BANDUNG, April 24: President Pervez Musharraf joined leaders of 106 Asian and African countries on Sunday to renew a shared commitment to carry forward the 1955’s spirit of cooperation for the cause of collective development. Commemorating the golden jubilee of the landmark conference, the leaders walked the Asia-Africa street to the Merdeka building as a sign of their joint resolve to follow up their mission avowed at the two-day conference.

Pakistan was one of the five founding members of the Asian-African Conference in 1955, known as Non-Aligned Movement at that time, and an event that kindled a spirit of awareness and cooperation and subsequently also shaped international relations of that era.

As a mark of acknowledgment of Pakistan’s crucial role in the early rise of the Asian-African Summit half a century back, the widely read English daily The Jakarta Post reprinted pictures of the historic summit and Pakistani and other leaders who participated in the 1955 summit in Bandung.

On the occasion, host leader President Susilo Bamgbang Yodhoyono read out from the summit declaration the common resolve of three quarters of humanity to fight poverty, ensure meaningful cooperation between regions and countries for mutual benefit, a commitment to peace, progress and prosperity of all members.

The leaders, who were flown to the historic Bandung venue from Jakarta, also went to the Asian African garden, where they planted saplings.

Terming his visit as very successful and productive, President Gen Pervez Musharraf said on Sunday his discussions with the Asian-African leaders focussed on finding ways and means to enhance economic relations.

In his departure statement, he said Pakistan desired to increase cooperative and institutional linkages with East and South East Asia. President Musharraf also discussed bilateral relations, regional and international security issues and Security Council reforms at the Asian-African Summit.

He said important outcome of the conference was the “Declaration on the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership” and “Joint Ministerial Statement on the Plan of Action for the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership”. Another document relating to preparedness to cope with natural disasters was also adopted, he added.

During his stay in Jakarta, Gen Musharraf had meetings with a number of leaders from Asia and Africa and the UN secretary-general.

In his interaction with the delegation of Timor-Leste, the two sides signed a joint communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He also had an extended meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyuno. “We reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation,” he added.

Pakistan’s increased interest in strengthening its relations with East and South East Asia including enhancing institutional linkages with ASEAN, was also discussed.

The president thanked the Indonesian government for his hospitality.—APP