Bandung Message signed to revitalize Asian-African partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd L) and his wife Peng Liyuan (L), Indonesian President Joko Widodo (3rd L) and his wife Iriana (C), Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak (4th R) and his wife Rosmah Mansor (3rd R) and Indonesia's Vice President Jusuf Kalla (R) and his wife Mufidah (2nd R) lead the walk with leaders from Asia and Africa during the "Historical Walk" commemorating the 60-year anniversary of the Asian-African Summit, on Asia Afrika street in Bandung April 24, 2015, in this handout photo provided by AACC.[Photo/Agencies]

BANDUNG, Indonesia - A Bandung Message was signed in Bandung on Friday which underscored the importance of carrying forward the Bandung Spirit and enhancing South-South cooperation.

The 41-item message was signed by representatives of Asian and African leaders at Gedung Merdeka during the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the first Asian-African Conference in 1955, or the Bandung Conference.

"We meet in the midst of increasingly complex global challenges," the message said, adding that the Spirit of Bandung, which highlighted solidarity, friendship and cooperation, remains solid, pertinent and effective as a foundation for nurturing stronger relations among Asian-African countries.

"It continues to provide guidance to resolve regional and global issues of common concern in accordance with the relevant principles of the Charter of the United Nations," said the message.

In the document, leaders of Asian and African countries committed to achieving sustainable development for the two continents by advancing cooperation in a wide range of fields, from combating transnational organized crime and terrorism to promoting tourism, trade, logistics, investment and transportation.

Meanwhile, April 24 has been declared as the Asian-African Day to celebrate solidarity, cooperation and partnership to promote world peace and prosperity, according to the message.