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Asia Forum Not To Be EU-Styled "Asian Union": Former Australian PM
The purpose of launching the Boao Forum for Asia is not to create a highly economically integrated international organization like the European Union, former Prime Minister of Australia Robert James Lee Hawke said Monday in an interview with China's Xinhua News Agency.
"The reason is very simple, that is, the Asian countries and their governments don't need an 'Asian Union' similar to the European Union," said Hawke, who is one of the major initiators of the forum.
The establishment of the forum will not weaken the sovereign status of any Asian country, nor will it interfere in the internal affairs of any country, Hawke said.
"We just plan to set up a venue where the most excellent talents from Asia and other parts of the world can assemble to discuss the priority problems of Asia, and help Asia's administrative and business sectors to make more competent decisions," he added.
At present, most of the international organizations center on Europe, he noted, saying "It's time for Asia to call together the distinguished talents of its own."
He also criticized the popular mentality of taking Europe as the world's center.
Some Westerners have taken a biased attitude against Asia, which is unreasonable, he said, adding that the forum will help people worldwide to see the great potential of Asia.
Senior officials and former state leaders from 26 countries, including China, will attend the Boao Forum for Asia, which opens Thursday.
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