ASEM 5: Further Revitalising and Substantiating Asia-Europe Partnership

ASEM 5: Further Revitalising and Substantiating Asia-Europe Partnership

The fifth Asia-Europe Summit Meeting (ASEM 5) will take place on October 8-9, 2004 in Hanoi. Thirty-nine member countries will participate in the conference with three new members from Asia and ten from Europe.

Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Cong Phung said: “With a desire to make ASEM 5 an important development in the partnership of the two continents both in breadth and depth as well as a new level in Asia-Europe co-operation, the host country Vietnam has initiated the topic of the conference as “Further Revitalising and Substantiating the Asia-Europe Partnership”.

Mr. Phung said that Vietnam has made excellent preparation for the conference, proposing and obtaining concurrence on two documents: Statement of the Chair and the Declaration on closer ASEM economic partnership. Also under consideration are draft documents proposed by France and China on cultural and civilised dialogues. In addition, Vietnam is seeking approval on three initiatives: “Establishment of Asia-Europe epidemic preventive networks, forecast mechanisms and epidemic warnings”, “IT application in human resource development and capacity building”, and “Development of Asia-Europe knowledge village”.

Background on ASEM

ASEM 1 was convened on March 1-2, 1996 in Bangkok, Thailand, and was regarded as a “historic turning point” in the relationship between the two continents, a new dialogue between equal partners. Furthermore, ASEM demonstrates recognition of Asia by Europe in the international arena. ASEM 1 took place in an open, frank, constructive and friendly atmosphere. Heads of State and Government discussed all issues: political, economic, cultural and security related. The main decisions of ASEM 1 were: approval of Singapore’s proposal for an Asia-Europe fund (ASEP) with initial capital of one million US dollars for promotion of science and cultural exchanges; creation of a government and private working group on a plan of action for investment promotion (IPAP); Asia-Europe Trade Forum in November 1966; Asia-Europe University Programme (ASEUP) promoting exchange for students and scientists; Asia-Europe Environment Technology Centre in Thailand; principles for a framework of long-term co-operation and development of the Mekong project and Asia-Europe railway network.

ASEM 2 was held on April 3-4, 1998 in London. The main features of the conference were the Asian member countries suffering a serious financial crisis at the time and the grave consequences in all aspects of it spreading beyond the region. ASEM 2 itself proved the importance of the forum and the Asian financial crisis, criticising the delay and indifference of Europe in assisting their affected partners. Nevertheless, certain results were achieved at ASEM 2. The conference approved two official documents: Statement of the Chair and the Declaration on Asian economic and financial situation. To help Asian members recover economically after the crisis, European leaders decided to establish the ASEM 2 Trust Fund with a capital of 42 million Euro at the World Bank. ASEM 2 also approved such projects as: Trade Promotion Action Plan (TPAP); Investment Promotion Action Plan (IPAP) including the establishment of Investment Expert Group (IEG), Asia-Europe Environment Technology Centre (AEETC) in Thailand and Asia-Europe University Centre in Malaysia.

ASEM 3 was organised in Seoul (ROK) on October 20-21, 2000 and influenced at the time by the political situation in the Korean peninsula. The Korean government headed by President Kim Dea Jung, recent recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, skilfully guided ASEM 3 in the interest of Korea. In addition to the customary Statement of the Chair, ASEM approved a document called “Seoul Declaration on Peace in the Korean peninsula”. Consequently, ASEM 3 is regarded as a diplomatic victory of the Republic of Korea. The leaders of the two continents also agreed on the expansion of the ASEM Trust Fund, the establishment of DUO scholarship worth 6 million Euro sponsored by France, ROK and Singapore and reaffirmation of the importance of the dialogue between the two continents. ASEM 3 also set a road map for the partnership between Asia and Europe.

ASEM 4 was organised in Copenhagen, Denmark on September 22-24, 2002, but was still affected by the repercussions of the September 11 terrorist attack one year prior. The EU continued to show interest in Asia but with some small changes. The EU announced a new strategic framework for intensified co-operation with Asia in September 2001 with six priorities: Strengthening peace and security; accelerating trade and investment; assisting the poverty reduction programme; increasing democracy and leadership; developing global partnerships and promoting understanding between the two continents.

Certain initiatives were approved during ASEM 4 such as increased co-operation in the fight against international terrorism, consolidation of economic and regional co-operation by means of task forces on such issues as market, monetary, human resources development and cultural dialogue.

For the first time in history, an unofficial, informal political dialogue forum was established between Asia and Europe, generating dialogue between governments, civilian societies and numerous other parties. ASEM’s approach is attractive, convenient and diversified.

• Su Ky