Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi delivers his speech at the closing dinner of the Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) 2007. Pix: Bernama

By Salbiah Said LANGKAWI, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- The Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) 2007 ended tonight with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi calling on member nations to "walk the talk" to realise their plan of action. "As we are well aware, actions speak louder than words," Abdullah said. "So, as we leave this beautiful island of Langkawi, let us resolve, each of us, to do our bit and play our part to give practical meaning and ensure the implementation of the plan of action that we have just adopted here. As they say in popular jargon, let us walk the talk." Speaking at the closing dinner of LID 2007 here, the premier, who described the Dialogue as a fruitful and worthwhile undertaking, said he believed it had contributed to invigorating the spirit of cooperation and willingness to share the opportunities of uplifting the lives of the peoples. This, he said, can be carried out through public and private sector partnerships not only in their respective countries but also across national borders. This year's dialogue focused on combating poverty and adopted a plan of action as "The Way Forward", said Abdullah, noting that participants at the three-day event resolved to enhance human capital development and capacity building in their respective countries. "I am very pleased with the show of commitment by all participants, judging from the fervour displayed during the last three days of intensive discussions," he added.

"I think we have also achieved a new level of camaraderie among the participants in a delightful atmosphere which cuts across status as well as political and ideological boundaries."

Abdullah said he was particularly encouraged by the participants' willingness to share and openly discuss experiences, actions and challenges, noting that the cordial and frank manner in which the dialogue had proceeded "speaks well for the future of our cooperation".

He also thanked the heads of state and government and the dialogue participants for their valuable inputs, contributions of ideas and cooperation in making the dialogue a successful one.

Given the realities in the current international economic system, it is clear that national efforts to eradicate poverty need to be complemented by international action, said Abdullah, a strong advocate of poverty alleviation.

Part of this international action, he said, is the process of self-help and smart partnerships, which member nations have dedicated themselves to promoting through LID and similar processes in Africa.

LID 2007, held at the Berjaya Langkawi Beach and Spa Resort, was attended by 10 heads of state or government, mostly from African countries.

Nations taking part included Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, St Vincent and Grenadines, Kenya, Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Sudan, Swaziland and Lesotho.

Three Asean members - Thailand, Laos and Cambodia - participated for the first time at LID which made its debut in 1995.

This, Abdullah said, reflects their growing interest to be part of the smart partnership movement, together with member nations of the South who had come together for a common cause under the banner of the LID.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar in his remarks said this year's Dialogue allowed members to have extensive and indepth discussions on how the public and private sectors can forge a strong partnership to collaborate effectively in addressing the issue of global poverty.

He said participants arrived here fully aware that while global poverty needs a global solution, the only way a difference can be made is by taking one step at a time, that is, working to eradicate poverty in the rural villages, districts and states "so that we do not add to the statistics for global poverty".

"The responsibility for the eradication of poverty lies with us, the solution lies among us," Syed Hamid said.

Noting that while some valuable work had been done to end poverty, he said: "I believe that poverty eradication will require national action, international cooperation and firm global commitment."

For the past 10 years, Syed Hamid said, LID had stamped its mark as a platform for the South countries to discuss developmental and global issues that are of common concern.

More importantly, LID creates the networking and establishes the contacts needed for an effective approach, he said, expressing confidence that participating countries have been enriched not only by the subject matter but also by the participation of multiple stakeholders in the global economy.