The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Senior Officials' Meeting opened in Hanoi on Sunday, with participation of senior officials from 45 ASEM members.

At the meeting, senior officials discussed the ASEM enlargement issue with new members of Australia and Russia. They also talked about criteria, principle and procedures regarding future enlargement of ASEM.

Senior officials discussed the program and business arrangements, the agenda and Chair's Statement for the ninth ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting, scheduled to be held on May 25.

The ASEM Senior Officials' Meeting is normally held twice a year, once on the eve of Ministerial or Summit meeting and once separately. It is reported to the ASEM foreign ministers' meeting.

The ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting, slated from May 25 to 26,will draw foreign ministers and delegations from 45 ASEM members and discuss measures on enhancing cooperation within ASEM to combat global challenges.

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2009)