ARF Participants See Positive Effects, Repercussions of GlobalizationParticipants of the 7th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) discussed both the "positive effects" and "repercussions" brought about by globalization, said the Chairman's Statement issued at the closing of the security forum Thursday in Bangkok.In the statement, they said while the security outlook for the Asia-Pacific region remained positive, there were uncertainties and challenges, posed particularly by globalization. By positive effects and repercussions, they said that included greater economic interdependence among nations and multiplication of security issues. Therefore, they stressed, it is necessary for nations to strengthen their individual and collective capacities so as to gain the capacity to meet the challenges affecting their common security which comprises among other the economic, social and human components. As a step in the direction, they said they further agreed on the need for the countries in the region to continue efforts, "through dialogue and cooperation, at national and international levels" to address the economic, social and political impact bought about by globalization. Only by so doing, they stressed, could the sustained economic and social development be ensured and Asia-Pacific peace enhanced within its frameworks. ARF was initiated in 1993 by the ASEAN members with the aim to facilitate and promote consultations on security issues among entities of the Asia-Pacific region. China became its full member in 1996. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is ARF's newest member whose first appearance at the current meeting is widely welcomed. |
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