Film Screening Of Asia-Africa's Journey Held For AAC Leaders

Bandung, W Java (Antara Bali) - The leaders and delegates of Asian-African countries witnessed the screening of a film showcasing the journey of the Asia-Africa Conference (AAC) from 1955 to 2015 in the Merdeka Building, Bandung, on Friday.

The film shed light on the history and development of partnerships in Asian and African countries.

The film was screened after Asian-African leaders took part in the Historical Walk, a photo session, a minute of silence, and the reading of the Ten Principles of Bandung.

The main event of the commemoration of the AAC was the Historical Walk where Asian-African leaders walked from Savoy Homann Hotel to Merdeka Building through Jalan Asia Afrika, Bandung.

Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier revealed that some 22 heads of state/government or deputies (VVIPs) from Asian and African countries will participate in the Historical Walk in Bandung.

The world leaders scheduled to join the Historical Walk were King of Swaziland Mswati III, President of Timor-Leste Taur Matan Ruak, President of Zimbabwe Robert Gabriel Mugabe, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea Kim Yong-nam, Prime Minister of Nepal Sushil Koirala, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Rwanda Anastase Murekezi, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, and President of China Xi Jinping.

While some of the leaders reached Bandung from Jakarta aboard an aircraft provided by the Indonesian government, others such as those from Myanmar, Malaysia, China, Angola, Vietnam, and South Africa used the aircraft of their respective countries.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, King of Jordan Abdullah II, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Vice President of Seychelles Danny Faure, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Al Hamdallah, and Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah, had earlier confirmed that they would not participate in the event.

Following the film screening, President Joko Widodo addressed the gathering followed by speeches from President of China Xi Jinping, King of Swaziland Mswati III, and a state observer.

Besides the Historical Walk, other activities scheduled in Bandung were a minute of silence, the reading out of the Dasasila (Principles of) Bandung, and the signing of the Bandung Message.

Some of the other activities that will be held include the tour of the Museum of the Asia-Africa Conference and angklung performances. (WDY)