Throughout modern times, the people of Asian countries have tasted the bitterness of aggression and wars. What they understandbest, therefore, is the value of peace and the importance of development. History demonstrates that exchanges and cooperation are essential for bringing peace and stability to Asia and that striving together is the only way in which Asian countries can prosper and develop. It is gratifying to see that since the end ofthe Cold War and especially since the Asian financial crisis in 1997, through the concerted efforts of Asian governments and political parties, a new kind of equal, pluralistic, open and mutually beneficial regional cooperation has been gradually takingshape, and many kinds of Asian regional organizations and mechanisms for multilateral cooperation have been developing continually. At present, the overall situation of Asia is generally stable, the economy is maintaining sound growth and regional cooperation is steadily deepening. Asia's share of the world economy and its influence and role in international affairs are on the increase. An age-old Asia is becoming rejuvenated, and a brand-new Asia is vigorously ascending. We have full confidence in Asia's prospects for development in the 21st century. Asia possesses the most energetic economic entities, the emerging markets with the greatest potential and the largest energy resources in the world. We firmly believe that if only it continues to foster and cherish its cultural tradition of peacefuldevelopment, always acts in accordance with the norms of good-neighborliness and friendship and handles international relations better, Asia will surely make an even greater contribution to the lofty causes of world peace and development in the 21st century.

    In the 21st century, Asia's peace and development are confronted with both rare opportunities and difficult challenges. In the world today peace and development remain the themes of the times, but the world is far from tranquil. Hegemonism and power politics are manifesting themselves in new ways; terrorist activities are still at a serious level; and violence and local wars sometimes break out due to ethnic conflicts or religious disputes. They all threaten the security and stability of Asia. The population explosion, the waste of resources and environmentalpollution as well as the ever-increasing disparity between the rich and the poor and the digital divide hinder the development ofAsian countries. In the new situation in which opportunities and challenges, hope and difficulty coexist, Asian governments and political parties need to use their political wisdom, formulate policy measures and take real action to make the most of the situation while avoiding its dangers and achieve mutual benefits and common development by broadening cooperation.

    The laws of human development tell us that peace is a prerequisite for development, development is an important guarantee for peace, and win-win cooperation is necessary for peace and development. Further increasing exchanges, dialogue and cooperation among Asian countries; promoting the peace, stability and development of the region; working for the well-being of its people is not only the explicit theme of this session but also thehistorical duty of all Asian governments and political parties. I would like to take this opportunity to put forward the following four proposals.