Addressing the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) Conference in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, today, PM Koirala said the establishment of a New Asian-African Strategic Partnership in 2005 reflected the Nepal's commitment to building partnership for peace, prosperity and progress.
"No challenge is more pressing for us than eradicating poverty and hunger, and ensuring dignity to our people," PM Koirala said.
PM Koirala said Nepal would fully comply with the 'timeless principles' of the Bandung Conference as the most important pillar of its foreign policy. "The Bandung Principles, inspired by the teachings of Gautam Buddha, the son of Nepal, provide a framework for harmonious conduct of interstate relations", PM Koirala said.
He further underlined the vastness of common features shared by Asia and Africa. "Asia and Africa are two ancient and resourceful continents with vast commonalities amidst diversities," he said.
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The PM said the year was critical in terms of future direction of international cooperation, peace, security and development, adding that it was a year to finalize post-2015 development agenda and an opportunity to conclude a binding agreement on climate change.
"These landmark events provide us unprecedented opportunities to forge a shared understanding, create a win-win situation, and work towards a global order that is just, inclusive, fair and democratic for our collective interest," PM Koirala said.
Prime Minister Koirala also expressed the confidence that the conference would be able to contribute significantly to the peace and prosperity of the people of Asia and Africa as well as of the world.
Furthermore, he underlined the shift of gravity of economic activity and balance of power to the South, with a surge in the global attention on Asia and Africa in view of their population dynamics and resource endowments.
On a different note, PM Koirala insisted democracy, rule of law and promotion and protection of human rights as an integral part of the political process in Nepal.
"Our topmost priority is to have an inclusive democratic constitution promulgated through the Constituent Assembly to institutionalize democratic gains and establish lasting peace and stability in the country," he said, adding that he firmly believed democracy as indispensable for development.
He said Nepal offered an attractive investment regime and 'unprecedented opportunities for growth and development' being wedged between India and China. RSS
