"We consider that the Bali Democracy Forum has played an important contribution to the progress of democracy in Asia," Shumin said here on Saturday, while representing the Chinese foreign minister at the 7th Bali Democracy Forum in Bali.
"This is my third time attending the BDF to represent the Secretary of State, and I hear a variety of ideas and opinions about democracy," Shumin noted.
He said he believes that the Bali Democracy Forum has become a place for all countries, which have a social system, culture and history, to exchange ideas and views on how democracy can be developed in each country.
"I particularly appreciate President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and other leaders talking about the development of democracy in their respective countries. This is important for anyone who wants to develop democracy and to practice the best possible democracy in his or her country," he remarked.
But he added that any development of democracy must be adapted to the national conditions of the country.
The representative of the Chinese foreign minister also praised the political progress in Indonesia, which he considered democratic, particularly in carrying out the 2014 general elections.
"We are pleased that Indonesia has achieved much progress in democracy, especially in the peaceful legislative and presidential elections," said Shumin.
Themed "Evolving Regional Democratic Architecture: The Challenges of Political Development, Public Participation, and Socio-Economic Progress in the 21st Century", the 7th Bali Democracy Forum took place at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) from October 10-11, 2014.
This annual democracy forum was attended by 85 countries consisting of the participating countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the state observers from outside the Asia-Pacific region, as well as eight international organizations.
(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/O001)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
