Bandung draft: Fight against terror, poverty

Fight against terrorism, poverty and corruption will be the focus of an ambitious 'New Asian-African Strategic Partnership' set to be endorsed by leaders from 100 countries, including Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

"We visualise an affluent Asian-African region characterised by equitable growth, sustainable development, as well as a common determination to enhance the quality of life and well being of our people," the draft said.

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The partnership accord will be signed by the leaders on Sunday in Bandung, 100 km from Jakarta, where they will commemorate the golden jubilee of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference.

"We recognise that the current global situation and the prevailing conditions in Asia and Africa necessitate the need to actively pursue a common view and collective action to ensure the equitable sharing of the benefits of globalisation," the document said.

Dr Singh told the Summit leaders that if

properly managed, globalisation could effect a significant improvement in the human conditions in a span of one generation.

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The leaders have agreed to work together to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as
democracy and accountability in the two regions.

The delegates attending the two-day Summit have also called for the democratisation of the United Nations.

Manmohan Singh, in his address, said Asia and Africa accounted for half of humanity and represented a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures. He said the two continents brought together most of the great religions of the world. "Yet we do not have a commensurate voice in international institutions of the modern world. Democratisation of the UN and its specialised agencies must be fundamental plank of our strategic partnership," he said.

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