The ASEM7 concluded in Beijing on October 25. During the two-day meeting, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and other national leaders discussed a wide range of measures to further promote the ASEM dialogue and cooperation processes to cope with global challenges and move towards the goals of mutual benefit and success.

After the closing ceremony, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and ASEM leaders announced the outcome of the summit at a press briefing held in Beijing.

Mr Wen Jiabao said, as the world faces major challenges such as the financial crisis, energy and food security, environmental change, natural disasters and poverty, the ASEM 7 proved to be of great significance, having a far-reaching impact on Asia-Europe cooperation.

Under the theme of “Vision and Action: Towards a Win-Win Solution”, ASEM leaders reached a consensus on the global financial situation, food security, natural disasters, sustainable development and the promotion of dialogue among civilizations.

The meeting released the Declaration on the World Financial Situation, the Beijing Declaration on Sustainable Development and the Chair’s Statement. In addition, it also approved a series of initiatives for cooperation in economics, social affairs, culture and sustainable development.

In the Declaration on the World Financial Situation, ASEM leaders called on countries around the world to show their wider views, iron-will, determination and high responsibility while applying effective measures to cope with the challenges of the current global financial crisis.

They pinned high hopes on a joint effort by the International community to help the world recover from the economic slowdown while saying that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should play a key role in supporting countries heavily affected by the crisis.

ASEM leaders voiced their support for the International Summit scheduled for November 15 in Washington, USA, focusing on debating the current financial crisis, and regulations governing the international financial system and maintaining the long-term development and stability of the world economy.

During the two-day meeting, PM Dung also contributed practical opinions on enhancing Asia-Europe cooperation in culture and measures to cope with climate change and ensure food security.