ASEM Summit Kicks off to Promote Asia-Europe Partnership, Connectivity

Tokyo, 11 Syawal 1437/16 July 2016 (MINA) – Asian and European leaders began a biennial summit in the Mongolian capital of Ulanbator on Friday, Mongolian state-run news agency Montsame reported.

Prior to the Summit, participants stayed silence for a minute, extending condolences to France and its people on loss of many lives in a terrorist attack in the French city of Nice on Thursday.

In his opening remarks at the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit, Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj said both European and Asian countries and the two continents are facing similar and at the same time different challenges that shall be addressed and tackled.

“During the summit, multilateral and bilateral business meetings are expected.

It is worth to note that working groups and officials representing ASEM member states and partner organizations have provided all lead-ups,” Elbegdorj was quoted as saying.

Under the theme of “20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity, “the two-day summit will be resulted in releasing Ulanbator Declaration and Chairman’s Statement, according to the president.

“This year is marking the 20th anniversary of ASEM. Its summit itself serves to review the past 20 years of ASEM and envision 20 years to come,” the Mongolian leader noted.

The heads of ASEM partner states are expected to exchange views on identifying cooperation goals for next decade. The participants are also discussing the connectivity between Asia and Europe and ways of enhancing the future inter-continental cooperation based on three directions–politics, economy and society. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)