Statement of the Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting on The International Financial Situation, Beijing, China - 24 October 2008

1. Leaders attending the Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting had an in-depth discussion on the current international economic and financial situation and its trend of development. They expressed concern over the impact of the spreading international financial crisis on the global economy and in particular, the severe challenges it poses to financial stability and economic development of countries in Asia and Europe.

2. 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. Leaders expressed full confidence [...] Read more

Source : Élysée, october 25, 2008

Chair’s Statement of the Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting

1. The Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 7) was held in Beijing on 24 and 25 October 2008. The Summit was attended by the Heads of State and Government of sixteen Asian and twenty-seven European nations, the President of the European Commission and the Secretary-General of ASEAN Secretariat. The President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Hu Jintao addressed the opening ceremony. The Premier of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Wen Jiabao chaired the meeting.

2. The Meeting was the first gathering of the leaders of 45 members of ASEM since its second round of enlargement. They represent around 50% of world GDP, approximately 58% of the world’s population and 60% of world trade. A warm welcome was extended to the leaders of Bulgaria, India, Mongolia, Pakistan, Romania, and the ASEAN Secretariat who attended ASEM Summit for the first time.

3. Leaders of ASEM members held in-depth discussions on important international and regional issues of common concern and interest under the overarching theme of Vision and Action : Towards a Win-Win Solution.

Leaders reaffirmed the strategic importance of ASEM, and recognized that Asia and Europe are closely related geographically, historically and culturally, share many common ideals, are complementary in economic and social development and rich in cultural diversity. They recognized the high expectations placed on ASEM by their peoples, and emphasized the need to further strengthen Asia-Europe dialogue and cooperation on the basis of equal partnership, mutual respect, mutual benefit, seeking common grounds while shelving [...] Read more Source : Élysée, october 25, 2008

Beijing Declaration on Sustainable Development

1. We, Heads of State and Government from sixteen Asian countries, twenty-seven member states of the European Union, the President of the European Commission and the Secretary General of ASEAN, gathered in Beijing on 24 and 25 October 2008 for the Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting.

2. Recognizing that challenges posed by increasing global population, environmental degradation, rapid resource depletion and weakening ecological carrying capacity have become more prominent in many countries and regions, and that it is a grave challenge as well as pressing task for humanity to achieve sustainable development. ASEM partners are willing to strengthen cooperation in a mutually beneficial manner and work towards win-win solution so as to make positive contribution to sustainable development ;

3. Reiterating that sustainable development bears on the present and future of mankind, the very existence and development of all nations, world peace and prosperity ; and that all nations should, whilst pursuing economic development, strive to maintain environment quality and take full account of the needs of future generations ; Read more Source : Élysée, october 25, 2008