Chair's
Statement
of
the Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting
Beijing, 24-25 October 2008
1.
The Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 7) was held in Beijing on 24 and 25
October 2008. The Summit was attended by the Heads of State and Government of
sixteen Asian and twenty-seven European nations, the President of the European
Commission and the Secretary-General of ASEAN Secretariat. The President of the
People's Republic of China, H.E. Hu Jintao addressed the opening ceremony. The
Premier of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Wen Jiabao chaired the
meeting.
2.
The Meeting was the first gathering of the leaders of 45 members of ASEM since
its second round of enlargement. They represent around 50% of world GDP,
approximately 58% of the world's population and 60% of world trade. A warm
welcome was extended to the leaders of Bulgaria, India, Mongolia, Pakistan,
Romania, and the ASEAN Secretariat who attended ASEM Summit for the first
time.
3.
Leaders of ASEM members held in-depth discussions on important international and
regional issues of common concern and interest under the overarching theme of
Vision and Action: Towards a Win-Win Solution.
4.
Leaders reaffirmed the strategic importance of ASEM, and recognized that Asia
and Europe are closely related geographically, historically and culturally,
share many common ideals, are complementary in economic and social development
and rich in cultural diversity. They recognized the high expectations placed on
ASEM by their peoples, and emphasized the need to further strengthen Asia-Europe
dialogue and cooperation on the basis of equal partnership, mutual respect,
mutual benefit, seeking common grounds while shelving differences and learning
from each other, which will bring about development opportunities and tangible
benefits to both regions and be conducive to peace, stability and
development.
5. Leaders expressed their deep condolences
and sympathy over the recent severe human and property losses incurred in
natural disasters in Asia in the past year. They affirmed their commitment to
continued assistance to the affected countries. They stress the importance of
efficient and prompt delivery of humanitarian aid and expertise in case of
natural disasters. Leaders highlighted the need for joint global efforts to
address global challenges including natural disasters in a timely manner and
undertook to conduct practical disaster preparedness and management and
reconstruction cooperation in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, health,
water, environment, education, science and technology, with a view to promoting
regional and national capacity building in disaster preparedness and
management.
6.
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and security, sustainable
development and human rights in accordance with the UN Charter and principles of
International Law. Leaders, in marking the 60th Anniversary of Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, reaffirmed their commitment to the principles
contained therein.
Promoting Political
Dialogue
7.
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateralism and a
multilateral international system with the United Nations at its core based on
international law. They underlined that international institutions provide both
a means of cooperation and a mechanism through which to deliver change, and
should adequately address the global challenges, ensuring global security and
working for global prosperity. With regards to UN and other international
institutions reforms, leaders recognized the need to work in partnership to
achieve more democratic, more accountable, more efficient, and more effective
international institutions in the face of new challenges. They also reiterated
their support to peaceful resolution of international disputes through political
and diplomatic efforts.
8.
While condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, leaders
reaffirmed their commitment to take practical steps to prevent and combat
terrorism with reference to the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism
Strategy, underlining the need to adhere to the major UN conventions and
protocols dealing with terrorism and to respect international laws, including
the Charter of the United Nations, Human Rights law, refugee law and
international humanitarian law, in the global fight against terrorism. Calling
for expeditious finalization of a Comprehensive Convention on International
Terrorism at the UN, they expressed their appreciation with the outcome of the
formal review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy held in
New York on 4/5 in September 2008 and the existing dialogue and cooperation on
counter-terrorism within ASEM and welcomed the outcomes of the ASEM Conference
on Counter-Terrorism in Tokyo, Japan (2007) and Madrid, Spain (2008). Leaders
also welcomed the offer of the Philippines to host the 7th ASEM
Counter-Terrorism Conference in 2009.
9.
Leaders had in-depth exchanges over international and regional situation. The
Leaders discussed and evaluated the current development of situations in Asia
and Europe, and agreed that the prevailing hope of the Asian and European
peoples is promoting peace, development and cooperation. The peoples of Asia and
Europe are dedicated to dialogue and cooperation so as to enhance strategic
mutual trust, create enabling regional security environment and commonly address
conventional and non-conventional security threats. They supported the progress
of the integration process of East Asia, ASEAN and South Asia, and welcomed the
signing of the ASEAN Charter including the proposed creation of an ASEAN Human
Rights Body and the delivery of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint. They
discussed the development of European Union¡¯s integration process and
acknowledged that since its inception, this process had promoted peace,
stability and development in Europe.
10.
Leaders had exchanged views on recent developments on the Korean Peninsula. They
positively confirmed and supported the Six-Party Talks and welcomed the progress
made in the second-phase actions for the full and balanced implementation of the
Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks unanimously adopted on 19 September 2005.
They agreed that these developments contribute to the peace and stability of
Northeast Asia. They called on the relevant parties to continue to take positive
steps to move forward the Six-Party Talks with the aim of early and verifiable
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. They also
emphasized the importance of addressing the humanitarian
concerns.
11.
Leaders stressed their commitments to promote peace, stability and development
in Afghanistan and emphasized their support to Afghanistan¡¯s national
reconciliation, unity and territorial integrity. They welcomed the progress of
the reconstruction achieved so far and the International Conference in Support
of Afghanistan held in Paris last June and the final declaration issued. They
expressed the support to the full implementation of the Afghanistan Compact and
the Afghanistan National Development Strategy. Leaders vowed to contribute to
the fulfilment of the aims of the agreement to strengthen institutions, good
governance and anti-corruption efforts to promote the rule of law and the
respect of human rights. They emphasized that the international community should
assist Afghanistan in these regards, and help combat narcotics cultivation of
and trafficking in drugs in Afghanistan and its neighbors. They welcomed the key
role played by the United Nations in the reconstruction process, and stressed
the support to deepening the regional cooperation and dialogue on the issue of
Afghanistan. They also expressed their appreciation for the international
efforts in combating terrorism in Afghanistan.
12.
Leaders exchanged views on developments in Myanmar. They expressed their
unanimous support for the good offices role of the UN Secretary General. The
Leaders acknowledged the progress achieved in assisting the post-Nargis relief
work by the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) comprising Myanmar, the UN and ASEAN,
and the assistance provided by the international community to those in need.
They expressed the support to the United Nations to continue to play a
constructive role and to the ASEAN-led mechanism to continue its good
performance in coordinating the ongoing relief and recovery efforts in Myanmar.
The Leaders took note of the briefing by Myanmar on the recent developments and
prospects. They noted the recent visit to Myanmar last August by the UN
Secretary-General Special Advisor Ibrahim Gambari and supported the UN to
continue its good offices efforts, and they encouraged the Myanmar Government to
conduct closer cooperation with the UN. They also encouraged the Myanmar
government to engage all stakeholders in an inclusive political process in order
to achieve national reconciliation and economic and social development. In this
regard, they called for the lifting of restrictions placed on political parties
and early further release of those under detention.
13.
Leaders confirmed their commitment to seek a negotiated solution to the Iranian
nuclear issue, addressing their serious concerns about Iran's nuclear programme.
They called on Iran to comply fully with UN Security Council resolutions and to
meet fully and without delay the requirements of the IAEA Board of Governors.
They welcomed the offer of a road-map of the resumption of negotiations proposed
by China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the
United States in June 2008 and called on relevant parties to seize this
opportunity for the resumption of negotiations.
Advancing
Economic Cooperation
14. Leaders discussed the current
international economic and financial situations and recognized that the current
global financial crisis has severe impact on the global financial system and
world economy. The international community should jointly overcome the financial
crisis through enhanced cooperation. The leaders agreed to issue the Statement
on the International Financial Situation.
15.
Leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening economic and development
cooperation and coordination, raising capabilities to address various risks and
challenges and promote fair and balanced progress of economic globalization
which benefits all. Concerned about the development of the least developed
countries, leaders stressed the importance of debt relief and debt
sustainability.
16. Leaders reaffirmed the importance of an
open, fair, rule-based and stable multilateral trading system under the World
Trade Organizations (WTO) to achieve economic growth and development, and to
reduce global disparities and trade imbalances, recognizing that such a system
is the most effective way in promoting trade liberalization and expanding and
diversifying trade relations and increasing economic opportunities among ASEM
partners.
17.
Leaders were concerned over the current situation of the Doha Round negotiations
of the WTO and expressed the conviction that an early and successful conclusion
of the Doha Development Agenda would bring benefits to all members, especially
developing and the least developed countries. They remain deeply committed to
pushing for successful conclusion of a comprehensive, ambitious and balanced
Doha outcome, recognizing the central importance of its development dimension.
Leaders reaffirmed their full support for ASEM members¡¯ universal membership to
the WTO and thus for early accession of Lao PDR into the WTO.
18.
Leaders recognized that each country has the primary responsibility for its own
development and stressed national development need to be supported by an
enabling international economic environment. They called upon all countries to
actively implement the internationally agreed development goals including the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and looked forward to a substantive outcome
of the Follow-up International Conference on Financing for Development to be
held in Doha at the end of November 2008 and noted the importance of Accra
Agenda for Action of the 3rd High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness held in Accra
in September 2008. Leaders stressed their commitment to mobilize additional
development finance through increased official development assistance (ODA),
debt relief, where appropriate, and innovative financing mechanisms towards the
attainment of the MDGs. Leaders welcomed the recent success of the replenishment
of the Asian Development Fund, which contribute to regional development. They
also welcomed the holding of a Conference on Development Cooperation in the
Philippines in 2009.
19.
Leaders expressed their concern over fluctuation of commodity prices worldwide
especially of oil and food, since they pose a serious challenge to stable growth
and cause great difficulties to the life of people in many countries, especially
the most vulnerable. They called for strengthened efforts including food aid and
social protection activities, and trade facilitation to stabilize the surging
food prices quickly, mitigate their impact and help the affected developing
countries, especially the least developed countries get through this challenging
time. They expressed their commitment to taking joint and comprehensive measures
to address the crisis in the medium to the long run, including strengthening
policy coordination and cooperation, increasing sustainable input in
agricultural production, raising agricultural productivity, in a bid to secure
food supply. To coordinate and implement these measures effectively, leaders
called for the formation of a global partnership involving all actors, including
governments, the private sector, civil society and other international
institutions. In this connection, they highly appreciated Vietnam's initiative
on the first ASEM Forum on Food Security in 2009. They affirmed their support to
the United Nations in playing a leading and coordinating role in this regard,
and expressed the support to the outcomes of the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) High-Level Conference on World Food Security in Rome. Leaders
also look forward to the upcoming Follow-up High Level Conference that will be
held in Madrid later this year. In addition, they also confirmed the importance
of advancing research and development of agricultural technology, particularly
on enhancement of agricultural productivity.
20.
Leaders recalled the Hanoi Declaration on a Closer ASEM Economic Partnership
(CEP) and reiterated that ASEM partners should strengthen cooperation and join
hands to deepen economic partnership, promote open trade and boost two-way
investment, further develop a conducive business environment and offer
sustainable trade opportunities to all ASEM partners, especially the developing
and the least developed countries. In this regard, they urged the Economic
Ministers to convene the meeting at the earliest possible time to review past
performance and implementation of the CEP and identify concrete areas and
activities for practical and effective cooperation in the coming years. They
emphasized the importance of implementing activities within the Trade
Facilitation Action Plan (TFAP) and the Investment Promotion Action Plan (IPAP)
and better engaging the business community in the ASEM process, especially via
the Asia-Europe Business Forum. Furthermore, they stressed the need to
revitalize links among ASEM investment focal points to bring the economic pillar
forward in a more substantive and comprehensive manner. Leaders also recognized
the value of bilateral and regional trading arrangements, consistent with the
WTO¡¯s rules and commitments, and noted progress in the negotiations between ASEM
partners.
21.
Leaders recognized that, although structural reforms and sound macroeconomic
policies have increased the resilience of both Europe and Asia against the
global financial turmoil, the global economic slowdown and persistently high
commodity prices, both regions are increasingly being affected by the worsening
global environment. They agreed that long term stability of the global and
regional financial markets is key to sustainable economic growth of both
regions. They welcomed the consensus on the necessity of strong and coherent
policy responses to recent economic difficulties and mutual cooperation among
ASEM partners in the areas of economic integration, infrastructure finance and
microfinance in the form of sharing information and knowledge, capacity
building, reached at the 8th ASEM Finance Ministers' Meeting held in Jeju, Korea
in June 2008.
22.
Leaders agreed on the need to enhance cooperation in the fields of innovation,
science, and technology among ASEM partners so as to narrow the digital divide
and ensure sustainable development. Leaders called for reinforced efforts to
protect intellectual property rights and ensure their enforcement. They noted
that protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights should
contribute to the promotion of technological innovation in and to the transfer
and dissemination of technology to developing countries, which is vital for
sustainable development. Leaders also supported enhanced cooperation between the
government, business, and the international institution on the advancement of
ICT to facilitate economic integration and international cooperation in the
reduction of tariff barriers, enabling open access, and the promotion of
International Standard.
23.
Leaders reiterated the importance of closer cooperation among small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to economic development and job creation, and
welcomed the consensus reached and action plans adopted at the inaugural ASEM
SMEs Ministerial Meeting held in Beijing in October 2007. Leaders also welcomed
the recommendations on promoting SMEs development made by the business community
at the ASEM SME Trade and Investment Fair in Qingdao in October
2007.
24.
Leaders welcomed the recommendations from the 11th Asia-Europe Business Forum on
promoting trade and investment between Asia and Europe.
25. Leaders welcomed the initiative of
Lithuania to host the first ASEM Transport Ministerial Meeting on 19-20 October
2009 as the platform for launching ASEM dialogue on transport issues between
partners and the initiative of Romania to host a first ASEM Ministerial Meeting
on Migration in 2009 which will deepen the dialogue on this important
issue.
Driving Sustainable
Development
26. Leaders held extensive and in-depth
discussions on issues of realizing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as
well as the sustainable development targets agreed in Johannesburg,
strengthening energy security cooperation, jointly addressing the challenge of
climate change, and environmental protection, including water resources, forests
and air, and improving social cohesion under the framework of sustainable
development.
27. Leaders stressed the importance of
mid-term review of the MDGs, and underscored the need for ASEM members to
further deepen international development cooperation to meet the IADGs,
particularly the MDGs, in a timely manner.
28.
Leaders expressed their support for strengthened international cooperation on
climate change that could help assess impacts and vulnerabilities, build
adaptive capacities, and support adaptation actions. Recalling the ASEM 6
Declaration on Climate Change, leaders noted with satisfaction the outcomes of
the ASEM 3rd Environment Ministers¡¯ Meeting held in Copenhagen in April 2007 as
well as the ASEM Seminar on the Adaptation to the Climate Change held in Japan
in October 2008. In this context, leaders welcomed the substantial progress made
at the Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia in December 2007. They
confirmed their commitment to securing an ambitious, effective and comprehensive
agreed outcome now, up to and beyond 2012 by the end of 2009 on the basis of the
Bali Road Map and underlined the need to act with resolve and urgency during the
Climate Change Conference in Poznan and the Climate Change Conference in
Copenhagen.
29.
Leaders also emphasized the need for the sustainable management of forest and
ocean as well as other territorial, coastal and marine ecosystems. In this
respect, leaders also welcomed the offer by Brunei Darussalam to host a workshop
on understanding the impact of climate change on the biodiversity of tropical
rainforests in 2009. ASEM leaders agreed to encourage and support regional and
sub-regional organizations to develop cooperative projects entailing specialized
studies on bio-diversity, melting of glaciers and protection of life-sustaining
water resources as well as raising mass awareness through dissemination of
expertise and technology.
30.
Leaders stressed the need to focus on development needs and environmental
sustainability in the energy sector. They emphasized the need for Asia-Europe
cooperation to ensure the availability of environmentally sound energy at a
reasonable price to support economic growth and that the latest technology
should be intended to increase energy efficiency. Leaders recognised the need to
develop regional and sub-regional projects amongst ASEM partners to promote
low-carbon economy. Leaders acknowledged the key message on sustainable energy
from the 6th Asia-Europe Environment Forum.
31. Leaders recognized that the impact of
globalization is increasingly being felt by the people of ASEM members, and
share a common interest in strengthening the social dimension of globalization
and improving social cohesion. They welcomed the outcome of the 2nd ASEM labour
and employment ministers¡¯ declaration issued at the ministers¡¯ meeting in Bali
earlier this month and highlighted the importance of decent work and good
governance.
32. To this end, leaders unanimously agreed
to issue the Beijing Declaration on Sustainable Development.
Furthering Social and Cultural Exchanges
33. Leaders reaffirmed the respect for
cultural diversity and the need to protect our cultural heritage and advocated
mutual understanding, tolerance, respect and peaceful coexistence among
different social systems, development paths and cultures. Leaders welcomed the
valuable contributions made since the last meeting at the global level to bridge
the gap between cultures and civilisations. They emphasized the importance of
combining the multilateral framework with the national efforts to promote the
understanding among faiths, cultures and peoples. They welcomed the results of
the 1st Alliance of Civilisations (AoC) Forum held in Madrid in January 2008 and
the consolidation of this UN Initiative and the increasing number of ASEM
countries that have joined its Group of Friends. The UN AoC implementation of
concrete projects in the field of media and youth employment, and the
elaboration of National Action Plans, show the way ahead to promote global
understanding involving civil societies.
34. Leaders reaffirmed the positive role of
dialogue among cultures and civilizations in reducing poverty, realizing social
peace, preventing regional conflicts, protecting the environment and promoting
sustained economic growth, social development and common prosperity. They
resolved to take concerted action to further promote interfaith understanding
and exchanges, taking global leadership in working towards building a world
where different cultures and civilizations co-exist in harmony, equality and
mutual respect.
35. Leaders noted with satisfaction the
outcome of the ASEM Culture Ministers' Meetings (CMM) held in China, France and
Malaysia. They welcomed the progress achieved to enhance cultural exchanges and
cooperation between Asia and Europe inspired by the ASEM Declaration on Dialogue
among Cultures and Civilizations adopted in 5th ASEM Summit in Hannoi, and
welcomed the decision to convene the meeting on a regular basis as well as the
recommendation that a Cultural and Art Festival proposed by China be held in
connection with ASEM Summits or ASEM CMM. They expressed the desire for more
results-orientated discussions during the next Culture Ministers¡¯ meeting in
Poland in 2010. They reaffirmed their determination to respect, protect and
promote cultural diversity and the equal dignity of all cultures, and therefore
encouraged the expeditious ratification and implementation of the UNESCO
Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural
Expressions by all ASEM countries. Leaders also noted that tourism could
contribute to mutual understanding and respect for cultural diversity. In this
connection, they welcomed the outcome of the ASEM Tourism Forum held in Vietnam
this year.
36. Leaders emphasized the importance of
keeping the good momentum of the ASEM Interfaith Dialogue and welcomed the
outcomes of the ASEM Interfaith Dialogues(Nanjing 2007 and Amsterdam 2008) and
urged governments to actively facilitate interfaith and intercultural dialogues,
particularly at the regional and inter-regional levels, which is part of a much
broader dialogue between Asia and Europe. In this regard, they underlined the
need to intensify discussions among themselves and with other regional
organizations and fora on further institutionalizing interfaith dialogue at
regional and global levels.
37. Leaders welcomed the constructive role of
parliaments, NGOs and the civil society in promoting dialogue among cultures and
civilizations and mutual understanding between people of Asia and Europe.
38. Leaders recognized that human resources
development constitutes a key factor in poverty reduction and economic and
social development. They renewed their commitment to further strengthen their
cooperation in human resources development, capacity building and sustained
dialogue and exchanges in primary and higher education, vocational training and
lifelong learning. Leaders endorsed the outcome of the First ASEM Education
Ministerial Meeting held in Germany and looked forward to a substantive outcome
of the Second ASEM Education Ministerial Meeting to be held in Vietnam in 2009.
Leaders recognized the success of the Trans-Eurasia Information Network (TEIN)
in fostering research collaboration between all ASEM partners, welcomed the
launch of TEIN3 and renewed their commitment to its long-term sustainability.
39. Leaders expressed their appreciation of
the dialogue carried out by ASEM partners through the informal ASEM Seminars on
Human Rights, held annually since 1998. They underlined their commitment to
cooperate in the promotion and protection of human rights on the basis of
equality and mutual respect.
40. Leaders affirmed their commitment to
promote global health security including developing health-care systems and
local infrastructure to improve public health in the developing world and
reiterated their determination to combat health threats such as HIV/AIDs and
avian influenza. Leaders welcomed the ASEM Workshop on Avian Influenza Control
hosted by China and the ASEM Initiative for the Rapid Containment of Pandemic
Influenza financed by Japan and looked forward to the success of the ASEM
workshop on sharing experiences of preparedness to respond to the global climate
change and emerging diseases to be held in Vietnam in 2009.
41. Leaders commended the Asia-Europe
Foundation for its positive contribution to promoting cultural, intellectual and
people-to-people exchanges between Asia and Europe. Leaders recognized the value
of ASEF¡¯s flagship programmes in furthering the priorities, and enhancing the
visibility of ASEM. They also commended ASEF for spearheading the development of
Culture 360, an Asia-Europe cultural web-portal to enhance art and cultural
exchange among ASEM member countries.
The Future of ASEM
42. Leaders reaffirmed the role of ASEM as a
multi-faceted dialogue facilitator and the key cooperation areas identified in
the Helsinki Declaration on the Future of ASEM for its second decade. They
adopted various cooperation initiatives put forward by partners (attached as
Annex I) and the ASEM Work Program for 2008-2010 (attached as Annex II).
43. With the increasing number of initiatives
and meetings at various levels in ASEM, Leaders reaffirmed the importance of
developing effective ways of communication within ASEM members to support ASEM
cooperation in the near future.
44. Leaders applauded progress made in the
institutional building of ASEM, including the Issue-based Leadership initiative
(attached as Annex III) and closer coordination among embassies/permanent
representations of ASEM partners as agreed at ASEM 6.
45. Leaders tasked Senior Officials to
further explore ways to achieve greater visibility of ASEM and welcomed European
Commission¡¯s efforts in this regard and Vietnam¡¯s initiative on the first SOM
Meeting on ¡°Coordinating Cultural Activities for the Enhancement of ASEM
Visibility.
46. Leaders instructed the Ministers of
Foreign Affairs to discuss the issue of enlargement in their future meetings.
47. Leaders accepted with gratitude Belgium's
offer to host ASEM 8 and looked forward to meeting again in 2010.
Annex I
List of New Initiatives for ASEM 7
Austria
UN/ASEM UN-SPIDER Expert Meeting: The
Contribution of Space-based Solutions to Sustainable Communities
Brunei
Workshop on Understanding the Impact of
Climate Change on the Biodiversity of Tropical Rainforests
China
ASEM Eco-City Network
ASEM Culture and Art Festival
Promoting Asia-Europe Trade Security and
Facilitation
ASEM Cooperation on Capacity Building of
Disaster Relief
EC
ASEM Conference on the Role of Finance in
Economic and Rural Development: Experiences in Asia and Europe
Italy
ASEM Seminar on New Technologies for Demining
and Human Security
Korea
ASEM Forum on the Green Growth and SMEs
Pakistan
Eurasian Land Bridge Seminar
Romania
Meeting of the ASEM Ministers of Interior on
Irregular Migration
Program for Training of Trainers in the Field
of Border Management and Security Dedicated to the ASEM Member States
Singapore
ASEM Seminar on Energy Security and Climate
Change
Thailand
ASEM interfaith Cultural Youth Camp
Project
Vietnam
Coordinating Cultural Activities for the
Enhancement of ASEM Visibility
ASEM Workshop on Sharing Experiences on
Preparedness to Response to Global Climate Change and Emerging Diseases
ASEM Forum on Food Security
Annex II
ASEM Work Programme for 2008-2010
2008
|
PROGRAMME |
VENUE |
DATE |
|
ASEM Senior Officials' Meeting |
Bled&Brdo,
Slovenia |
2-3 March |
|
Joint Conference EU-ADB: European and
Asian Integration: Achievements and Challenges |
Brussels, Belgium |
10 March |
|
ASEM SOM on Education/Training |
Bonn, Germany |
10-11 March |
|
6th ASEM Counter Terrorism
Conference |
Madrid, Spain |
3-4 April |
|
1st ASEM Forum on Energy Security
Policy |
Hanoi, Vietnam |
11-12 April |
|
ASEM Senior Officials' Meeting on Trade
and Investment(SOMTI) |
Maribor, Slovenia |
15-16, April |
|
3rd ASEM Culture Ministers' Meeting |
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
21-24 April |
|
ASEM Forum on Rural Development |
Beijing,
China |
22-24, April |
|
1st
ASEM Ministerial Meeting on Eduacation and Qualification |
Berlin,
Germany |
5-6, May |
|
1st
ASEM Labour and Employment SOM(SLOM) |
Geneva,
Switzerland |
3-4 June |
|
4th
ASEM Interfaith Dialogue |
Amsterdam,
Netherlands |
3-5 June |
|
Asian ASEM Senior Officials'
Meeting |
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei |
12-13 June |
|
ASEM Finance Deputies' Meeting |
Jeju Island,
Korea |
15 June |
|
ASEM Conference-Asia, Europe and the
Future of Regional Economic Integration |
Jeju Island,
Korea |
15 June |
|
8th
ASEM Finance Ministers' Meeting |
Jeju Island,
Korea |
15-18 June |
|
ASEP 5(Asia-Europe Parliamentary
Partnership Meeting) |
Beijing, China |
18-20 June |
|
ASEM Youth Dialogue 2008:
Second Asia-Europe Youth Interfaith
Dialogue |
Bandung,
Indonesia |
23-27 June |
|
ASEM Senior Officials' Meeting |
Beijing, China |
29-30 June |
|
1st
ASEM Social Partners Forum |
Brussels,
Belgium |
30 June-
1 July |
|
Open-Ended Working Level Meeting on
ASEM 7 Documents |
Jakarta, Indonesia |
29-30 August |
|
Asia Europe Tourism Forum |
Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam |
10-11 September |
|
ASEM Forum on Trade & Investment in
Marine Fishery |
Yantai, China |
23-24 September |
|
ASEM Coordinators' Meeting |
Paris, France |
26 September |
|
ASEM Seminar on the Adaptation to the
Climate Change |
Tokyo, Japan |
2-3 October |
|
2nd
ASEM Labour and Employment Ministers' Conference |
Bali,
Indonesia |
14-16 October |
|
Asia-Europe Business Forum |
Beijing, China |
21-24 October |
|
ASEM Roundtable Meeting for Investment
Promotion Agencies |
Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous
Region, China |
22-23 October |
|
ASEM 7 Summit |
Beijing, China |
24-25 October |
|
7th
ASEM Immigration Directors¡¯ Meeting |
France |
2nd
half |
|
ASEM Workshop on Digital Divide/ICT for
Development |
Laos |
8-9 December |
|
ASEM Conference: Cultural
Diversity-the Asian Experience |
Vietnam |
15-16 December |
|
ASEM Training on Empowering Local
Community in Use of ICT |
Indonesia |
tbc |
|
ASEM Cooperation of Research and
Development on ICT in Strengthening
Research Institutions |
Indonesia |
tbc |
2009
|
PROGRAMME |
VENUE |
DATE |
|
9th
ASEM Informal Seminar on Human Rights |
Strasbourg,
France |
February |
|
ASEM Interfaith Cultural Youth Camp
Project |
Thailand |
February |
|
ASEM Seminar on New Technologies for
Demining and Human Security |
Italy |
5-6 March (tbc) |
|
1st
ASEM Ministerial Conference on Energy Security |
Brussels, Belgium |
30 March£¨tbc£© |
|
ASEM Conference on Corporate Social
Responsibility for the well-being of ASEM workforce |
Germany |
April |
|
ASEM Conference on Development
Cooperation |
Philippines |
20-21 April (tbc) |
|
ASEM Culture and Art Festival |
China |
April/May |
|
9th
ASEM Foreign Ministers¡¯ Meeting(FMM) |
Hanoi,
Vietnam |
25-26 May |
|
Program for Training of Trainers in the
Field of Border Management and Security Dedicated to the ASEM Member
States |
Romania |
May/June |
|
Workshop on ASEM Cooperation on
Capacity Building of Disaster Relief |
China |
1st
half |
|
ASEM Forum on Food Security |
Vietnam |
1st
half |
|
UN/ASEM UN-SPIDER Expert Meeting: the
Contribution of Space-based Solutions to Sustainable Communities |
Austria |
1st
half |
|
ASEM Seminar on Energy Security and
Climate Change |
Singapore |
2nd
quarter |
|
Meeting of the ASEM Ministers of
Interior on Irregular Migration |
Romania |
2nd
quarter |
|
Workshop on Understanding the Impact of
Climate Change on the Biodiversity of Tropical Rainforests |
Brunei |
July/December |
|
1st
ASEM Ministerial Meeting on Cooperation in Transport |
Vilnius,
Lithuania |
19-20 October£¨tbc£© |
|
ASEM Workshop on Sharing Experiences on
Preparedness to Response to Global Climate Change and Emerging
Diseases |
Hanoi,
Vietnam |
4th
quarter |
|
Deforestation and Factors Influencing
It in the Context of Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and
Trade(FLEGT) |
Brussels,
Belgium |
2nd
half |
|
ASEM Workshop on Corporate Social
Responsibility for the Well-being of ASEM Workforce |
Asia |
2nd
half |
|
ASEM Eco-City Network |
China |
Launched in 2nd half |
|
Coordinating Cultural Activities for
the Enhancement of ASEM Visibility |
Vietnam |
2nd
half |
|
ASEM Conference on ¡°The Role of Finance
in Economic and Rural Development: Experiences in Asia and Europe¡± |
Asia |
2nd
half |
|
ASEM Conference on Sustainable
Consumption and Production |
Asia |
tbc |
|
1st ASEM Interior Ministers Meeting on
Border Security and Associated Risks |
Romania |
tbc |
|
2nd
ASEM Education Ministers' Meeting |
Hanoi,
Vietnam |
tbc |
|
ASEM Finance Deputies' Meeting |
Spain |
tbc |
|
5th
ASEM Interfaith Dialogue |
Korea |
tbc |
|
Promoting Asia-Europe Trade Security
and Facilitation Initiative |
China |
tbc |
|
Eurasian Land Bridge Seminar |
Pakistan |
tbc |
|
2nd
ASEM Small and Medium Enterprises(SMES) Ministerial Meeting |
Europe |
tbc |
|
8th
ASEM Customs DG-Commissioner Meeting |
Europe |
tbc |
|
Seminar on Biofuels Standards |
Philippines |
tbc |
|
7th
ASEM Counter-Terrorism Conference |
Philippines |
tbc |
2010
|
PROGRAMME |
VENUE |
DATE |
|
ASEM Forum on the Green Growth and
SMEs |
Korea |
1st
half |
|
9th
ASEM Finance Ministers' Meeting |
Spain |
tbc |
|
4th
ASEM Culture Ministers' Meeting |
Poland |
tbc |
|
6th
ASEM Interfaith Dialogue |
Spain |
tbc |
Annex III
List of Issue-based Leadership
The Helsinki Declaration on the Future of
ASEM recognized issue-based leadership in ASEM. Without prejudice to the role of
Coordinators, countries can take the lead in sectors and on issues in which they
have a particular interest and expertise. Building on existing cooperation
patterns, a mechanism revolving around a number of co-sponsoring countries
willing to drive projects and initiatives in a certain policy area can produce
tangible benefits for all.
ASEM partners have through consultations
agreed on the following basic principles and modalities of issue-based
leadership. For the purpose of consistency and balance of participation, and
taking into account of evolving political priorities of partners, issue/sectoral
leaders or shepherds should be a group of partners, both Asian and European
partners may switch leadership between two summits, and each term is normally no
longer than 4 years.
Co-leaders/shepherds shall decide upon the
modalities of operation of the issue/sector based on consensus. ASEM
coordinators shall compile and update the list of issue-based leadership.
List of Issue-based Leadership
|
Issues |
Interested Partners |
|
Development of SMEs |
China, Korea, Germany |
|
Inter-cultural Dialogue |
Korea |
|
Culture/Tourism |
China, Vietnam, Thailand |
|
Education/Human Resources |
Germany, Vietnam |
|
Pandemic Control |
China, UK, Japan
£¨Avian Influenza£© |
|
Vietnam£¨HIV/AIDs£© |
|
Transportation |
China, Lithuania |
|
Labor/Employment |
Germany |
|
Climate Change |
Japan£¬Poland, Denmark |
|
Interfaith and Counter-Terrorism |
Indonesia, the Philippines, Spain |
|
Energy Security/Energy Efficiency |
Singapore, the Philippines |
|
Food Security |
Thailand |
|
International Migration |
the Philippines |
|
Finance |
Spain |
|
Life Long Learning |
Denmark |
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