Following two days of discussions, the event has proposed ways to further Asia-Europe cooperation in response to natural disasters, notably the connection of early warning systems of all Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) members in an effort to improve forecasting and evacuation.

Delegates agreed to increase ASEM’s engagement and support in regional mechanisms on reducing natural disasters such as ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management, as well as in global efforts to build the Hyogo Framework for action on reducing disaster losses after 2015.

Initiated by Viet Nam, the meeting asserts the country’s active role in international efforts to deal with non-traditional global challenges.

The Philippines will host the next event in September 2014.