Beijing, 30 November 2021 (TDI): The Prime Minister of China, Li Keqiang virtually attended the opening ceremony of the 59th annual session of the AALCO. China has strong bilateral and multilateral ties with Africa. AALCO is a representation of the cordial ties between China and Africa.
Whilst addressing the session he shared that China will set up a regional arbitration center with the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO).
The setup will be in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The purpose of the regional arbitration center is to provide efficient and accessible dispute-settlement services to African and Asian countries.
Congrats on the establishment of AALCO’s Regional Arbitration Centre in Hong Kong, China.
Honored to sign the Agreement for the Centre with Amb. Gastorn SG of #AALCO in NY. pic.twitter.com/jHPzWkJCqJ
— Zhang Jun (@ChinaAmbUN) November 29, 2021
Zhang Jun, the permanent representative of China to the United Nations, and Kennedy Godfrey Gastorn, secretary-general of the AALCO, signed the agreement to establish a regional arbitration center in Hong Kong.
Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization
AALCO is the only viable platform that covers cooperation on international law in both Africa and Asia. It is the outcome of the Bandung Conference of 1955. The conference was the first Asian-African conference where states from the two regions came together.
Li Keqiang highlighted that the combined population of Asian and African countries which was three-quarters of the total population of the entire world is a significant force to uphold multilateralism and international rule of law.
He made five proposals during his address. Firstly, AALCO must ensure the upholding of sovereign equality and multilateralism. Such a joint effort will contribute to building a better world. Secondly, the organization should aim to collectively advance opening-up along with increasing interconnectivity.
Thirdly, a strong line of defense against the Covid-19 is the need of the hour. Also, global health governance should be enhanced. Fourthly, the organization ought to accelerate a green transition along with promoting sustainable development.
Lastly, AALCO should uphold justice and fairness. It should strive to encourage international rule of law. The Chinese Premier assured that China will implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in true letter and spirit. Moreover, it will promote the Initiative on Partnership for Africa’s Development.
Prime Minister Li also urged all stakeholders to actively participate in the establishment process of new mechanisms pertaining to the emerging fields of outer space, polar region, deep sea, and digital and cyberspace.
