Forging greater connectivity between Asia and Europe

A salutary and useful commitment stated by ASEM 11 concerns the agreement to pay increased attention in the future to improving skills, employment and active engagement of young people in the economy and society.

A well-articulated and clear-cut decision was formulated to mainstream connectivity between Asia and Europe in all its dimensions, including political, economic, digital, institutional, socio-cultural and people-to-people, into all ASEM activities.

An interesting idea emphasized by practically all participants in ASEM 11 was the need for a comprehensive approach in countering terrorism and violent extremism, without associating them with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.

In this connection, Asian and European leaders reaffirmed their resolve to combat terrorism financing, as well as abuse of Internet by terrorist groups. They also stressed the importance of

preventing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism, and controlling trade in and flows of conventional arms.

From the Ulaanbaatar Declaration, which is a less descriptive and a more programmatic document than the Chair’s Statement, the first idea deserving attention is the positive assessment according to which ASEM is a unique platform for dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe, being an important factor in shaping the global setting in the 21st century.

Indeed, addressing the challenges faced by both regions, as well as at the inter-regional and global levels, and promoting effective multilateralism and strengthening other multilateral processes, all these factors recommend ASEM as a significant diplomatic forum on the universal arena.

The Ulaanbaatar Declaration contains the decision to designate an ASEM Day ‘Asia meets Europe/Europe meets Asia Day’ to be  celebrated  annually on March 1 or any other day during the first week of March , as appropriate, with a view to underlining ASEM’s importance and raising its visibility. 

That celebration would help to keep in mind for eternity that ASEM was officially established on March 1, 1996 at its first summit in Bangkok.

The Declaration also conveys a vibrant appeal to energize ASEM, to promote further connectivity, mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation between Asia and Europe with a view to building an inclusive, sustainable and radiant future for our peoples and to ensure a peaceful life and shared prosperity for present and succeeding generations.

Higher visibility and effectiveness

Beyond the obvious optimistic content and tone of the two ASEM documents succinctly analyzed above, it should be nevertheless recalled that during ASEM I in Bangkok, in March 1996, the 26 participants agreed, inter alia, to cooperate in promoting the effective reform and greater democratization of the UN system, including the issues concerning the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and UN finances. In this connection, the Bangkok Meeting agreed to the initiation of a dialogue between representatives of participating nations of the ASEM in New York to consider the vital question of the UN reform.