned movement.

The Indonesian president said that 60 years on, many countries in the two continents have gotten rid of their colonial masters and become independent nations.

“However our fight is far from over. A new world order based on justice, equality and prosperity is still out of reach,” the president said, referring to the aims of the inaugural 1955 Bali Conference.

 

Joko said 20 percent of countries lived in a world of abundance while the rest, especially countries in Asia and Africa, struggled to cross the poverty line.

“We, Asian and African countries, demand that the United Nations reform to function optimally as the world body that puts justice for all nations first,” Joko said. “For me, the global imbalance is getting more and more suffocating.”

Joko said the new global order should also be opened to emerging economic powers and leave the “obsolete ideas” of post-World War II Bretton Woods institutions in the past.

“There is a shifting world reality … Those who say the global economic problems shall only be solved through the World Bank, the IMF and the ADB, these are obsolete ideas,” Joko said. “There needs to be change. It’s imperative that we build a new international economic order that is open to new emerging economic powers.”

The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank are at the center of the Bretton Woods global financial order created by the United States and Europe.

Joko made no mention of the China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which is seen as a threat to the Western-dominated World Bank and Asian Development Bank, but Indonesia is one of nearly 60 countries that have offered to be founding members of the AIIB.

The United States and Japan have not thrown their support behind the bank, which is seen as a threat to US efforts to extend its influence in the Asia-Pacific region and balance China’s growing financial clout.

Indonesia invited heads of state and government from 109 Asian and African countries, but there have been dozens of no-shows and officials said only 34 leaders turned up.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, speaking at the conference, said countries in Asia and Africa “should no longer be consigned to the role of exporters of primary goods and importers of finished goods.”

The long-serving ruler called it a “role that has historically been assigned to us by the colonial powers and starting from the days of colonialism.”

The world order has changed dramatically since nearly 30 heads of state gathered in 1955 to discuss security and economic development away from global powers embroiled in the Cold War.

Many of those countries, such as China, India and Indonesia, are now themselves at top tables like the Group of 20 and wield significant economic power.

Joko said the group was meeting again in a changed world but still needed to stand together against the domination of an unspecified “certain group of countries” to avoid unfairness and global imbalances.

Abe & Xi

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit on Wednesday, a Japanese government official said, the latest sign of a thaw in relations between the Asian rivals.

However, speaking at the summit ahead of the expected meeting, Abe warned powerful nations against imposing on the weak, an implicit reference to China. He also made an allusion to Tokyo’s remorse in the past over World War II, but stopped short of issuing a fresh apology.

Abe’s comments made it an awkward diplomatic backdrop for the expected meeting with Xi. But a Japanese official said ahead of Abe’s address that the two leaders would meet later in the day. China’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tensions between Asia’s two biggest economies have flared in recent years due to feuds over wartime history as well as territorial rows and regional rivalry.

Memories of Japan’s past military aggression run deep in China, and Beijing has repeatedly urged Japan to face up to history. But the meeting on Wednesday between the two leaders was expected to promote a cautious rapprochement that began when Abe and Xi met at a summit in Beijing late last year.

“We should never allow to go unchecked the use of force by the mightier to twist the weaker around,” Abe said at the summit in Jakarta. “The wisdom of our forefathers in Bandung was that the rule of law should protect the dignity of sovereign nations, be they large or small,” Abe said, speaking after Xi had addressed the conference.

China is locked in territorial rows with several smaller countries in the South China Sea, while Japan has a separate feud over islets in the East China Sea.

Abe said in his Jakarta speech that Japan had, “with feelings of deep remorse over the past war,” pledged to adhere to principles affirmed at the first Bandung Conference, including refraining from the use of force and settling international disputes by peaceful means.

As the Jakarta conference got underway, President Joko was flanked by Xi and Abe for a group leaders’ photo. The two remained on either side of Joko when they sat and watched an Indonesian traditional dance troupe perform.

JG & Reuters

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, shakes hands with China's President Xi 

Jinping at the start of their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asian-African 

Conference in Jakarta on Wednesday. (Reuters Photo/Kyodo)

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Asian-African ministerial meeting opens, with Indonesian FM highlighting Bandung Spirit

English.news.cn   2015-04-20

JAKARTA, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The Asian-African ministerial meeting opened here Monday and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the Bandung Message, better known as the Bandung Spirit, remains a commitment to the political solidarity in the world.

Ministers of Asian and African countries held a meeting here in preparation for the Asian-African Summit 2015, which runs from April 22 to April 23 and the Commemoration of the 60th Asian- African Conference scheduled for April 24.

Marsudi, in her opening remarks at the ministerial meeting, said the Bandung Spirit discusses both political and moral messages to the world. "However, is a mere political message enough to address today' s challenges?"said the minister, calling for boost for stronger political and economic cooperation.

She told the opening ceremony that senior officials in their meeting on Sunday discussed the implementation of the Bandung Message and other documents relating to the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP)

The NAASP was launched at the previous event of the Asian- African Summit, which was held in Indonesia in 2005.

This year's event is featuring the theme of Reinvigorating of the NAASP.

The upcoming summit and the commemoration are to "herald a new chapter" for the Asian-African cooperation, said the Indonesian foreign minister.

She said the event will enable Asia and Africa to enhance the structural and systematic cooperation.

The first Asian-African Conference, also known as the Bandung Conference, was held in Indonesia in 1955, hosting delegations from 29 countries discussing major international issues.

The 1955 conference signaled the emergence of the developing countries as a rising force in the world arena, resulted in the nonaligned movement and the formation of the Third World.

A declaration was issued at the conference, containing 10 principles for handling international relations which was termed as the Bandung Spirit.

The Indonesian foreign ministry said 33 heads of state and government as well as representatives from 77 countries have confirmed their participation at the summit and the commemoration activities.