Vietnam believes that playing a pioneering role would enable the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to promote sustainable and inclusive development.

Representatives of ASEM partner countries and international organizations in Hanoi on June 22. Photos: Tuan Anh/Baoquocte

The idea is one of the key points that Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son delivered at the ASEM High-level Policy Dialogue held both in-person and virtually in Hanoi on June 22.

Son said the ASEM should aim at ensuring a peaceful and stable international environment on the basis of dialogue and trust and creating a solid foundation for sustainable, long-term, and mutual economic relations between Europe and Asia.

Chairing the meeting, Son emphasized that member countries need to show stronger determination, act more decisively, and choose the right direction to maintain the successful momentum. ASEM should prioritize areas that meet the development needs of its member countries, focusing on confidence-building measures and making substantial contributions to the global reshaping process towards sustainable and inclusive development.

(From left) Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, British Foreign Secretary & First Secretary of State Dominic Raab, Vietnam's Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, and South Korea’s Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong

The ASEM High-level Policy Dialogue themed “ASEM at 25: Strengthening Asia-Europe Partnership in a Transforming World” marked the in-person participation of British Foreign Secretary & First Secretary of State Dominic Raab, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong, and Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. It also has the online participation of diplomats and 200 delegates representing governments, businesses, and social organizations in 53 ASEM member countries.

The dialogue is held following Vietnam’s initiative to mark the 25th anniversary of the ASEM foundation (1996-2021).

The delegates shared the view on the significance of the partnership and promoting coordination between the member countries. They stressed the importance of the new cooperation vision to contribute to peace, security, stability, and sustainable development in the two continents and the world while meeting development requirements in the member countries.

Vietnam's Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

ASEM was established in Bangkok, Thailand in 1996 as an informal intergovernmental forum for dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe in the political, economic, and social, cultural, and educational areas.

By 2018, it has 53 partner countries, including 21 in Asia and 30 in Europe, and two institutional partners namely the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The leaders (Heads of State or Government) of ASEM partners meet biennially for ASEM Summits, held alternately in Asia and Europe, to discuss issues of common interest.

ASEM is an informal forum for dialogue and cooperation with the main purpose to provide a platform for fostering political dialogue, strengthening economic cooperation, and tackling together global challenges.

ASEM is the most influential comprehensive partnership between Asia and Europe, crossing hands across continents. Its member states account for 60% of the world’s population, contributing 55% to global trade, 65% of GDP, and 75% of tourism worldwide.

International representatives at the ASEM's High-level Policy Dialogue.