A Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) delegation led by its External Affairs Commission’s Permanent Deputy Head, Pham Xuan Son, attended a recent International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP).

The CPV delegation joined 78 political parties from 40 regional countries at the four-day conference, closed in Astana , Kazakhstan on September 27, focusing on a vision towards a century of Asia .

The conference’s statement showed a strong unity among Asian nations to build a model of trusted and mutually respected relations, solidarity, friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation. The move emphasised on peaceful solutions to outstanding and emerging problems among regional countries through equal negotiations.

It also called on the international community to make greater efforts for nuclear non-proliferation as well as against international terrorism and extremism.

The statement also looked for global concerted efforts to overcome financial crisis and economic downturns.

Also highlight in the statement was an increasing role played by regional alliances, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in the process of building an Asia of solidarity, cooperation and prosperity.

Other global issues of the regional concern included energy security, water resource conservation, epidemics and climate change.

The statement also highlighted the role played by women and youths in building a new Asia .

The conference attached importance to negotiations among parties in general and within the ICAPP in particular in building up mutual understanding and confidence in the interest of peace, stability and development in Asia .

A 18 member ICAPP Standing Committee was elected for the 2009-2011 tenure, including representatives of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The CPV head delegate, Pham Xuan Son, informed the conference of the Vietnamese situation and external policies of the CPV and the Vietnamese Government.

He also had meetings with leaders of the host country’s ruling Party, the Democratic Party of Kazakhstan and several other international delegations./.