World Understanding, Peace Prerequisite for Economic Globalization:MasireWorld understanding and peace represents the essential prerequisite for successful economic globalization, former Botswana President Ketumile Masire said in Beijing Wednesday.Addressing the 21st Century Forum -- Conference 2000 here, Masire said he was strongly convinced that humanity has a common destiny. "In this respect, the recognition and acceptance of the fact that we cannot wish each other away, and that we have to work together for our collective prosperity is an essential milestone in our relationship." He said throughout the world, the leaders are increasingly recognizing that no country can exist in isolation, and that there can be no sustainable development to the economies of the world without international cooperation. "The value of cross border collaboration in trade, politics, diplomacy, arts and culture is now indisputable in regional economic integration as a basis for economic globalization," he said. The mankind now lives in a world in which the new information super highway has created a global village with interesting implications for its residents, he said. Life in a global village implies a shared future, peaceful co- existence, interdependence, exploitation of resources for the mutual beneficial, and increased production efficiency due to factor mobility, and expanding markets, he said. In a perfect world, he said, mankind should derive the greatest benefits from this state of affairs. "Most unfortunately, ours is still a world which is full of imperfections. It is still not, as yet, a faultless world. Man is still not at peace with himself and his neighbors," he said. "We all have a responsibility to effectively contribute to breaking down the barriers to international peace and understanding," he former president said. Undoubtedly, the absence of international peace is a hindrance to national, regional and international prosperity that may result from economic globalization, he said. "This requires the concerted effort of the entire world community to break down this barrier, and to create a good society, " he said. The former Botswana leader noted that his country is fully committed to doing its best to contributing to international peace. The international community should unite to dismantle all barriers to peace, Masire said, adding that Africa has now reached a historic moment for its people to enjoy peace which they have not tasted for a long time. In his address, the former Botswana president urged the international community to be steadfast in promoting international peace and security. "Without peace, the majority of the people of the world will not benefit from the fruits of economic globalization. Consequently, mankind will leave perpetually on the brink of self- extinction," he said. About 25 statesmen, experts and business executives from all around the world have come to attend the three-day forum in the Chinese capital of Beijing. The forum's theme is economic globalization -- Asia and China and it was sponsored by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Chinese government's top advisory body. |
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