Foreign Minister marsudi Opens Asia-Africa Miniterial meeting

Jakarta (Antara) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi opened the Asia-Africa Ministerial Meeting (AAMM) held in the Assembly Hall of the Jakarta Convention Center on Monday. During her speech, Retno emphasized the importance of implementing democracy and upholding human rights and equality in Asian-African countries and at the global level. \"We want to see the establishment of stable democracies in the Asian-African region. The implementation of equality and respect for human rights should occur not only in Asia-Africa but also at the global level,\" Retno affirmed here. The minister also reiterated the importance of mutual cooperation among Asian-African countries to achieve joint prosperity. \"The joint development of Asian-African countries is a must. Indonesia is ready to play a role and join the efforts,\" Retno remarked. The AAMM, which will be held from 9:20 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, on Monday, is a follow up agenda from the Senior Official Meeting (SOM) held last Sunday. The SOM has agreed to three outcome drafts for the 60th Commemoration of the Asia-Africa Conference (AAC) such as the Bandung Messages, the enhancement of New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership, and Palestine Declaration. The 60th commemoration of the AAC is being held on April 19-23, 2015, in Jakarta and the AAC Historical Walk in Bandung on April 24, 2015. The delegation will also hold the Asian-African Business Summit on April 21-22, 2015. At least 32 country or state leaders along with 86 countries\' delegations are attending the AAC commemoration in 2015. The leaders who have confirmed their attendance include those from Brunei Darussalam, Jordan, Swaziland, China, North Korea, Iran, Madagascar, Malawi, Myanmar, Namibia, Sudan, Timor Leste, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Egypt, Gabon, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Singapore, and Thailand.(*)