Asian Political Parties conference begins in Istanbul

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – The 11th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), a meeting hosted by Türkiye’s Justice and Development (AK) Party, has started in Istanbul.

Around 70 political parties from 33 Asian countries, including China, Pakistan and South Korea, are attending the three-day event.

After a dinner event Thursday evening, in-house meetings began on Friday and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to address the official opening ceremony later in the day.

Party representatives and around 200 guests from international organizations will deliver speeches on “The Role of Political Parties in Strengthening Dialogue for Global Peace, Prosperity and Cooperation” and adopt declaration at the end of conference.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Türkiye’s Communications Director Fahrettin Altun will also address the participants.

After the session, held biennially, AK Party's foreign affairs chief Efkan Ala, who also heads this year's event's organizing committee, will take charge as ICAPP's vice chairman for a two-year term.

The 11th General Assembly, scheduled to be held in Türkiye two years ago, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 10th General Assembly was hosted by Russia’s United Russia Party in Moscow in 2018.