Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a key-note speech at the opening of the 54th annual session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) in Beijing, capital of China, April 13, 2015. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called on Asian and African countries to carry forward the "Bandung spirit" and safeguard the post-war international order prior to the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference.
"Under new circumstances, Asian and African countries should drive the international political order toward a more just and rational direction and safeguard the post-war international order with the United Nations at the core," Li said while addressing the opening ceremony of the 54th Annual Session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) held in Beijing.
The AALCO, established in 1956, was a governmental organization focusing on exchanges and cooperation with international law.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, which has left a spiritual wealth of solidarity, friendship and cooperation for Asian and African nations, Li said.
In 1955, representatives from 29 Asian and African countries gathered in Bandung, Indonesia to discuss independence, peace and economic prosperity.
The conference adopted a final communique containing ten principles, which underlined respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations and recognition of the equality of all races and the equality of all nations.
Called the "Ten Principles of Bandung," they redefined international relations and formed the basis of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
According to Li, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend commemorative events in Indonesia.
So far, 46 Asian nations and 54 African nations have become members of the United Nations, accounting for more than half of all UN members, Li said, noting that the voice and opinions of Asian and African nations should be respected by the world.
For the last 60 years, Asian and African countries have become an important force driving economic growth and have actively participated in the building of international rule of law and order, said Li.
Calling for an open and ordered world economy, Li said China is ready to cooperate with interested countries through its Belt and Road initiatives to achieve common development.
He also suggested peaceful negotiations as solutions for regional conflicts and historical issues in a bid to safeguard international and regional peace and stability.
In the face of global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, cyber security, outbreaks of major epidemics and natural disasters, Li called for coordination and mutual support among Asian and African countries.
To deepen exchanges and cooperation between China and other Asian and African countries, China will finance a research program on international law to support the development of the AALCO, according to Li.
Two of the main legacies of the Bandung Conference are its contribution to multilateralism and the importance of the principles as stepping stones for effective international relations, said Miguel de Serpa Soares, under secretary-general for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel of the United Nations.
The final communique calls for universal membership in the United Nations, as well as efficient representation for states from Asia and Africa.
The Bandung conference also led to the establishment of AALCO, which has served as a constructive and important venue for mutual consultation and exchange between countries and the United Nations on issues of shared concern.
"The present consultative session is just an example of this long fruitful cooperation," he said.
In the present context of international relations, cooperation between Asian and African countries remains critical and has become more important than ever, said Egyptian Ambassador to China Magdy Amer.
It is imperative to reflect on the best way to draw on the practical and normative meanings of the Bandung Principles in the current global context, he said.
China is gaining increasing global recognition for its efforts to lead developing countries in adopting collective responses toward emerging challenges, he said, noting that the Belt and Road initiatives and the new Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) are good examples of this.
The annual AALCO session, which is being held in Beijing from April 13 to 17, involves delegates from AALCO members and international organizations.
A special meeting commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference and an international seminar on the UN Charter and post-war international order are scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the AALCO session.
