ASEM 6

The second closed session started with a moment of silence to commemorate the victims of 9/11 and of all other acts of random violence. Terrorism overshadowed the fourth ASEM Summit in Copenhagen, and it remains a threat which requires a comprehensive and joint response. Leaders emphasised the need to promote tolerance and understanding, and to overcome ignorance, misperceptions and prejudice as one way of addressing the root causes of terrorism. Dialogue among cultures and civilisations is an essential step in achieving this, and it is an investment towards broader security.

The ASEM Interfaith Dialogue was taken up as an important tool to increase respect and tolerance, and to prevent stereotyping and the use of violence in the name of religion. Leaders reiterated their determination to stand united in the global efforts to cultivate a culture of peace and increase respect and confidence amongst people of all faiths. In this context they welcomed the outcomes of the two Interfaith Dialogues, and expressed their support for the implementation of the Larnaca Action Plan which aims to translate shared values of peace, compassion, and tolerance into practical actions. China offered to host the Third Interfaith Dialogue Meeting in 2007.

The leaders emphasised their determination to respect and promote cultural diversity. Implementation of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions is a crucial tool in this context. The partners appreciated the Cultural Action Plan adopted in the 2nd ASEM Culture Ministers' Meeting in Paris in 2005, aiming to further step up cultural exchange and cooperation between Asia and Europe. ASEM Culture Ministers will meet in Malaysia in 2007. The leaders also expressed their support for initiatives and events in Asia in the field of intercultural dialogue, parallel to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in 2008.

Cultural and social dialogue is now at the heart of the ASEM process. The ASEM partnership has achieved substantial results in boosting cultural, educational, intellectual, and people-to-people exchanges, expanding and facilitating research networking, and promoting cultural diversity. Intercultural dialogue should also be seen as crucial in achieving progress in political dialogue and economic cooperation between Asia and Europe. The first ASEM Ministerial Meeting on Education to be hosted by Germany in 2008 is a further sign of important progress in the area of education, research, and human-resource development. 

Leaders reaffirmed the important role played by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). ASEF flagship programmes in the fields of intellectual, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges have significantly enhanced interaction between Asia and Europe. In this respect Leaders especially emphasised the importance of involving the young and reaching out to civil society. The partners pledged to continue their support to ensure ASEF's financial sustainability. 

After the closure of the session, Mr Paavo Lipponen, President of the Fourth ASEP Meeting and Speaker of the Parliament of Finland, conveyed a message from the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting. Mr Lipponen emphasised the importance of close cooperation between the parliaments of both regions and the ASEM process, and looked forward to taking the parliamentary cooperation to the next level at the next meeting in China in 2008.