Leaders pledge deeper cooperation at ASEM Summit

The 11th ASEM Summit has drawn to a close in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with European and Asian leaders declaring their intention to work more closely on the most urgent challenges facing global security and the world's economy.

The 11th ASEM Summit has drawn to a close in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with European and Asian leaders declaring their intention to work more closely on the most urgent challenges facing global security and the world's economy. European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker i, European Council President, Donald Tusk i, and High Representative / Vice President, Federica Mogherini i, represented the European Union at the summit.

Speaking at the Summit's final press conference, European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker set out the priorities for the work ahead: "We know what the global challenges are. We discussed them: fighting terrorism, pursuing our trade agenda in order to create jobs, moving ahead after the Brexit vote, tackling climate change and the refugee crisis. We know they require global responses. And this is what we will deliver."

Following the terrorist attack in Nice, the ASEM leaders issued a joint statement on international terrorism, expressing their condolences to the victims and their families, and reaffirming their determination to deepen cooperation: "We reaffirm our commitment to join forces to fight the plague of terrorism and underline the need to bring to justice those responsible for the attacks in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law."

In their Declaration on ASEM into the Third Decade, the leaders recognised that ASEM had proven its relevance as a unique platform for dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year, ASEM now brings together 53 European and Asian countries. "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," states the declaration.