Xi joins Asian, African leaders in Bandung commemorative walk

BANDUNG, Indonesia, April 24-- Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Asian and African leaders participated here Friday morning in a highly symbolic stroll to commemorate the historic 1955 Bandung Conference.

The "historic walk" from Savoy Homann Hotel to Gedung Merdeka, or the Independence Building, was part of the commemorative events upon the 60th anniversary of that landmark bicontinental gathering in this Indonesian city.

By following the footsteps of their predecessors, the leaders meant to demonstrate their determination to remember and carry forward the Bandung Spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation.

After the walk, the participants are expected to attend the Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference 1955, including a minute of silence, an address by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and statements by regional representatives and observers.

They will also take part in a symbolic signing ceremony of the Bandung Message, a set of 41 items adopted Thursday at the conclusion of the two-day Asian-African leaders' meeting in Jakarta.

The summit, themed "Strengthening South-South Cooperation to Promote World Peace and Prosperity," drew together leaders and representatives from some 100 Asian and African nations and international organizations.their own future and destiny. That conference gave birth to the Bandung Spirit, calling for solidarity, friendship and cooperation, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and pursuing common development.

More than half a century has passed, drastic and profound changes have taken place in the world. The Bandung Spirit, which upholds principles of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, still holds significant importance for Asian and African nations and the international community as a whole.