ASEM Leaders Seek Close Cooperation

Under the theme of "Partnership for Prosperity and Stability in the New Millennium," the Third Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) opened Friday morning in Seoul.

Leaders and representatives from 25 ASEM member states and some 800 prominent figures attended the opening ceremony.

In his opening speech, South Korean President Kim Dae-jung said the meeting provided a valuable chance for Asia and Europe to set the framework for a cooperative relationship as the world entered a new millennium.

"Multinational coordination is essential for the control of epidemic diseases, international crime, terrorism and environmental destruction," he said.

French President Jacques Chirac, Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, European Commission Chairman Romano Prodi, and British Minister Tony Blair also made speeches, stressing that Asia and Europe should strengthen exchanges and cooperation to solve issues that face both continents.

At the two-day meeting, politicians will hold three closed-door sessions to discuss issues related to security, environment, information, globalization, crisis prevention, energy supply, and others.

It is expected that the Seoul ASEM will adopt the Chairman's Statement, the Asia-Europe Cooperation Framework 2000 and the Seoul Declaration on Peace on the Korean Peninsula.

People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/