ASEM to take place in Brussels from October 4-5

Hanoi (VNA)- The 8 th Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM) will take place in the Belgian
capital city of Brussels from October 4-5 with the participation of representatives
from 48 member countries.

Ambassador Sean Doyle, head of the EU delegation in Vietnam Sean Doyle and Belgian
Ambassador to Vietnam Hubert Cooreman told a press briefing in Hanoi on September
28 that following positive results reached in the Summit in Beijing in 2008, ASEM
8 is the next step in achieving greater well-being and more dignity for all
citizens.

This theme, since captured by the short expression “Quality of Life”, now
stands as the title of ASEM 8.

ASEM which represents about 58 percent of world population and 60 percent of world
trade, provides a privileged opportunity to promote dialogues on issues of common
concern of the two continents and all over the world.

Following positive results reached in the previous event in Beijing in 2008, ASEM
8 is the next step in achieving greater well-being and more dignity for all
citizens. This theme, since captured by the short expression “Quality of
Life”, now stands as the title of ASEM 8.

In addition to the main topic, leaders of ASEM 8 will discuss the financial
crisis, sustainable development through the effective use of energy and
development of innovative technologies, food and energy security, climate change
and other regional security issues.

As leader of the Vietnamese government and chairman of the ASEAN bloc, Prime
Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will hold talks with Prime Minister of Belgium Ives
Leterme.

Notably, ASEM 8 will see the first presence of Russia, Australia and New Zealand
as full members.

The biennial ASEM is held rotationally in Asia and Europe. Under the event, about
60 activities take place all over the world every year.-Enditem