People's Welfare Coordinating Minister Agung Laksono will officially open the conference, scheduled to take place in Aryaduta Hotel, Makassar, from May 20 to 21.

A special staff of former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Egy Massadiah, said as quoted by Antara news agency that Cambodian PM Hun Sen arrived at 1 p.m. local time on Sunday.

'He was welcomed by former vice president Jusuf Kalla,' said Egy, adding that a Cambodian delegation of 30 members accompanied the Cambodian leader in the visit.

Meanwhile Ramos, who is scheduled to arrive in Makassar later this afternoon, will do so with a number of Philippines' senators and businesspeople.

Former Nepalese prime minister Madhav Kumar and former Deputy Canadian prime minister Sheila Copps have arrived in Makassar.

In the conference - titled 'Mobilizing governments, political parties and civil societies to promote peace and reconciliation and to fight climate change in Asia' - delegates will discuss issues specifically focused on conflict reconciliation and climate change in the Asia Pacific region.

They will also elect a new chairman to replace outgoing chairman Kalla.

CAPDI is a non-profit organization that plays an active role in international political affairs. It was founded by seven political parties in Manila, the Philippines, on July 4, 2005. Its establishment was reinforced with Manila Declaration in January 2006 before it was later reaffirmed in Jakarta in January 2008.

Currently, CAPDI has 60 members from 18 countries in Asia Pacific. (asw/ebf)

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