Asem Leaders Vow To Improve Ties
By Azlan Othman in Helsinki

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam along with other Asian and European leaders recognised the growing weight of Asia and Europe in the global economy, the increasing economic interdependence between the two regions, and the dramatic growth of Asia and Europe in all fields since the establishment ofAsem 10 years ago.

This was highlighted in the Helsinki Declaration on the Future of Asem during a two-day Asem 6 Summit in Helsinki, Finland yesterday, which was participated by 13 Asian and 25 European leaders, as well as representatives of the European Commission.

They also acknowledged that the first decade of partnership had led to broadened political dialogue, stronger economic relations and better cultural exchanges, and had given rise to more than 100 collaborative initiatives.

The leaders commended on the open and evolutionary nature, of the Asem process, due to ever-expanding partnership, which has increased its global visibility.

In order to lead Asem successfully into the second decade, the leaders are committed to deepening the partnership through various guiding principles such as the continuous emphasis on Asem's vital role as -a framework for dialogue and cooperation to serve as a prime point of convergence between Europe and Asia.

They also reconfirmed Asem's mission as a partnership between equals, committed to multi-lateralism and fair, just and rule-based international border with the United Nations as its core.

They also reasserted Asem's role as a catalyst in a broader context of EU-Asia relations as a means to implement action-oriented initiatives that are in sync with other relevant plans at regional, sub-regional and bilateral levels.

The leaders will commence the second decade by focusing on key policy areas such as multi-lateralism, global threats of common concerns, globalisation and competitiveness and structural changes in the global economy.

They welcomed the decision to enlarge Asem so as to bring on greater dynamics and better dialogue and cooperation.

They also recognised the legitimate needs for developing countries to achieve sustainable economic growth in order to eradicate poverty.

Meanwhile, Asia and Europe strive to enhance sustainable development and quality of life. With this goal in mind, the summit issued an action-oriented joint declaration on climate change.

According to the Helsinki Declaration on Climate Change, the leaders expressed concerns over the adverse impacts of climate change as well as the risk that accompanies sea level rises and increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

They also underlined the objectives, principles and commitments of the United Nations' Framework Convention on Climate Change and Kyoto Protocol.

They recognised that climate change and security of energy supply are interrelated and foresaw the very significant resources, estimated at US$6.3 trillion, will be invested in the energy sector in Asem countries by 2030. which the leaders saw as a challenge as well as an opportunity.

They also agreed to promote development, transfer and deployment of low carbon technology and access by developing ~szm countries to cleaner, more climate friendly technologies vritnoui overlooking any relevant options, be they existing or new. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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