The New Asia and Africa Strategic Partnership (NAASP) : origins and development, 2005–2015

Abstract

This article explores the New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership (NAASP), which was established in 2005 to enhance cooperation between Africa and Asia through a robust and dynamic partnership. The study adopts a historical perspective by utilizing primary sources and secondary literature such as books and scholarly articles. The NAASP is rooted in the values of solidarity, friendship, and collaboration between the two continents, drawing inspiration from the 1955 Bandung Conference. It was formally launched during the 2005 Asia-Africa Summit, where the 2005 NAASP Declaration was endorsed by 42 Asian countries and 47 African countries. A commemorative NAASP summit was convened in 2015, leading to the adoption of three significant documents: the 2015 Bandung Message, the Declaration on the Revitalization of the New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership, and the Declaration on Palestine. These documents have guided various initiatives undertaken by regional countries to fulfill their commitments under the NAASP framework. Nonetheless, tangible outcomes are still pending as implementation efforts have been somewhat cautious. The NAASP is confronted with various challenges, such as the lack of a funding mechanism, its non-institutionalization, and the prevalence of multiple bilateral partnerships that shape relations among countries in the region.