The rapid development of the Asia-Pacific region and its rapid advancement to the global forefront lead to the emergence of new intergovernmental associations in the Asia-Pacific region designed to solve an increasing number of emerging problems. In this regard, it is noteworthy that one of these associations, the Latin America - East Asia Cooperation Forum, has started its activity in the region. The decision to create it was made back in 1999 in Singapore at a meeting of representatives of both sides. And in March 2001, the first meeting of Foreign Ministers and heads of delegations was held in the Chilean capital. Latin America was represented by Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, and the other side was represented by Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Republic of Korea, China, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

According to the final communique, the meeting marks the beginning of dialogue and cooperation between the two regions to address political, cultural, social, economic and international issues of common interest. In this regard, in the context of an interdependent world and general globalization, the links between the two dynamically developing regions will be strengthened and expanded. It is emphasized that this meeting " opens up a new space for the development of greater mutual understanding."

As a result of the meeting, the Ministers adopted a framework document of the Forum, which sets out the principles, goals, objectives and specifics of its future activities. In order to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, the Ministers decided to set up three working groups in the following areas: political, cultural, economic, social, scientific and technological. Each group will have two co-chairs.

Thanks were also expressed to the co - ordinators of the meeting, Singapore and Chile.

The framework document adopted by the participants of the meeting includes six sections, which describe the reasons for the Forum's creation, its goals and objectives, the principles on which its activities are based, and the mechanism of action of this organization.

The objectives section of the Forum emphasizes that its mission is to promote mutual understanding, political and economic dialogue and cooperation in all areas in order to achieve more fruitful and effective relations and close cooperation between the two regions. The Forum's activities may include public and private sectors in addition to the State ones.

In the "Principles" section, it is noted that Forum participants should "look forward and focus on the future."The work of its participants

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It should be voluntary and based on the principles of international law. In particular, on:

- respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each participant;

- non-interference in the internal affairs of each of them;

- equality, mutual benefit and common development;

- respect for culture and social values.

At the end of this section, it is emphasized that decisions at the Forum are made as a result of consensus.

The document states that the Forum is open to all sovereign countries of these two regions interested in developing and further improving ties between Latin America and East Asia. New members are also accepted by consensus.

As for States and international organizations from other parts of the world, they can participate in projects and individual events of the Forum if all its participants agree to do so. It was decided that meetings and meetings of the Forum's foreign Ministers are held regularly every two years. They can also discuss opportunities for meetings of ministers of economy and other industries, as well as leaders of the Forum's member states.

Specific dates for the future work of the Forum are also defined in its documents. Colombia and the Philippines have been designated as the new focal points. In this regard, a meeting of senior officials of the Forum member countries will be held in Bogota in 2002, and based on the conclusions of the working groups, they will present recommendations for the next meeting of the Forum, which will be held in the Philippines in 2003.

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