The Sixth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM6)
September 2006
1. Date and Participants
The Sixth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM6) was held in Helsinki, Finland on 10 and 11 September 2006. The Helsinki Summit, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the ASEM process, was participated by the leaders of Japan, China, Korea and 10 ASEAN countries as well as the leaders of 25 EU member states and the European Commission (a few members were represented at ministerial level).
2. Overview of discussions
(1) Session 1: Strengthening Multilateralism and Addressing Security Threats (Afternoon, 10 September)
The Chairman invited discussions by asking how to strengthen the multilateral approach on common challenges and threats which Asian and European countries faced.
Prime Minister Koizumi, referring to terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, and piracies as major common challenges, introduced Japan's efforts on those issues in concrete terms. Prime Minister Koizumi also took up the North Korean issues, and stated that the international community should be united in calling for an early resolution of the abduction issue as well as its nuclear and missiles problems (see annex).
Leaders shared the view on the importance of multilateral approaches centred around the United Nations to address common threats including transnational organized crime, three major infectious diseases and new types of influenza.
(2) Working dinner: Regional Developments (Evening, 10 September)
Leaders discussed the situations in the Korean Peninsula, Myanmar and the Middle East, including Lebanon and the Iranian nuclear issue.
Prime Minister Koizumi stated that the abduction by North Korea was an issue of international scope, in which victims from South Korea and some European countries were involved. He called for cooperation from each of the partners for an early resolution of the issue.
(3) Session 2: Dialogue among Cultures and Civilizations (Morning, 11 September)
Leaders observed a silent moment for the victims of 9/11 five years ago. Many leaders emphasized the importance of mutual understanding through the dialogue among different faiths and cultures, and stated that ASEM could play an important role in this field. There was a report on the outcome of the Fourth Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP4) where educational exchange had been discussed.
(4) Working lunch: Sustainable Development including Environment and Energy Security (11 September)
Leaders discussed energy security, responses to environmental concerns and climate change.
Prime Minister Koizumi explained Japan's efforts in the field of environment and energy based on its experiences of pollution during the high economic growth period, and stated that ASEM was an important framework in considering how to pursue both environmental protection and economic development.
(5) Session 3: Globalisation and Competitiveness (Afternoon, 11 September)
Leaders exchanged opinions on cooperation within the ASEM framework in responding to opportunities and challenges of globalisation, regional trade agreements, and implementation of the ASEM5 Economic Declaration.
Leaders expressed deep regret about the suspension of the WTO negotiation, which aims at liberalization and development in response to globalisation. They shared the view on the need for early resumption of the negotiation.
There was a report from the Asia-Europe Business Forum (AEBF).
(6) Session 4: The Future of ASEM (Afternoon, 11 September)
The participation of three countries and one organisation (India, Pakistan, Mongolia and the ASEAN Secretariat) from the Asian side, and two European countries (Bulgaria and Romania) in the ASEM process was decided.
The chairman reported the launch of the ASEM Virtual Secretariat, referring to Japan's contribution.
3. Outcome Documents
As a result of the discussions, the following three documents were issued.
(1) Chairman's Statement [PDF]
After briefly evaluating 10 years of ASEM at the beginning, it summarizes discussions at ASEM6 on (1) regional developments, (2) strengthening multilateralism and addressing security threats (UN reform, non-proliferation of WMD, fight against terrorism, infectious diseases, etc), (3) globalisation and competitiveness (WTO, regional cooperation, labour, etc), (4) sustainable development including environment and energy security, (5) dialogue among cultures and civilizations, etc.
(2) ASEM6 Declaration on Climate Change [PDF]
This document announces the importance of enhancing dialogue in the field of climate change through international cooperation, harnessing technology and investment, enhancing energy efficiency, scaling up the use of new and renewable energies, strengthening the capacity to respond to disaster, and continuing the dialogue on climate change within the ASEM framework.
(3) Helsinki Declaration on the Future of ASEM [PDF]
This document identifies key policy areas of dialogue and cooperation in the next decade of the ASEM process, such as strengthening multilateralism and addressing common global threats, globalisation, and sustainable development. It also mentions the role of ASEM Virtual Secretariat as an information sharing device.
4. Bilateral Meetings
During his stay in Helsinki, Prime Minister Koizumi made a courtesy call on President Tarja Halonen of Finland, and held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen of Finland, President Groria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero of Spain, and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of Vietnam. Prime Minister Koizumi also had opportunities to discuss bilateral and international issues with other leaders at meals and between sessions. Prime Minister Koizumi and President Arroyo signed the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and the Philippines.
Annex
"Remarks by Prime Minister Koizumi during Session 1"
(Open a New Window)Back to Index