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Establishment of Asia Forum Reflects Common Aspiration: Nepal King
The King of Nepal Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev said Tuesday in Boao that the establishment of the Boao Forum for Asia has "immense potentials in reflecting the aspirations of the peoples of Asia."
At the inaugural ceremony of the forum, the king said that the countries of Asia are diverse in their cultures and traditions and are proud inheritors of some of the world's ancient and enduring civilizations. Yet, there still exists disparity in the level and pace of development between the regions of the continent.
"As we enter this millennium, mindful of the rapidly changing world in the context of the IT revolution, globalization and privatization, it has now become incumbent upon us to chart a definite course to reduce this disparity and achieve equitable and sustainable development so that the future generations can live with dignity and honor," said the king.
He said that in the past few decades, the process of globalization has gained momentum crossing all geographical barriers and opening new avenues for trade and market economy. This phenomenon has provided countries with opportunities for economic and socialgrowth.
"Yet it is not without difficulties," which are daunting and challenging for many countries, the king said, adding that such countries wish to develop the capacity to integrate themselves within the global mainstream.
The king said, "A common forum founded for and by the peoples of Asia, articulating different issues form the Asian perspective is essential in helping us to utilize and maximize the positive aspects of the prevailing world order in the collective interest of our nations and region."
"We are happy to note that such an organization is finally being set up here in Boao," he said. "We wish to see it develop into a center of excellence and succeed in realizing its mission by developing itself as a platform for voicing the concerns and aspirations of the Asian countries and in enhancing cooperation among ourselves, both regionally and globally, in a true spirit of mutual understanding."
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