ASEM summit concludes in Mongolia with declaration to enhance connectivity

The 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit concluded Saturday in the Mongolian capital with a chair's statement and an Ulan Bator Declaration that emphasizes the need to promote connectivity.

"Enhancing connectivity across diverse domains is an important and commonly shared objective," according to the declaration issued after a two-day event under the theme of "20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity."

The summit, gathering heads of state and government or high-level representatives of 51 European and Asian countries as well as leaders of international organizations, set course for enhancement of the inter-regional process in the next decade while celebrating its 20th anniversary.

"Connectivity will be mainstreamed into all ASEM cooperation frameworks. Given the growing interdependence between the two regions, Asia and Europe cannot be treated separately in any area of ASEM activities," the declaration said.

Representatives also exchanged views on the current regional and global political and socio-economic situation, and discussed ways to address the existing and emerging challenges to peace, security, stability and sustainable development.

"As shifting geopolitics lead to greater uncertainties and volatility in the world, ASEM will reinforce its role as a catalyst for effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order," it said.

ASEM is an intergovernmental forum for dialogue and cooperation aimed to foster political dialogue, reinforce economic cooperation and promote collaboration in other areas of common interest.

The next ASEM summit will be held in Brussels, Belgium, chaired by the European Union, in 2018. Endi