Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms Dunya Maumoon has said that the “Bandung Principles still remain a beacon of hope for those under oppression, and continue to inspire us all to stand up against all forms of external pressures”. The Minister made these remarks on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the first Asian–African Conference, known as the Bandung Conference, that was held in Bandung, Indonesia in April 1955. In her remarks, the Minister Dunya also said that the Maldives would always remains committed to contribute to further expanding solidarity between Asian and Africa continents. “Such solidarity” the Minister noted, “is not only mutually beneficial, but also critically important in finding common solutions to common problems”.
At the 1955 Conference the leaders of Asia and Africa, issued a Declaration that sets out the famous Ten Principles of Bandung, which include, among other things: “respect for fundamental human rights and for the purposes and principles of the charter of the United Nations; respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations; abstention from intervention or interference in the internal affairs of another country; and abstention by any country from exerting pressures on other countries”.
Indonesia is currently hosting the “Asian African Summit”, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first Bandung Conference. The Maldives Delegation attending the Summit is headed by the Senior Advisor to the Minister of Finance and Treasury Hon Mohamed Jaleel.
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