PM says Asian countries should jointly tackle issues
Prime Minister Narendra Modi plays with a child during a visit to the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul, South Korea on Tuesday. (Photo: AP)
Seoul: Warning that “rivalries” will hold Asia back, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said countries of the region should collectively tackle challenges like terrorism, an endeavour in which India will assume its responsibility.
“If Asia must rise as one, Asia should no longer think of itself in regional fragments,” Mr Modi said addressing the Asian Leadership Forum in South Korean capital Seoul.
“Asia of rivalries will hold us back. Asia of unity will shape the world,” he said while making a strong pitch for collective efforts by the regional countries for prosperity and inclusive growth.
The Prime Minister said it was the “collective task” of countries in the region to fight against the common challenges of terrorism, trans-national crimes, natural disasters and diseases. Asia must not have two faces — one of hope and prosperity, the other of want and despair. It must not be a continent of nations on the rise and others in decline, of regions with stability and others with broken institutions,” said the Prime Minister, who wrapped up his three-nation visit here that also took him to China and Mongolia.
“Today what happens in West Asia has a strong impact on East Asia,” he said, apparently referring to the protracted conflict zone and its fallout in other parts. “And what happens on the oceans will have influence on the Asian highlands,” he said, adding, “We must do everything possible to secure lasting peace and stability for Asia”.
The PM said it was the “collective task” of countries in the region to fight against the common challenges. “My visit to the Republic of Korea has been very satisfying. I thank the Korean people & Government for their warm hospitality,” Mr Modi tweeted before he emplaned for Delhi from here after meeting Busan Mayor Suh Byung-soo.
3
( Source : PTI )
Next Story
