ASEM summit opens amid gloom over deadly France truck attack

The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is an informal inter-regional dialogue that addresses political, security, financial, economic, social and cultural issues.

[related-post]

This year’s summit is bringing together high-level delegation from 51 ASEM partners — 30 European and 21 Asian countries – and two intergovernmental organizations—under an overall theme of “20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity”.

Presidents of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Myanmar, South Korea, and Switzerland are attending the summit.

23 countries, including Japan, China, Finland, Luxembourg, Russia and the Netherlands, are attending the summit on a head-of-government level, whereas the remaining 16 country attendees are foreign ministers.

Additionally, the European Union is represented by Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations by Le Luong Minh, Secretary General of ASEAN.

The summit was opened by Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj who extended his welcome to the leaders.

“The people and the state of Mongolia have been placing a paramount importance on the ASEM Summit, which is currently on the global spotlight,” said President Elbegdorj.

“Indeed, the political leaders of ASEM partners, who make two-thirds of the global economy, have gathered here in our Ulaanbaatar city today,” he noted.

Tusk described as a “tragic paradox” that over 80 people were killed in Nice when French people were celebrating “liberty, equality and fraternity” — the country’s motto — on its National Day (Source:AP)

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of ASEM. It coincides with the historic 810th anniversary celebration of our Great Mongolian State, and we place special significance to hosting the Summit in our country this year,” he added.

ASEM comprises of 53 entities – 51 countries from Asia and Europe and two regional bodies – the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat.

It represents around 62.3 per cent of the world’s population, 57.2 per cent of the global GDP and almost 60 per cent of the world’s trade.

Also Read | Live Coverage of nice attack

Earlier, European Council president Tusk on Friday, described as a “tragic paradox” that over 80 people were killed in Nice when French people were celebrating “liberty, equality and fraternity” — the country’s motto — on its National Day.

European and Asian leaders pay respect to victims of #Nice attack. We stand united against violence and hatred pic.twitter.com/NU0IRhZd7H

— Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) 15 July 2016

“European and Asian leaders pay respect to victims of #Nice attack. We stand united against violence and hatred,” Tusk tweeted.