Seven Topics to be Discussed at ASEM13

Seven Topics to be Discussed at ASEM13

Seven topics will be discussed during the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit (ASEM13) to be hosted by Cambodia on Nov. 25-26, 2021 via videoconference from the Peace Palace, Phnom Penh.

The seven topics include ASEM at its 25: Achievement, Challenges, and Way Forward; Revitalising Multilateralism for Global Peace and Stability; Strengthening rule-based trading system; Inclusive and Sustainable Growth and Developments; Connectivity; Women, Peace, and Security; and Climate Change, pointed out a press release of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued this evening.

The ASEM Leaders will also discuss the COVID-19 and Socio-Economic Recovery/Development, which focuses on 1) Addressing issues caused by COVID-19; 2) Advancing Post-COVID-19 Socio-Economic Recovery for Shared Growth; and 3) Rebuilding a Resilient Future, it added.

The Summit will be chaired by Mr. Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and participated by the Heads of State/Government and high-level representatives of 51 ASEM countries from Asia and Europe, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.

According to the press release, the ASEM13, under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth”, will provide timely opportunity for Leaders from both Asia and Europe to reaffirm the importance of ASEM cooperation in tackling global and regional issues of mutual interests, including the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic impacts.

Preceding the ASEM13, representatives from the ASEM13 Side Events will deliver their statements, including Mr. Heng Samrin, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia and co-president of the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting; Mr. Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce and co-organiser of Asia-Europe Business and Economic Forum; Mrs. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs and organiser of Asia-Europe Forum on Women, Peace, and Security; as well as representatives from ASEF Young Leaders Summit and Asia-Europe People Forum.

During the Retreat Session, the ASEM Leaders will have an opportunity to express and exchange their points of view in a free, frank and constructive manner on global and regional issues.

Under Cambodia’s Chairmanship, the ASEM13 will adopt three main outcome documents namely: (1) ASEM13 Chair’s Statement; (2) Phnom Penh Statement on the Post-COVID-19 Socio-Economic Recovery; and (3) The Way Forward on ASEM Connectivity.

Hosting the ASEM13 reflects Cambodia’s commitment at its highest level to the advancement of multilateralism as much as its active engagement with the international community to tackle current and emerging global challenges.

AKP