What's New in the EU: European, Asian countries meet to tackle world's problems

Concerned about the development of the least developed countries, the parties stressed the importance of debt relief and debt sustainability.

By ARI SYRQUIN
eu flag 88 (photo credit: )
eu flag 88
(photo credit: )
The heads of state and government representing the European Union and Asia met in Beijing for the 7th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) last Friday and Saturday. Their discussions focused on the means to tackle the international financial crisis. They also addressed the major global challenges facing citizens in both regions: peace and international stability, sustainable development, human rights, climate change, energy and food security, trade issues and the fight against terrorism. This ASEM was said to be the biggest ever; six new members - India, Pakistan, Mongolia, Romania, Bulgaria and the ASEAN Secretariat - took part for the first time. This brings the number of ASEM members to 45 (43 countries, the European Commission and the ASEAN Secretariat). The meeting in Beijing brought together almost all of Asia and Europe, accounting for half of global GDP, nearly 60 percent of the world's population and 60% of global trade. China chaired the summit, while France headed the European Union delegation. Ordinary citizens, parliamentarians and business leaders attended meetings on the sidelines of the summit. The Asia-Europe People's Forum (AEPF) took place in Beijing on October 13-14; the Asia-Europe Business Forum (AEBF) was held last Tuesday through Thursday. The Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP) held its last meeting June 18. The parties discussed the global financial crisis and its ramifications. The participants reiterated their commitment to strengthening economic and development cooperation. Concerned about the development of the least developed countries, the parties stressed the importance of debt relief and debt sustainability. They reaffirmed the importance of an open, fair, rule-based and stable multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO) to achieve economic growth and development, and reduce global disparities and trade imbalances. The heads of state were concerned about the WTO's Doha negotiations and said an early and successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda would bring benefits to all members, especially developing and least-developed countries. The participants condemned terrorism and declared their commitment to take practical steps to prevent and combat it. They stressed the need to adhere to the major UN conventions and protocols dealing with terrorism and to respect international laws. They called for the expeditious finalization of a UN comprehensive convention on international terrorism and welcomed the offer by the Philippines to host the 7th ASEM Counter-Terrorism Conference in 2009. The participants emphasized the need for the sustainable management of forests and oceans, as well as other territorial, coastal and marine ecosystems. They welcomed the offer by Brunei Darussalam to host a workshop on understanding the impact of climate change on the bio-diversity of tropical rain forests in 2009. ASEM leaders agreed to encourage and support regional and sub-regional organizations to develop cooperative projects entailing specialized studies on bio-diversity, melting of glaciers and protection of life-sustaining water resources, as well as raising mass awareness through dissemination of expertise and technology. The need to focus on development needs and environmental sustainability in the energy sector was discussed. The parties emphasized the need for Asia-Europe cooperation to ensure the availability of environmentally sound energy at a reasonable price to support economic growth and that the latest technology should be intended to increase energy efficiency. The need to develop regional and sub-regional projects amongst ASEM partners to promote low-carbon economy was recognized. syrquin@013.net Ari Syrquin is the head of the international department at GSCB Law Firm.