Asian political parties and invited parties from European and African nations will participate in the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Cai Wu said here Thursday.

Cai, executive deputy secretary-general of the ICAPP Organizing Committee and deputy head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, told a press conference in Beijing that representatives to the ICAPP are all legitimate national parties of Asian countries. It has been a tradition to invite parties from other areas outside Asia to participate as observers.

The African National Congress of South Africa and the South African Communist Party have decided to attend the ICAPP, Cai acknowledged. The Socialist International and two German foundations will also be present.

The third ICAPP attracted more parties compared with the two former ones. There are 82 parties from 35 countries registered till Wednesday, and leaders of more than 30 parties will present. Noting that the ICAPP has gone beyond the differences of ideology and political assertion since the very beginning, Caisaid. The ICAPP varies from the conventional idea that political party conferences are usually attended by parties of similar ideologies, he added.

Cai went on to say that the political civilization of Asiarespects each other's independence, seeking common ground while maintaining differences, enhancing cooperation and exchanges. The conference will offer a way for the political parties from all Asian countries to work together for the common prosperity of the Asian region, which is also the real aim of the ICAPP.

Source: Xinhua