7th Asia-Europe meeting concluded with consensus on global financial crisis, interfaith understanding

2008-10-26 02:04:38  

    BEIJING, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) --

The two-day 7th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) was concluded here Saturday with participants reaching consensus on global financial crisis and other issues.

    The meeting, attended by leaders and representatives from 45 Asian and European nations and organizations, realized its expected goal and was a great success, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in a closing speech.

    As one of the most fruitful achievements, a statement of the 7th ASEM on the international financial situation was adopted at the meeting.

    "Leaders believed that authorities of all countries should demonstrate vision and resolution and take firm, decisive and effective measures in a responsible and timely manner to rise to the challenge of the financial crisis," said the statement.

    The international community should continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation and take effective and available economic and financial measures in a comprehensive way to restore market confidence, stabilize global financial markets and promote global economic growth, it said.

    According to the document, leaders supported the convening of an international summit on Nov. 15 in the United States to address the current crisis and principles of reform of the international financial system.

    The summit also adopted a declaration on sustainable development.

    "The adoption of various cooperation proposals shows and proves again the interior impetus for strengthening dialogue at the ASEM and great potential for extending cooperation," Wen said.

    Amid the global financial turmoil, the ASEM has been widely regarded as an opportunity for Asian and European leaders to find a solution.

    French President Nicholas Sarkozy called the meeting very "helpful" for Asia and Europe to tackle the global financial crisis and build up common cause.

    "We had discussed nearly all of the topics concerned by the two continents including the most difficult issues," he said at a press conference at the end of the meeting.

    Premier Wen told the press conference the need of confidence, cooperation and responsibility to find a solution to the global financial meltdown.

    "We are glad to see that many countries have made their efforts and achieved some results. But it is not enough as we now see it, and more endeavors are needed," said Wen.

    All countries, especially developed ones, should take measures as soon as possible to stabilize the financial market and build public confidence, he said.

    Financial innovation could help develop the economy, but financial supervision is even more important for the security of the financial system, he added.

    The premier also declared that China would actively attend the Nov.15 financial summit.

ASEM agrees to issue the Beijing Declaration

2008-10-26 02:02:23  

    BEIJING, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) --

The Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) issued a Chair's Statement here on Saturday, agreeing to issue the Beijing Declaration on Sustainable Development.

    The statement said the leaders held extensive and in-depth discussions on issues of realizing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as the sustainable development targets agreed in Johannesburg, strengthening energy security cooperation, jointly addressing the challenge of climate change, and environmental protection, including water resources, forests and air, and improving social cohesion under the framework of sustainable development.

    Leaders stressed the importance of mid-term review of the MDGs, and underscored the need for ASEM members to further deepen international development cooperation to meet the IADGs, particularly the MDGs, in a timely manner.

    Leaders expressed their support for strengthened international cooperation on climate change that could help assess impacts and vulnerabilities, build adaptive capacities, and support adaptation actions.

    Leaders also emphasized the need for the sustainable management of forest and ocean as well as other territorial, coastal and marine ecosystems.

    Leaders stressed the need to focus on development needs and environmental sustainability in the energy sector. They 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.

    Leaders recognized that the impact of globalization is increasingly being felt by the people of ASEM members, and share a common interest in strengthening the social dimension of globalization and improving social cohesion.

    To this end, leaders unanimously agreed to issue the Beijing Declaration on Sustainable Development.

    The Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 7) was held in Beijing on 24 and 25 October 2008. The Meeting was the first gathering of the leaders of 45 members of ASEM since its second round of enlargement.

Editor: Yan

ASEM resolves to further promote interfaith understanding and exchanges

2008-10-26 02:01:08  

    BEIJING, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) --

The Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) issued the Chair's Statement here on Saturday, resolving to take concerted action to further promote interfaith understanding and exchanges.

    The statement said the leaders reaffirmed the respect for cultural diversity and the need to protect our cultural heritage and advocated mutual understanding, tolerance, respect and peaceful coexistence among different social systems, development paths and cultures.

    Leaders reaffirmed the positive role of dialogue among cultures and civilizations in reducing poverty, realizing social peace, preventing regional conflicts, protecting the environment and promoting sustained economic growth, social development and common prosperity.

    They resolved to take concerted action to further promote interfaith understanding and exchanges, taking global leadership in working towards building a world where different cultures and civilizations co-exist in harmony, equality and mutual respect.

    The statement said the leaders noted with satisfaction the outcome of the ASEM Culture Ministers' Meetings (CMM) held in China, France and Malaysia and welcomed the recommendation that a Cultural and Art Festival proposed by China be held in connection with ASEM Summits or ASEM CMM.

    They reaffirmed their determination to respect, protect and promote cultural diversity and the equal dignity of all cultures.

    They also emphasized the importance of keeping the good momentum of the ASEM Interfaith Dialogue and urged governments to actively facilitate interfaith and intercultural dialogues, particularly at the regional and inter-regional levels, which is part of a much broader dialogue between Asia and Europe.

    They welcomed the constructive role of parliaments, NGOs and the civil society in promoting dialogue among cultures and civilizations and mutual understanding between people of Asia and Europe.

    They recognized that human resources development constitutes a key factor in poverty reduction and economic and social development. They renewed their commitment to further strengthen their cooperation in human resources development, capacity building and sustained dialogue and exchanges in primary and higher education, vocational training and lifelong learning.

    The statement said the leaders affirmed their commitment to promote global health security including developing health-care systems and local infrastructure to improve public health in the developing world.

    They commended the Asia-Europe Foundation for its positive contribution to promoting cultural, intellectual and people-to-people exchanges between Asia and Europe.

    The Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 7) was held in Beijing on24 and 25 October 2008. The Meeting was the first gathering of the leaders of 45 members of ASEM since its second round of enlargement.

Editor: Yan