Asian and European Liberals and Democrats meet in Brussels

5.13.20pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 10th Nov 2004

The CALD Conference hosted by Graham Watson MEP November 2004

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) will today begin two days of talks in Brussels. The meetings, which bring together Parliamentarians from the European Parliament and throughout Asia, will focus on the common economic, social and security challenges for liberal democracy in Asia and Europe.

In his opening address to the talks, ALDE leader Graham Watson (Liberal Democrat, UK) said that the talks were "a chance to deepen our strong engagement with Asia and Asian liberal democracy".

"Globally this century will belong to Asia. Given the extraordinary changes in the Asia-Pacific region it is important for Europeans to build stronger links with the region and to understand better the changes that are transforming it. Until Europeans know as much of the geopolitics of the South China Sea as they do of their own Atlantic, they will be seeing the world with one eye closed."

"Liberals and Democrats in Asia and Europe are united by their shared belief in democracy and the rule of law; human rights and tolerance of diversity. Asia and Europe are both societies of astounding diversity, jostled by political change. In a time of unprecedented international uncertainty, a better understanding of our common goals is perhaps the greatest guarantee of our security."

In an opening address on behalf of CALD Chairman President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan who is currently banned from travelling to Europe, Dr Hung Chi-chang (DPP, Taiwan) said:

"The bringing together of liberal political parties of Asia and Europe not only fosters greater mutual understanding of the political challenges and realities of our continents, but more importantly, we are able to tighten the bonds between like-minded politicians and activists, furthering our common agenda."