ASEM meeting – Photo EU Council
(ULAANBAATAR) – The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) concluded in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia with a celebration of twenty years of partnership, but with the attack in Nice and the military coup attempt in Turkey high on leaders’ minds.
At the 11th ASEM meeting, EU and Asia leaders expressed solidarity at the attack in Nice, and in a joint statement reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to join forces to fight it.
Leaders also discussed the situation in Turkey following the military coup attempt. The EU stated its full support to the democratically elected government and called for a swift return to Turkey’s constitutional order.
The partners discussed ways to address the existing and emerging challenges to international peace, security, stability and sustainable development. They expressed their determination to countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism. They also highlighted the need for comprehensive regional and international responses to the migration and refugee challenge.
The 20th anniversary of ASEM was also an occasion for leaders to commit to taking the partnership forward, particularly with a view to promoting greater ‘connectivity’ and more focused cooperation between Asia and Europe. They also highlighted the need for comprehensive regional and international responses to the migration and refugee challenge.
Specifically,they agreed to: reinforce the multi-dimensional and people-centred partnership; focus cooperation to achieve tangible outcomes; foster connectivity in all its dimensions; and promote informality, networking and flexibility.
Discussion on the world economy produced a reaffirmation of their readiness to use all policy tools (monetary, fiscal and structural) to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth. They also reiterated their commitment to enhance inter-regional trade an investment flows.
Digital connectivity was highlighted as a key element to increase social and economic connection within and between the two regions.
The leaders welcomed the adoption in 2015 of international agreements on development, risk reduction and climate change and agreed to work together towards the timely and full implementation of the goals set in them.
ASEM was created in 1996 as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Asia. Every two years, ASEM heads of state and government, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the Secretary General of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meet at a summit to set ASEM’s priorities. The summits are held alternatively in Asia and Europe.
Further information
Statement of ASEM Leaders on International Terrorism
