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Asia, Europe should cooperate to tackle global challenges: New Zealand official

Xinhua, November 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

Asia and Europe should enhance cooperation in addressing global challenges, said New Zealand Associate Foreign Minister Hon Todd McClay at the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers' Meeting Thursday.

New Zealand is coordinator for the North East and South East Asian members of ASEM, which include New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan and Russia. McClay delivered a speech on behalf of those countries at the opening ceremony.

"There are big global and regional challenges and opportunities at our doorstep. Asia and Europe have a large stake in these," he said.

He said ASEM is an important platform for political dialogue, economic cooperation and cultural and social exchange, addressing not only challenges but also promoting security, prosperity and understanding between Asia and Europe.

"It is welcome that this meeting will discuss climate change and that we may add our support for a successful outcome at the 2015 UNFCCC Conference of Parties in Paris," McClay added.

Foreign ministers from about 50 European and Asian countries, as well as the secretary-general of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) participated in the two-day meeting. Endit