VILNIUS: The 13th ASEM Summit

VILNIUS: The 13th ASEM Summit

VILNIUS: The 13th ASEM Summit with the
theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth” was held virtually
on 25-26 November, 2021. Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu
will lead the Indian Delegation for the Summit, which is expected to see participation
from all 51 member countries, and ASEAN & European Union. This Summit will
also mark the 25th anniversary of the ASEM process.

The 13th Summit is being hosted by Cambodia as ASEM Chair. A number of Heads of
States / Heads of Government are expected to participate in the Summit. ASEM
Agenda for 2021 will prioritize on issues related to strengthening
multilateralism, post-Pandemic Socio-Economic Recovery and Development as well
as other regional and global issues of common interest and concern.

Along with the Opening Ceremony, Vice President will also participate in the
First Plenary Session as well as the Retreat Session of the Summit and will
exchange views on areas like reformed multilateralism, fight against pandemic
and post-pandemic recovery, mitigating global climate change, Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG), maritime safety and security, etc.

ASEM is a platform for the countries in Asia and Europe to exchange views on
regional and global issues and strengthen cooperation on a wide range of areas
emanating from its three pillars – political and security, economic and
financial and socio-cultural. The ASEM grouping comprises of 51 member
countries and 2 regional organizations – European Union and ASEAN. Countries in
the grouping represent 65% of global GDP, 60% of the global population, 75% of
global tourism and 55% of global trade. The ASEM Summit is a biennial event
alternating between country in Asia and Europe and is the foremost event of
ASEM process to set its priorities for dialogue and cooperation between Asia
and Europe in the areas of political, economic, financial, social, cultural,
and educational issues of common interest in a spirit of mutual respect and
equal partnership. India joined ASEM process in 2006. The 7th ASEM Summit held
in 2008 saw the first Summit level participation from India.

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