Cambodian DPM Arrives In Malaysia To Attend ICAPP

SEPANG, May 5 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia Sok Ann arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here at 2pm Thursday to attend the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) forum.

He was received upon arrival by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek and deputy Foreign minister Datuk Richard Riot.

Apart from Sok Ann who will be in the country until Sunday, about 150 delegates from 21 countries are expected to attend the ICAPP which starts at the Putra World Trade Centre Friday.

ICAPP is a forum of political parties of Asia-Oceania countries, which was launched in Manila Philippines in September 2000.

The objectives of the conference are to promote exchanges and cooperation between political parties from different countries in the area and with various ideologies, to enhance mutual understanding and trust among Asian countries, to promote Asia's regional cooperation through the unique role and channel of political parties, and to create an environment for sustained peace and shared prosperity in the region.

This year Kuala Lumpur is hosting the forum while Cambodia were host last year.

The Malaysian delegation will be headed by UMNO Supreme Council member and former Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.

The forum is expected to see a number of delegates presenting working papers on Natural Disasters and Environmental Protection, especially disasters caused by tsunami, earthquake, volcano eruption and land slide.