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1. Global interdependence is a reality that cannot be
ignored. But the global market is highly uneven in its effects and
does not in itself create international cohesion. The dichotomy between
the economic and political dimensions of global interdependence should
be addressed. A sense of global cohesiveness and of the inter-connections
between regions must be encouraged as a means to ensure that interdependence
benefits all and that international peace and stability are preserved. |
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Rationale |
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2. Technology has mitigated the effects of geographic
distance between East Asia and Latin America and created the opportunity
to realise the full potential of closer interactions between these
regions. East Asia and Latin America are comprised of mainly developing
countries who share many similar concerns and problems. East Asia
and Latin America are economically dynamic and are complementary to
each other. The Forum will address common issues and problems and
explore new avenues for cooperation. There is great scope for political,
social, cultural, academic, economic and other kinds of cooperation.
Closer linkages and cooperation between East Asia and Latin America
will be mutually beneficial and contribute to both regional and international
peace and stability. |
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Purpose |
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3. The purpose of the Forum is to promote better understanding,
political and economic dialogue and cooperation in all areas so as
to achieve more effective and fruitful relations and closer cooperation
between the two regions. It will avoid duplication with other existing
forums. It shall take a multidisciplinarv approach and could involve
both the public and private sectors. |
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| Objective |
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4. The key objectives of the Forum are: |
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To increase mutual understanding,
trust, political dialogue and friendly cooperation among member
states with a view to enriching and sharing experiences and
developing new partnerships. |
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To tap the potential of multidisciplinary
cooperation, inter alia, in economics, trade investment, finance,
science and technology, environment protection, culture, sport,
and people-to-people exchanges. |
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To expand common ground on important
international political and economic issues with a view to working
together in different international fora in order to safeguard
our common interests. |
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Principles |
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5. The Forum should be forward looking and future oriented.
It will be voluntary, informal and flexible in its working procedures.
It will conduct itself in accordance with basic principles of international
law, in particular: |
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Respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial
integrity, |
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Non-interference in each other's internal affairs;
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Equality, mutual benefit and the common goal of
development, |
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Respect for each other's unique cultures and social
values; and Participation |
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Decision-making by consensus. |
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| Participation |
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6. The Forum comprises sovereign states participating
in their individual national capacities. Membership of the forum is
open to all sovereign states committed to promoting better relations
and linkages between East Asia and Latin America. New members shall
be admitted on basis of consensus. |
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7. The Forum´s activities and projects are limited to
its members. Other sovereign states as well as international and regional
organizations may participate in specific projects and activities
on the basis of consensus among members. |
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| Modalities |
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8. Regular meetings of Foreign Ministers are envisaged
and could be held approximately every two years. The possible participation
of Economic or other Ministers and the possibility of having a Summit
of Leaders can be discussed by the Foreign Ministers. |
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9. The agenda of the Foreign Ministers' Meeting should
be relevant to the concerns of both regions and decided by consensus.
Senior Officials Meetings (SOM) should be held to prepare for the
Foreign Ministers' Meetings. SOMs should be held at least once a year,
as well as back to back with Foreign Ministers' Meetings. The Ministries
of Foreign Affairs of member countries shall be the focal points for
the Forum. |
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10. Two Coordinators, one from each region, will be
appointed to provide focal points of contact in between formal meetings
of officials and Ministers. The appointments shall be on the basis
of consensus within their respective regions. To ensure continuity
and greater partnership, two Deputy Coordinators, who will be the
future Coordinators will also be appointed. These will assume as Coordinators
at the end of the Ministerial Meetings. |
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11. The venue of meetings should be alternate between
the two regions and be decided on the basis of consensus. |
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12. The Forum shall endeavour to make progress incrementally,
always seeking common ground and putting aside differences in order
to foster understanding and cooperation, and moving at a pace comfortable
to all its members. |
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| Projects |
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13. To enhance substantive cooperation between East
Asia and Latin America, participating countries are encouraged to
submit specific projects with inter-regional scope. For the purposes
of this Forum, a project is an initiative aimed at raising awareness
and fostering better understanding between East Asia and Latin America
that one or more countries pledge to implement within a certain period
of time. At the initial stage, projects should be modest in scope
and in their numbers. |
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14. Initiators of projects should be responsible for
securing funding. Implementation of projects should be voluntary.
Projects should be mutually beneficial and contribute towards advancing,
the overall objectives of the Forum |
