Brussels, Belgium (FN), Oct. 20 – The 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM12) was held on 18-19 October 2018 in Brussels, Belgium.

ASEM12 was hosted by the European Union and chaired by the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk; and attended by the Heads of State and Government, or their high-level representatives, of 51 Asian and European countries, the President of the European Commission and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.

“Leaders stressed their commitment to implement fully the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals with the aim of eradicating poverty and building an inclusive and sustainable future for all, with no one left behind and a strong focus on reaching the most vulnerable,” according to the chair’s statement.

ASEM12 leaders sought to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the two continents on a wide range of areas, including but not limited to tackling the growing threats to the environment; promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and strengthening Europe-Asia sustainable connectivity across ASEM's three pillars, as a means of bringing countries, people and societies closer together.

On pillar 1: partners for political and security challenges, leaders exchanged views on ways to promote cooperation on peace and security issues; ASEM cooperation on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); terrorism in all forms; migration; and maritime security and safety.

On pillar 2: partners for economic and financial challenges, leaders exchanged views on ways to preserve and strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system; the positive roles of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs); women's economic empowerment; and digital economy.

On pillars 3: partners for social and cultural links, leaders exchanged views on ways to promote the quality education, sustainable tourism, and cultural diplomacy.
=FRESH NEWS