During the two days, much of the discussion will be on two important documents, namely the Vientiane Declaration on Strengthening Partnership for Peace and Development and the ASEM 9 Chair’s Statement.

At the meeting, many officials shared the same views on strengthening cooperation and dialogue, and maintaining peace and stability will top the agenda at the 9 th ASEM. This is especially critical at a time when the two regions are facing both challenges and opportunities, while the global economy has not yet fully recovered. Also on the agenda for debate is the negative impact of other non-traditional security issues.

Participants also gave their opinions on the admission of three new members to ASEM, namely Bangladesh , Norway and Switzerland .

The ninth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 9), the biggest international event ever hosted by Laos , will take place on November 5-6 under the chairmanship of Laos Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong.