On September 18, 2000 (August 21, 2000 in the lunar calendar), the first Asian Countries Political Parties Conference opened. On September 18, 2000, the first International Conference of Political Parties of Asian Countries opened in Manila. About 170 representatives from more than 40 political parties in the Asian region will discuss issues such as strengthening political and economic cooperation in the Asian region. De Benicia, chairman of this meeting and former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, pointed out at the opening ceremony that in the past century, political parties in Asian countries have led people of all countries to get rid of colonial rule and create economic miracles. At present, political parties in various countries should strengthen political cooperation in the Asian region and work hard to build a peaceful, free and prosperous Asia. He said that Asian countries still face a series of major challenges, including completing industrial and agricultural modernization, eradicating poverty, curbing corruption, and better adapting to the technological and knowledge revolution. He suggested that political parties in Asian countries learn from the integration experience of EU countries and explore ways to establish regional integration organizations such as the Asian Parliament, Asian Fund, Asian Common Market and Asian Common Currency on the basis of existing regional organizations. Ma Wenpu, deputy director of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, said in his speech at the conference that the convening of the first Asian Political Parties Conference is a grand event for political parties in Asian countries and a good start for political parties in Asian countries to strengthen cooperation. He said that this meeting is of great significance to maintaining peace and stability in Asia and promoting the comprehensive development of Asian society. Ma Wenpu also introduced the history and current domestic and foreign policies of the Communist Party of China. He said that the Communist Party of China does not care about differences in ideology and social systems, adheres to the four basic principles of "independence, complete equality, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs," and strives to establish and develop various forms of relations with political parties from all countries willing to interact with the Communist Party of China. He hoped that representatives attending the meeting would work together to establish a fair and equal new international political and economic order and a peaceful, stable, developed and prosperous Asia. Representatives from this conference came from 20 countries and regions in Asia. Some senior leaders from the Asian region, including Prince Ranariddh, Speaker of the National Assembly of Cambodia, former South Korean President Kim Young-sam, former Philippine President Ramos, and former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto attended the meeting. In addition, representatives of some political parties from Europe and the Americas also attended the 18th meeting as special guests.