Fiji: The 25th Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum kicks off today

The 25th Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) is launched today (Jan 16) in Natadola, Fiji, focusing on parliamentary partnerships for peace and security.

The five-day forum saw the participation of delegations from over 20 countries from the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, China, Japan, Peru, Philippines, and Russia.

Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama conducted the opening address, in which he called on participants to strengthen parliamentary partnerships that would be in line with the sustainable development goals of the United Nations (UN).

"The APPF has shown many other countries and international institutions how elected legislatures can lead the way in deepening regional cooperation to spur economic development," Bainimarama said. "Here, we can deepen the trust and security cooperation among our nations and find solutions that can save valuable time in preventing transnational crimes," he added.

In his viewpoints, APPF is a platform for countries to share effective strategies and explain pitfalls that should be avoided. Based on opinions exchange, participants of the forum can help reinforce existing security frameworks and systems.

Bainimarama also urged participants to prepare the next generation for the challenges they might face in future.

The APPF is a mechanism that enables parliamentarians to discuss issues of common concern, enhance their understandings of the region as well as interests and experiences of different countries.

The 24th APPF was hosted by Canada in 2016./.

Xinhua ( Phi Yen )