The past, the present the future of ASEM

November 18, 2017

Nay Pyi Taw will host the 13th Asia Europe Meeting-ASEM of the foreign ministers on 20 and 21 this month. So let us see how important ASEM is. We will have to refer to the Ulaanbaartar Declaration. This declaration was announced at the 11th ASEM held in the capital city of Mongolia on 15-16 July 2016 as the 20th anniversary of the founding of the body. So the declaration reflects the past, the present the future of ASEM. The overarching theme of the 11th ASEM was “20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity.”

The declaration stated the increase in the number of membership from 26 to 53 within the 20 years of partnership, highlighting the ASEM as the platform where vitally important and significant coordination was made between Asia and Europe. It noted the important role of ASEM in shaping the world in the 21st century by making endeavours to ensure peace, security, stability and economic recovery through its effots against the regional and global challenges.

Ulaanbaartar Declaration states the noticeable achievements of ASEM during its 20-year journey. As regards the achievements, it explained in six points: the realization of the deep understanding between Asia and Europe, the extension of political dialogue, the deepening of economic cooperation and the promotion of social and cultural exchanges, the strengthening of Asia-Europe relations through the creation of mutual correlations between the multiple social layers for peace and progress, the establishment of broader contacts between the two continents through the Asia-Europe Foundation-ASEF, the solving of the continental, region and global challenges, and the promotion of the policy of effective multinational cooperation through the strengthening of international cooperation.

The interesting point of the declaration in connection with ASEM’s future tack is that it is based on the past experiences and that its current and future work programs will be implemented gradually through transparent mutual discussions.

These work programs will focus more on Asia-Europe cooperation and wider connectivity. The declaration reconfirms the promotion of equality, mutual respect and mutual interests through mutually beneficial compromises and concessions.

The declaration recommended the celebration of the annual ASEM day 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.

ASEM also adopted action programs for its third decade. The declaration states that informal political dialogue and cooperative initiatives in economic and socio-cultural fields will continue to be the cornerstone of our partnership, as outlined in the Asia-Europe Cooperation Framework (AECF) 2000 and other ASEM documents; that ASEM will enhance in a balanced manner all three key pillars of its partnership in order to meet the aspirations of our peoples for peace and stability, economic prosperity, sustainable development and a better quality of life; and that ASEM will enhance in a balanced manner all three key pillars of its partnership in order to meet the aspirations of our peoples for peace and stability, economic prosperity, sustainable development and a better quality of life. ASEM will strive to further strengthen Asia-Europe multi-dimensional and people-centered partnership.

To ensure the continuity of initiatives that evolve from informal dialogue to tangible outcomes that will benefit the peoples of Asia and Europe, ASEM will focus on areas of common interest. These include, inter alia, countering terrorism and violent extremism, maritime safety and security, fighting piracy and armed robbery at sea, as well as human and drug trafficking, cyber security and cyber-crime, security of and in the use of information and communication technologies, upholding the purpose and principles of the UN Charter, the rule of law and enforcement of international law, human rights, anti-corruption, migration, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable, pointed out the declaration, adding that enhancing connectivity across diverse domains is an important and commonly shared objective. Connectivity will be mainstreamed into all ASEM cooperation frameworks. Given the growing interdependence between the two regions, Asia and Europe cannot be treated separately in any area of ASEM activities. Recalling the “Helsinki Declaration on the Future of ASEM” of 2006, it said the ASEM re-emphasizes the importance of promoting informality, networking and flexibility within ASEM with a view to bringing about deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s history, culture, traditions and aspirations.

The current work program is a preparation for the future. Mutually beneficial partnerships between Asia and Europe will be set up for providing a better and peaceful and pleasant future for the present generation and the future generation. People of both continents are inclusive and can take part in the partnerships. So they will be sustainable and help create a brighter future.

(to be continued)

Lu Lay Waing

Translation: Tin Maung Than

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar