A total of 39 countries' parliaments have so far registered to participate in the meeting. Diplomatic envoys to China from some Asian countries will also attend the meeting.

The meeting, with the theme of "Peace and Development," will discuss three topics: multi-polarization and peace, globalization and developing countries, and international cooperation for the promotion of a new world political order.

Chongqing has been making preparations for this annual meeting. The security department of the municipal government has worked out a thorough security plan, with public security forces strategically deployed. Some residents have also been mobilized to help keep order.

The annual meeting of the AAPP is the biggest international conference to be hosted by Chongqing since its becoming a municipality just five years ago. The local government believes that the meeting is a good chance to show to the outside world the great changes the city has undergone in recent years.

The AAPP, a regional organization representing parliaments from countries in Asia and the south Pacific as well as sovereign countries with territories in Asia, will launch the meeting in Beijing on April 16 and then move to the western Chinese city of Chongqing the following day.

(China Daily April 15, 2002)