MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS' SPOKESMAN MR.LE DZUNG
ANSWERS QUESTION ON 23rd OCTOBER 2008

Question: Could you please give us more information concerning the 7th ASEM Summit?

Answer:

The 7th ASEM Summit is held amidst complex developments of the world’s security – political and economic situation. This presents an important opportunity for ASEM members to jointly build a more practical and effective vision, making contribution to lift Asia – Europe partnership to a position commensurate with its potential and better serving the interests of its members.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung will lead the Vietnamese delegation to the Summit with a view to making active contribution to and actively promoting ASEM practical cooperation, bringing into fuller play Vietnam’s areas of strength.

The 7th ASEM Summit is held under the theme "Vision and Action-Towards a Win-Win Solution". It will focus on, firstly, global problems, especially food security and building capacity to deal with natural disasters; secondly, the world’s economic and financial situation, cooperation in coping with the current adverse developments in the global financial market; thirdly, promoting sustainable development, addressing global challenges in energy, environment, climate change; fourthly, developments of regional and international situation; fifthly, increasing dialogues among civilizations. The Summit is expected to adopt 3 documents: The Chairman’s Statement; Beijing Declaration on Sustainable Development and the amended Asia-Europe Cooperation Framework (AECF).

The Summit will also hold a discussion on world economic and financial situation. Vietnam is of the view that preventing a global financial crisis is a common task of all countries, regional and international organizations, including ASEM and ASEAN. In this connection, Vietnam welcomes proposals and strong measures by many countries to prevent a financial crisis in the region and the world.

About the 7th ASEM Summit