Asean and a more pro-active Asem

Re: 'As tensions rise, Asean countries will walk a fine line' (Opinion, Nov.2)

The final conclusion of the above article was thought-provoking. Asean countries are confronted with seismic geopolitical changes and will have to weigh carefully how they should react. The solution would be to walk a delicate line between the rival superpowers.

This offers ground for a fundamental question.To what extent Asia - Europe Meeting (Asem), in which all Asean members and its Secretariat are represented, can be more pro-active and instrumental in leading the countries of the two continents to an increased mutually beneficial strategic engagement ? The answer is still on the waiting list.

Hopefully, the 9th Asem Summit scheduled tomorrow in Vientiane, with the theme 'Friends for Peace, Partners for Prosperity', will try to facilitate and accelerate a relevant reply to the above question.

On substance, the Vientiane Summit will deal with significant regional and international issues of common concern for Asian and European countries, including food and energy security, sustainable development, financial and economic crises, climate change, natural disaster responses, socio-cultural cooperation, and future directions of Asem activities. However, with no formal Asem Secretariat and no coordination mechanism for follow-up activities it will be very difficult to further consolidate the multi-faceted development of relations between the two continents.

Innovative diplomatic efforts are needed both from Asean and the European Union to find a clear, workable organisational identity for Asem. Creativity is vital to give tangibility and visibility to Asem's ideals in the years to come.

Ioan Voicu

Latest stories in this category

• Talk of charter rewrite keeps political heat up


• Remark by Phumtham and ex-PM's visit will stir up..


• Thaksin co too busy looting the ship


• Police just do what they feel like

We Recommend

• Ratify AIT charter, president tells govt


• To end the problem concerning the legal status of..


• Thailand, Myanmar aim to triple trade by 2015


• Panel warns no-show Sorrayuth

Comments conditions

Users are solely responsible for their comments.We reserve the right to remove any comment and revoke posting rights for any reason withou prior notice.

Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/11/04/asean-and-a-more-pro-active-asem/