A significant test for multilateral diplomacy

It can be expected that at the UNGA special session, ASEM members will help find realistic global solutions in the process of combating COVID-19 for the benefit of all humanity.

Therefore, this diplomatic event can be considered as a promising and testing turning point in the context of global efforts to win the war against the COVID-19 pandemic. Its positive results, demonstrating the diplomatic maturity of the world organization and its members, could prove to be an important prerequisite for achieving real progress in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

ASEM 13 scheduled in 2021 should bring diplomatic satisfaction to its 53 participants by offering win-win solutions acceptable to all. There is no doubt that it is not an easy task.

The 2021 ASEM Summit hosted by Cambodia will also be called upon to help find a clearer organizational identity for ASEM. The promotion of mutually beneficial multilateral cooperation between Asian and European nations, with greater intensity, is an imperative prerequisite for successful diplomacy, in harmony with ASEM's lofty vision itself.

Complacency is the enemy of successful interregional diplomacy, which requires creativity and genuine strategic thinking to face the myriad of current global challenges, including those unprecedented by their nature which have appeared in the present war against the COVID-19 pandemic which must be won.