The idea, once it was put forward, was warmly received by the related Asian countries. On October 8, 1999, H.E. Hu Jintao Vice Chairman of China met with H.E. Fidel V. Ramos and H.E. Bob Hawke who came to China especially for the Asian Forum. After the briefing by initiators of the conceived forum, H.E. Hu Jintao said that the Chinese Government always supports and attaches importance to multi-level, multi-channel and multi-type of regional cooperation and dialogue, the establishment of the forum would be conducive to promoting understanding, trust and cooperation among the countries of the region. The Chinese government would study the idea prudently and positively and would provide all necessary support and cooperation. Meanwhile, H.E. Hu Jintao emphasized that since the recognition, understanding and support of the related governments was vital to the establishment of the forum, China would wished to get itself further acquainted with the responses of other countries on this issue. It was followed successively with positive responses of the 25 countries in Asia.

Against this backdrop, the Inauguration Ceremony of the BFA was held on February 26-27, 2001 in Boao, Hainan Province, China. Former leaders from 26 countries including H.E. Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone, former Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr. Fidel V. Ramos, former President of the Philippines, H.E. Mr. Bob Hawke, former Prime Minister of Australia, H.E. Mr. Sergey Terechshenko, former Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Punsalmaa Ochirbat, former President of Mongolia attended the Ceremony. H.E. President Jiang Zeming, H.E. Dr Mahathir bin Mohammad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, H.M. Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, the late King of Nepal, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Manh Cam, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam also graced the occasion as our Guests of Honour by addressing the Ceremony. The BFA was officially launched at the Ceremony. Declaration of the BFA, Guidelines of the BFA Charter were adopted during the Ceremony. The Inauguration was a great success and gained wide spread concern from the international community.

(www.boaoforum.org April 16, 2009)