2004 2009
AD HOC DELEGATION FOR THE FIFTH ASIA-EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY PARTNERSHIP (ASEP V) MEETING
Beijing, 18-20 June 2008
Report by the Chairman
Dr. Georg Jarzembowski
CR/738812EN.doc 1 PE 409.230v01-00 Summary
The fifth Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP) Meeting was held in Beijing on 18-20 June 2008, in the premises of the Conference Centre of the National People's Congress. The meeting was chaired by Mr Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China.
ASEP meetings are held regularly before ASEM (Asia Europe summits) meetings, alternatively in Europe or in Asia1, and normally in the host country of ASEM. The next ASEM meeting is scheduled to take place on 24-25 October 2008 in Beijing.
ASEP constitutes the parliamentary dimension of the ASEM process, which was launched 12 years ago. On this occasion, new Members were welcomed at the ASEP V meeting: the parliaments of India, Pakistan, Mongolia, Romania and Bulgaria.
The objectives of ASEP meetings are to examine the progresses achieved within the ASEM process, strengthen dialogue and mutual understanding at parliamentary level within in the context of this multi-lateral platform, to help advance ASEM objectives, and to draw the attention of ASEM leaders to a number of issues parliamentarians consider as priorities, as outlined in the respective final declarations.
The programme of the two-day gathering consisted mainly of a first preparatory meeting, in which a number of procedural matters were considered, meetings of the drafting committee to prepare the joint declaration, one panel discussion on trade and economy ("Pushing Forward the WTO Doha Round of Negotiations, and Promoting Asia-Europe Trade and Investment"), a second panel discussion on social and cultural matters ("Strengthening Dialogue Among Different Civilisation"), and two plenary sessions.
The European Parliament's delegation was constituted already on 24 April 2008, which provided sufficient time in order to prepare its position as regards the draft final declaration and the panel discussions. Discussions with the European Commission on the current state or preparations for the ASEM summit and the ASEM agenda were part of the delegation's thorough preparation. As a result, practically all amendments tabled by the European Parliament's delegation were adopted in the final declaration in Beijing.
The drafting committee and the final declaration
The Chairman participated in the two meetings of the drafting committee and defended the list of amendments tabled by the European Parliament successfully. Three important issues, the fight against climate change, energy security and disaster preparedness, such as a number of references to the rule of law, the importance of free media and good governance were added to the text - thanks to the European Parliament's input. The European Parliament's delegation also proposed a number of changes on the issue of the Doha round of negotiations with a view of making the wording more balanced, in particular as regards different positions among developing and developed countries. The discussions at the drafting committee were direct, at times controversial, but it was possible
1 ASEP I: Strasbourg 1996 ASEP II: Manila, Philippines, August 2002 ASEP III: Hue, Vietnam, March 2004 ASEP IV: Helsinski, Finland, May 2006.
CR/738812EN.doc 2 PE 409.230v01-00 to reach a consensus that did not water down the final declaration unnecessarily. As is usual in these cases, the text reflects the minimum common denominator. Obviously, some delegations (mainly the European Parliament's one, some delegations of national parliaments of the EU and the Japanese delegation) would have wished to have further-reaching statements on democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of the environment. It has to be said, however, that the Chinese host and chair of the meeting was a forthcoming and correct broker that made it possible to adopt a satisfactory declaration with some substantial points.
Unfortunately, the work on the final declaration was overshadowed by two incidents before the opening ceremony. One Member of the delegation, Mr Bastiaan Belder, was scheduled to have a private meeting with Dr. Fan Yafeng, a constitutional law scholar, and with pastor Zhang Mingxuan. According to the information that the European Parliament's delegation had at its disposal, both were arrested a few hours before the meeting was scheduled to take place. In reaction to this, the Chairman of this delegation addressed an urgent letter to the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress and leader of the Chinese delegation to ASEP V and held two meetings with him. The Chairman explained to his Chinese counterpart that if the incident would not be cleared in time the EP delegation would have to bring this incident to the attention of the conference and would have to intervene on the wording of the final declaration, especially as this focused, among others, on dialogue between civilisations and the importance of people-to-people links. We understand that both were set free shortly after these meetings took place. The Chinese authorities underlined that neither of them had been arrested, but had been invited to 'routine meetings'.
A similar incident was reported by Mr Jules Maaten, who intended to meet Mr Wan Yanhai of the Beijing Aizhixing Institute. Apparently, Mr Aizhixing was prevented by the police to leave his home in time for the meeting and he could only meet Mr Maaten at a later moment, escorted by his lawyers.
The panel discussions
The two panel discussions prepared the two main themes of the final declaration: the Doha round of negotiations and intercultural dialogue.
Panel discussion I on Economic and trade field: “Pushing Forward the WTO Doha Round of Negotiations, And Promoting Asia-Europe Trade and Investment” with Mr Paul de Wille from the Belgium Parliament as the rapporteur and with Mr David Martin from the European Parliament as the lead speaker.
There was a generalised consensus among delegations that the failure of the Doha Round is not an option, although obviously there is no guarantee. Some delegations called for an end of agricultural subsidies, and it was noted in this connection that whereas the EU has made considerable progress, the US has just adopted a new farm bill which is the cause of much concern. It was underlined that protectionism is not a solution. On the other hand it was pointed out that also the developing countries, especially the more developed ones, should also contribute to the success of the Doha round by, for instance, opening their markets for services and investments. As examples for contributions to the conference two of them are described in the following lines.
Ms Qiu Hong, Assistant Minister of Commerce of China, underlined that China is committed to an open, fair and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system and urged also for an early conclusion of the Doha Round. She noted that the agreement should enable developing nations
CR/738812EN.doc 3 PE 409.230v01-00 to participate in and benefit from the multilateral trading system, and help them achieve economic development and poverty alleviation. Noting that agriculture, on the one hand, is one of the key issues in the round, Ms Qiu Hong referred to the moral obligation of developed nations to discontinue their "trade-distorting domestic support" and in view of the current food price crisis to help find a sustainable solution. She also referred, on the other hand, to negotiations on NAMA, services and rules, which should both achieve the current "level of ambitions" but also enable developing countries to implement their development strategies. In particular, she hoped that developed members could be more forthcoming on the movement of people. She concluded by noting that the EU is in a full position to play a leading role and asked its parliamentarians "to help containing trade protectionism".
The delegate from Laos, Mr Khamsing Sayakone, presented an overview of the challenges that developing countries in Asia have to face in the context of the WTO more generally and as regards the Doha Round in particular. The Lao delegate referred to the preparations that Laos has to make for accession to the WTO and explained the role of the Lao National Assembly in providing the necessary legal framework for investments, the business environment, added value tax legislation, intellectual property and labour standards. In this context, he underlined the importance of the assistance from European and Asian WTO-Members in setting up the appropriate regulatory framework. Mr Sayakone concluded with a reference to the challenges developing countries are now facing (food crisis, energy prices, climate change and the potential for social unrest) and the importance that his country is giving to the WTO accession negotiations.
Panel discussion II on Social and cultural field: “Strengthening Dialogue Among Different Civilizations” with a parliamentarian from the Pakistani Parliament as the rapporteur and Dr. Sutrada Gintings from the Indonesian Parliament as the lead speaker.
There was a clear consensus among the delegations that inter-cultural dialogue is an important way to reduce prejudice and distrust. Improving mutual understanding was also seen as a pre- condition for improving trade and development. ASEP was considered as a very useful instrument in this context. As examples of contributions to the conference two of them are described in the following lines.
After having expressed a warm welcome to the new ASEP Members (India, Pakistan, Mongolia, Bulgaria and Romania) Dr. Sutrada Gintings referred to the Samuel P. Huntington's "Clash of Civilisations". He regretted that in today's world prejudice, misperception and distrust are still a significant obstacle not only to global peace, but also to development. Globalisation in the field of the economy and the emergence of modern information technology have made the differences among cultures more evident, which is positive but challenging at the same time. He then referred to the need of fairer global competition. Mr Gintings explained the lessons that Indonesia has had to learn, which, given its multi-cultural society and diverse geography, makes inter-cultural dialogue an every-day necessity in upholding Indonesia as a nation state.
Mr Marko Pavliha, Parliamentarian of Slovenia, reported on the activities of the first Slovenian presidency of the EU and underlined the importance attached to intercultural dialogue.
The plenary sessions
Discussions at the plenary sessions were more formal. Rapporteurs presented the results of the respective panel discussions on the Doha Round and on Intercultural Dialogue. These were reflected also in the declaration, which was then adopted unanimously by the plenary session.
CR/738812EN.doc 4 PE 409.230v01-00 All delegations thanked the Chinese hosts for a very smooth running of the meetings, an impeccable organisation and for a remarkable level of hospitality.
It was decided that the next ASEP meeting would take place in Belgium in 2010 – in preparation for the next ASEM meeting taking also place in Belgium.
Conclusions
The ASEM process was launched in Bangkok in 1996 with the participation of 25 nations and the European Commission. Today, it is composed of 45 members, representing 58% of the world's population, 50% of its GDP and 60% of its trade. It is obvious that with the rise of Asia, the ASEM platform is of the utmost importance for Europe, it connects the two continents politically, economically and culturally. It provides an opportunity to examine issues that can only be tackled globally, such as climate change, the rise in food prices, the price of energy. It should also provide an opportunity to aim at increasing convergence between Europe and Asia in international fora, although membership is very heterogeneous, including very developed and least developed countries.
The data speak for themselves, Asia and Europe are of strategic importance for each other, and the level of inter-dependence is growing fast. ASEP as the parliamentary dimension of the ASEM process has a very important role to play, but further progress is needed. The parliamentary partnership meeting should enhance its scrutiny work of progress achieved in the ASEM process, and move on to a more pro-active stance.
Although it is known that our Asian partners take a more cautious stance when it comes to considering changes in the format of meetings, the Chairman proposes that the ASEP meetings – at least on the European side – should be prepared more thoroughly and earlier before the actual meeting. Although on this occasion there was little time the EP delegation prepared a number of amendments on the draft resolution and introduced new issues like climate change (these amendments had also been sent in advance to the other European delegations). Unfortunately, it was not possible this time to organise a pre-meeting of the European delegations at the beginning of the conference, despite the European Parliament's invitation to do so. In any case, our amendments led to a more open and wider discussion of the drafting committee and to a more balanced wording of the final declaration.
In light of the above it is proposed for future meetings that the draft final declaration (and amendments to it from the various delegations) be circulated among delegations more in advance in order to allow for a more in-depth discussion, given that the ASEP meeting itself is traditionally a rather short one. Furthermore there should be a well prepared pre-meeting of the European delegations at the beginning or perhaps even before the next conference, which will take place in Belgium.
CR/738812EN.doc 5 PE 409.230v01-00 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
2004 2009
Ad hoc Delegation for ASEP V Meeting
5th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP V) Beijing, 18-20 June 2008 and Extension programme to North Korea Beijing, Pyongyang, Nampo, 20-24 June 2008
PROGRAMME
All times local 12:00 in Brussels = 18:00 in China 19:00 in Korea
Tuesday 17 June (and Wednesday 18 June)
Individual arrivals and transport provided by ASEP Secretariat to Conference Center of the National People's Congress 2 Xihuangchenggenbei St., Xicheng District Beijing 100034, China Tel. +86 10 6309-1999 Fax. +86 10 6309-1909
18:00 Secretariat meeting with European Commission
Wednesday 18 June all day Registration of Participants NPC Conference Center
14:10 Depart lobby for
15:00 Meeting with H.E. Serge Abou, Head of EC Delegation and possibly EU Member States' Ambassadors EC Delegation 15 Dong Zhi Men Wai Dajie Sanlitun, 100600 BEIJING Tel. +86 10 8454 8000, Fax. +86 10 8454 8011
CR/738812EN.doc 6 PE 409.230v01-00 18:00 Reception by the delegation of the National People’s Congress of China (NPC) NPC Conference Center
19:30 Preparatory meeting for heads of delegations (plus one other official delegate) - Adoption of the agenda - Election of the meeting’s officers - Administrative arrangements - Organization of proceedings - Other business
20:00 Drafting committee session I on the Declaration of the 5th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting
Thursday 19 June
09:00 Inaugural ceremony - Opening address by the leader of NPC - Address by Hon. Mr. Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China - Address by Mr. Seppo Kääriäinen, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Finland, host country of ASEP IV
09:45 Tea break
10:00-12:00 1st plenary session Adoption of the agenda Election of the meeting’s officers Organization of proceedings Adoption of the programme Other business
13:15 Depart of Messrs Pirker, Jarzembowski, Ford to
14:00-15:00 Meeting with Ambassador CHEN Naiqing on the Six-Party talks for the denuclearisation of North Korea Ministry for Foreign Affairs
15:00-15:45 Return to Conference Centre
14:00-17:00 Panel discussions
- Panel discussion I Economic and trade field: Pushing Forward the WTO Doha Round of Negotiations, And Promoting Asia-Europe Trade and Investment Co-chair: Finland, Thailand; Rapporteur: Belgium
CR/738812EN.doc 7 PE 409.230v01-00 - Presentation of lead speakers - Discussions - Panel discussion II Social and cultural field: Strengthening Dialogue Among Different Civilizations Co-chair: Pakistan, Slovenia; Rapporteur: Pakistan - Presentation of lead speakers - Discussions
18:00 Courtesy call on the leader of NPC by heads of delegations Great Hall of the People
18:30 Welcome reception and dinner hosted by the leader of NPC 20:30 Drafting committee session II on the Declaration of the 5th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting NPC Conference Center
Friday 20 June
09:30 2nd plenary session & closing ceremony - Report of panel discussion I (economic and trade field) - Report of panel discussion II (social and cultural field) - Report of the drafting committee - Adoption of the Declaration of the 5th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting - Address by representative of the host country of ASEP VI - Closing address by the host
Saturday 21 June
Individual departure to Europe or
09:15 Depart Conference Center for airport
11:55-15:00 Air Koryo JS152 flight to Pyongyang
16:00 Meeting with Supreme People's Assembly Secretariat to discuss the programme Hotel Koryo
18:30 Meeting with Chairman of Europe Friendship Group in the Supreme People's Assembly, Dr. RI Jong Hyok Hotel Koryo
CR/738812EN.doc 8 PE 409.230v01-00 Sunday 22 June
8:30-9:00 Visit to President Kim Il Sung's birthplace Manyongdae, Pyongyang
9:00-12:00 Visit to Nampo harbour, West Sea Barrage Nampo, Pyong'an-Namto
12:30-13:30 Lunch Nampo
13:30-14:30 Meeting with Mr. Helmut WERNER, EC AIDCO, and inspection of EU-donated agricultural equipment Nampo
15:00-16:00 Visit to Chongsan-Ri co-operative farm Kangso, Pyong'an-Namto
16:00-17:30 Return to Pyongyang
17:30-18:30 Meeting with Phaekto Art Gallery on forthcoming North Korean Art Exhibition in EP
Monday 23 June
09:30-11:00 Interparliamentary Meeting with Europe Friendship Group in the Supreme People's Assembly Mansudae Assembly Hall
11:00-12:30 Meeting with Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. KUNG Sok Un Ministry of Foreign Affairs
13:00-14:15 Lunch meeting with international aid agencies and EU diplomatic community British Embassy (acting EU presidency)
14:30-16:00 Meeting with Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade Ministry of Foreign Trade
16:00-17:30 Call on Mr. CHOE Thae Bok, Speaker of Supreme People's Assembly Mansudae Assembly Hall
19:00-21:30 Farewell dinner Hotel Koryo
21:30-22:30 Debriefing with Czech Embassy (upcoming EU presidency)
Tuesday 24 June
8:00-11:00 Air Koryo JS151 flight to Beijing Flights to Europe
CR/738812EN.doc 9 PE 409.230v01-00 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
2004 2009
Ad hoc Delegation for ASEP V Meeting
5th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP V) Beijing
18-20 June 2008
LIST OF MEMBERS
Group Member Committee Country Delegation for relations with Japan, Chairman Mr Georg JARZEMBOWSKI PPE-DE Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula, Member Chair Germany Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sub Member Delegation for relations with the countries of Southeast Asia and the PPE-DE Mr Hartmut NASSAUER Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Chairman Germany Committee on Legal Affairs, Member Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula, Chairman PPE-DE Mr Hubert PIRKER Committee on Foreign Affairs, Member Austria Subcommittee on Security and Defence, Member Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula, Member PSE Mr Glyn FORD Committee on International Trade, Member UK Subcommittee on Security and Defence, Member PSE Committee on Foreign Affairs, Member Ms Ana Maria GOMES Portugal Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Member PSE Committee on International Trade, Member Mr David MARTIN UK Temporary Committee on Climate Change, Sub Member Delegation for relations with the countries of Southeast Asia and the ALDE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Member Mr Jules MAATEN Netherlands Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food, Member Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sub Member Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia, Member Verts/ALE Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, Member Ms Jean LAMBERT UK Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, Sub Member Committee on Foreign Affairs, Member IND/DEM Mr Bastiaan BELDER Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Member Netherlands Delegation for relations with Israel, Vice-Chair NI Mr Slavi BINEV Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, Member Bulgaria
PPE-DE Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats PSE Socialist Group in the European Parliament ALDE Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Verts/ALE Group of the Greens / European Free Alliance IND/DEM Independence/Democracy Group NI Non-attached Members
CR/738812EN.doc 10 PE 409.230v01-00 STAFF
SECRETARIAT
Mr Thierry JACOB France Administrator
Mr Walter MASUR Austria Administrator
Ms Claudia SCHWENDENWEIN Austria Assistant
POLITICAL GROUPS
PPE-DE Mr Markus ARENS Political Advisor Germany
PSE Ms Bogna SUDA Political Advisor Poland
Verts/ALE Ms Sabine MEYER Political Advisor Germany
IND/DEM Mr Dick Jan DIEPENBROEK Political Advisor Netherlands
* * *
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
EC Mr Reinhold HACK Head of Unit Interinstitutional Relations Germany
CR/738812EN.doc 11 PE 409.230v01-00 Declaration of the Fifth Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting
Beijing, 18-20 June 2008
1. The Fifth Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP V) was held in Beijing, China on 18-20 June 2008. Parliamentarians from ASEM partners and the European Parliament attended the Meeting at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China. This was the first ASEP meeting after the second round of ASEM enlargement that increased ASEP membership to 43 (See list of delegates in Annex).
2. Chairman Wu Bangguo inaugurated the Meeting and extended a warm welcome to all delegates. He pointed out in his welcoming remarks that to strengthen Asia-Europe cooperation and promote common development is an issue of mutual interest to people of all countries in Asia and Europe. Dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe is in the fundamental interest of the two sides and conducive to peace, development and cooperation of the whole world.
3. The Meeting welcomed new members, namely the parliaments of Bulgaria, India, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Romania, believing that their participation will make ASEP more representative and dynamic.
4. ASEP parliamentarians expressed deep sympathies over the casualties and property losses incurred in the recent natural disasters in Myanmar, China and Japan, and extended condolences to the bereaved. They expressed the hope that life in the affected areas will be brought back to normal at an early date.
5. ASEP parliamentarians expressed their commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in their respective regions. They expressed their full support for the efforts for political stabilization in the Western Balkans and for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
6. ASEP parliamentarians recalled the previous four Meetings in Strasbourg (1996), Manila (2002), Hue City (2004) and Helsinki (2006), and held comprehensive, in-depth and fruitful discussions on issues of common concern and interest.
Promoting the Doha Round of WTO Negotiations and facilitate trade and investment between Asia and Europe
7. ASEP parliamentarians reaffirmed the importance of an open, rule-based, multilateral trading system under the WTO to global trade balance and economic growth and financial stability of all countries and regions, believing that such a system will be the most effective in regulating and expanding trade relations among ASEM partners.
8. ASEP parliamentarians voiced concern over the slow progress in the multilateral trade negotiations and surging trade protectionism and expressed the view that this would have an adverse impact on the trade environment of the world, developing members in particular. They undertook to ask their governments to advance the Doha Round of negotiations to a comprehensive, balanced and early conclusion, preferably within this year, to ensure the realization of the development goals of the Doha Development Agenda for the real benefits of all members, especially developing members.
CR/738812EN.doc 12 PE 409.230v01-00 9. ASEP parliamentarians recognized that ensuring food security for their population is a primary duty for all countries, and noted that agriculture is one of the key issues in the Doha Round of negotiations, called on all members to demonstrate greater sincerity and flexibility to enable substantial progress in agricultural negotiations as well as in other related areas at the earliest possible date.
10. ASEP parliamentarians noted with concern the growing inflationary pressure on countries from the rising global food prices and their severe impact on the life of the poor population and the global poverty-reduction objective, recommended that their respective countries, developed ones in particular, take measures under the guidance and coordination of the United Nations to increase aid in the short-term and promote sustainable development of agricultural production and strengthen capacity-building that contributes to the improvement of agricultural productivity to raise food self-sufficiency in the medium and long-term, so as to bring about a fundamental solution to the issue of food security.
11. Believing that regional trade arrangements/free trade agreements are useful supplements to the multilateral trading system advocated by the WTO, ASEP parliamentarians supported regional cooperation carried out by ASEM partners in compliance with the WTO rules to promote cross- regional economic opening up and integration.
12. Reiterating that ASEM partners should work together to deepen the Asia-Europe economic partnership through closer cooperation and take concrete actions to reduce trade and investment barriers to facilitate trade opening up and mutual investment between Asia and Europe, ASEP parliamentarians called on all ASEM partners to regularly review the implementation of the Hanoi Declaration on Closer ASEM Economic Partnership.
13. Noting that the ASEM Investment Promotion Action Plan (IPAP) is aimed at promoting two- way flow of investment between Asia and Europe, ASEP parliamentarians expressed concern over the lack of substantial progress of ASEM in investment promotion in recent years, and urged ASEM partners to continue to encourage their investment institutions to deepen multilateral exchanges, information sharing and cooperation and explore the possibility of establishing a multilateral investment promotion mechanism under the guidance of the Action Plan. In this context and in view of the constraints of climate change, the ASEP parliamentarians drew particular attention to the need of increased investments in technologies designed to enhance environmental protection and energy efficiency and transfer of those technologies.
14. ASEP parliamentarians recognized the strong impetus European trade integration has given to the economic integration and overall growth of the region and welcomed the regional trade arrangements/free trade agreements that have been reached or are under negotiation in Asia. They also called for more in-depth studies on measures to promote Asia-Europe trade, including the establishment of an Asia-Europe free trade area.
15. Noting that this year is the year for mid-term review of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and that the United Nations will hold an MDGs high-level event in September, ASEP parliamentarians called on ASEM partners to seize the opportunity and work together for the worldwide fulfillment of the MDGs on schedule, particularly programmes directly related to poverty alleviation.
16. Agreeing that the international community should work to create an enabling external environment for the poverty-reduction and development endeavors of developing countries so that they can better meet the MDGs, ASEP parliamentarians urged developed countries to
CR/738812EN.doc 13 PE 409.230v01-00 fulfill, as soon as possible, their commitment of increasing their ODA to 0.7% of their GNI.
17. Noting the exacerbated fluctuations in the international financial market and the expanded fallout of the subprime crisis, ASEP parliamentarians called on ASEM partners to increase dialogue and cooperation on financial policies to jointly safeguard stability of the regional financial market. They welcomed the active efforts of finance ministers of Asia and Europe to explore effective measures to deepen financial cooperation between the two regions, including continued implementation of the Tianjin Initiative on Closer ASEM Economic and Financial Cooperation and the establishment of an emergency dialogue mechanism to address economic and financial contingencies. ASEP parliamentarians applauded the efforts of Asian members in promoting financial and monetary integration, including the Chiang Mai Initiative, the Asian Bond Markets Initiative and the Asian Bond Fund.
18. ASEP parliamentarians welcomed active participation of the business communities in Asia and Europe in the ASEM process, reaffirmed the role of the Asia-Europe Business Forum as a bridge for closer contacts among the business communities of ASEM partners and a good platform for business-government interaction, and called on ASEM partners to implement more recommendations from the Business Forum.
19. ASEP parliamentarians reiterated the importance of closer cooperation on trade in services and among SMEs, and called on ASEM partners to implement the recommendations made at the inaugural ASEM SMEs Ministerial Meeting held in Beijing in October 2007 and work together to promote trade in services in Asia and Europe by encouraging dialogue, in the form of business fora and talks, between companies in the service sector and helping them find partners and business opportunities.
20. ASEP parliamentarians affirmed that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol are the major legitimate regime for international cooperation in addressing climate change and called on ASEM members to observe the provisions, principles and objectives of the convention, especially the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and make efforts to enable full, efficient and sustained implementation of the convention through long-term cooperation, now, up to and beyond 2012. ASEP parliamentarians recognized the scientific evidence of human activity influence on the current global warming trend and took note of the evidence that many natural systems are already affected by climate changes due to carbon emissions from industries. ASEP parliamentarians also recognized that adverse climate change could impede the ability of countries to follow sustainable development and attain the Millennium Development Goals. ASEP parliamentarians encouraged ASEM countries to work closely in the preparation for the United Nations Climate Conference in 2009, in order for the Conference to produce concrete results.
21. ASEP parliamentarians also noted the increasing importance of energy security and sustainable development and the need for international cooperation in this sector. Energy policy should also, in the context of sustainable development, have a more prominent role in Asia-Europe cooperation. Energy will also have an important role in transport and logistics between Asia and Europe. This cooperation can be further strengthened by developing new land and sea links between Asia and Europe.
22. ASEP parliamentarians noted that one possible adverse effect of climate change can be an increased occurrence of natural disasters. Therefore, they agreed on the need for all countries to increase efforts in the area of disaster preparedness and expressed their support for further improving national disaster preparedness schemes. ASEP parliamentarians also underlined the
CR/738812EN.doc 14 PE 409.230v01-00 usefulness of exchanging expertise in this area.
Protecting cultural diversity and promote dialogue among civilizations
23. ASEP parliamentarians recognized that globalization brings both growing opportunities for exchanges and interaction among different cultures, civilizations and religions and development imbalances and uneven distribution of benefits. Prejudice, misunderstanding, intolerance and even confrontation and conflict among different cultures and civilizations pose a challenge to human wisdom and civilization. It is all the more urgent to strengthen the political dimension of dialogue among cultures and civilizations.
24. ASEP parliamentarians reiterated their commitment to taking concerted actions and continuing to promote dialogue among cultures and civilizations, advance interaction and reconciliation of different religions, ethnic groups and ideologies, strengthen regional and international cooperation, and build a world of peace and harmony.
25. ASEP parliamentarians reiterated that ASEM partners include ancient cultures and civilizations in the East and the West, and that cultural diversity is a defining feature of this region and an important foundation for Asia-Europe cooperation and exchanges. They stressed the need to respect cultural diversity, and called for understanding, tolerance, mutual respect and harmonious co-existence among various social systems, development paths and cultures.
26. ASEP parliamentarians reaffirmed the positive role of dialogue among cultures and civilizations in eradicating poverty, protecting the environment and promoting sustainable economic growth and common prosperity, and called on ASEM partners to promote good governance and the rule of law, and in the spirit of inclusiveness and dialogue, work for a world featuring harmonious co-existence, equality, mutual respect and common development of different cultures and civilizations as well as promoting dialogue in practical daily life.
27. ASEP parliamentarians reiterated that they oppose extremism and are committed to promoting peaceful and effective solutions of conflicts, preventing and combating all forms of terrorism, and opposing the use of force in the name of religion, faith and ideology and any attempt to provoke conflicts over differences in culture, race and value in Asia, Europe and other parts of the world.
28. ASEP parliamentarians took note of ASEM’s efforts to promote dialogue among cultures and civilizations, and welcomed the positive outcome of the ASEM Conference on Cultures and Civilizations and the ASEM Interfaith Dialogue as well as the rich cultural exchanges sponsored by the Asia-Europe Foundation. They also hailed the role of NGOs and the civil society in deepening dialogue among cultures and civilizations.
29. ASEP parliamentarians emphasized the importance of education in promoting cultural exchanges and dialogue among civilizations, and called on ASEM partners to engage in educational cooperation and academic exchanges in a more active way and provide opportunities to people, youth in particular, to enable them to better appreciate and respect different cultures and civilizations as well as to understand that different cultures can enrich the civilization.
30. ASEP parliamentarians encouraged ASEM to redouble its efforts to develop an ambitious and concrete action plan on furthering exchange programmes for youth and young professionals, as called for by the ASEP IV meeting.
CR/738812EN.doc 15 PE 409.230v01-00 31. ASEP parliamentarians emphasized the important role of the media including internet in respecting cultural diversity and difference and promoting understanding and tolerance among cultures and civilizations and constructing relations of trust and friendship among countries and people and encouraged all ASEM partners to ensure openness and freedom of the media, according to national laws, and emphasized the principle of objectiveness and fairness in media reporting.
32. ASEP parliamentarians recalled the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reaffirming their commitment to the purposes and principles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ASEP parliamentarians also called on ASEM partners to respect human rights and fundamental freedom for all, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion and others.
33. ASEP parliamentarians recognized the contribution made by relevant countries and regional and international organizations to promoting dialogue among cultures and civilizations, including the Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations, the UNSG Alliance of Civilizations initiative, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, and the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations, and welcomed the implementation of these initiatives in the social, youth, education, media and other areas.
Further strengthening the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership
34. ASEP parliamentarians shared the view that the second decade for ASEM is an important period to deepen the ASEM process, and called on ASEM partners to further enhance dialogue and cooperation in political, economic, social and cultural areas, to enable people in Asia and Europe to benefit more from such cooperation. ASEP parliamentarians also supported measures taken by ASEM partners to raise the profile and influence of ASEM and win broader public recognition and support.
35. ASEP parliamentarians stressed the need for closer links between ASEP and ASEM, and reiterated their readiness to contribute to the advancement of the ASEM process.
36. All delegates to ASEP V expressed their sincere appreciation to the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, host of the Meeting, and Chairman Wu Bangguo, President of the Meeting.
37. ASEP parliamentarians agreed to hold the 6th ASEP Meeting in 2010 in Belgium and looked forward to their reunion in two years’ time.
CR/738812EN.doc 16 PE 409.230v01-00