9. The German Democratic Republic perceives the principle of good-neighbourliness not as a concept embodying a new, entirely self-contained principle of international law but rather as a principle of customary law which combines, in a code of conduct, the set of international legal norms that are directly relevant to the organization of relations of good-neighbourliness and the political guidelines that are essential for the practical application of these norms. Crucial, therefore, are recognition of the legitimate interests of the States concerned along with an expressly declared willingness to settle disputes peacefully and to develop mutually beneficial co-operation. 10. Accordingly, the German Democratic Republic shares the position taken mainly by African States that relations of good-neighbourliness cannot be established with racist regimes that violate the elementary rules of international law. Those regimes -as the United Nations has also concluded -pursue towards their neighbouring countries a policy which seriously endangers peace in the region and destroys the basis for normal co-operation. 11. In the light of the alarming situation in the world, which is marked by mounting tension in various regions and an intensified arms buildup, States link their ideas of good-neighbourliness with many demands and proposals that concern above all their existence side by side in a region. With regard to the geographical application of the concept of good-neighbourliness, the German Democratic Republic would therefore wish to see the concept function primarily at the regional level, since its restriction to neighbOuring States with shared frontiers would, in the final analysis, seem to be too narrow, while its global application would generally appear to be too wide. Such scope of application would make it possible to build on commonalities typical of a given region, to utilize and reinforce existing regional or subregional institutions and to allow the obtaining conditions and opportunities for mutually beneficial co-operation to take 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be discussing international relations and diplomacy, specifically the concept of good-neighbourliness and its application in various regional contexts. It mentions the importance of recognizing legitimate interests, settling disputes peacefully, and developing mutually beneficial cooperation, which suggests that the focus is on political and diplomatic relations rather than economic or social issues.

**Category**
International trade, Politics