Leaders from Asia and Africa have endorsed a strategic partnership aimed at expanding economic and political ties between the two continents.
Wrapping up the two-day Asia-Africa Summit in Jakarta today-Saturday, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called the new declaration a "milestone."
Under the agreement, leaders of 100 African and Asian countries pledged to increase cooperation in the fight against poverty, corruption and terrorism. Participants also agreed to promote and protect human rights and democracy in the two regions, which account for more than three-quarters of the world's population.
Leaders will conclude the summit on Sunday with a ceremonial visit to Bandung -- the site of a similar 1955 conference of African and Asian nations that gave birth to the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War.
Information for this report is provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
