The participants of the meeting – leaders of countries that together represent 60 percent of the global population and generate 65 percent of the planet’s GDP – adopted a final document on strengthening the European and Asian dialogue in three key directions: political and security issues, the economy and finance, cultural and social matters.
Lithuania’s proposals on regional security, aggression against Ukraine, nuclear safety standards, gender equality and women’s rights were included into the final ASEM document. A provision on keeping ASEM open to countries that seek membership in the organization, including Ukraine, was also included at the initiative of Lithuania.
Lithuania calls on all ASEM partners to cooperate in tackling cyber security threats. According to the President, even though digital technologies bring people closer together and play a decisive role for ensuring the freedom of speech in today’s world, it is very important to see the difference between the good and the bad as well as to develop resilience against propaganda.
The declaration underlines the need to maintain an open global economic system built on the WTO-approved multilateral trade rules.
As some signs of global economic crisis emerge on the scene and as self-isolation, protectionism and trade wars continue, Lithuania supports the efforts to preserve an open, transparent and predictable multilateral trade system. According to the President, such a system benefits Lithuania as it promotes economic growth and general welfare.
European and Asian countries foster intensive trade relations: the EU and Japan economic partnership agreement has been recently signed. During the ASEM meeting, a free trade deal with Singapore will be signed. A similar agreement is to be signed with Vietnam soon. Agreements of this kind are important to Lithuania as they open new markets and new export opportunities.
Lithuania became an ASEM member in 2004. The global cooperation format among 30 European and 21 Asian countries provides vast opportunities to represent Lithuania’s economic, trade and transport interests and helps attract international attention to the security and nuclear safety challenges that we face. Lithuania hosted the ASEM meeting of transport ministers and a seminar on nuclear safety. Last year, the first ASEM conference on the economic empowerment of women was organized at the initiative of Lithuania.
ASEM meetings are held not only between heads of state, but also ministers, members of parliament, business and youth representatives.
