VIVAnews - A number of heads of states said transparency is a crucial element in democracy. As a result, fine economic growth and good governance will lead to strong foundation for democracy.
"Democracy will not grow without economic development, and vice versa. Both are important values. Japan has been actively participating in the building of democracy," said Prime Minister of Japan Yukio Hatoyama at "Bali Democracy Forum II" in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday, Dec 10.
According to him, Indonesia as the country in Asia having the largest population has developed democracy well as reflected through the Presidential elections few months earlier.
Being on the same continent, Indonesia urged North Korea to be an open country. "The peoples of Asia encourage the country and have the same view," he said.
Meanwhile, Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao said a country cannot proceed alone in building democracy.
Xanana acknowledged that the escalation in democracy and development will affect the economic growth. "The faith in democracy [will lead to] a faith in development," he said.
On the other hand, Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah emphasized the global progress results in both negative and positive outcomes.
"Many of our people are afraid of the negative impact of the Internet and television," he said.
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Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono
