ASEM to adopt ASEAN's concept paper on moderates
07-Nov-2012
Leaders attending the Asia-Europe Summit (Asem) in Vientiane have agreed to adopt ASEAN's concept paper on the Global Movement of Moderates.
This is seen as a success for Malaysia which initiated the concept to not only resolve but also avoid conflicts.
The leaders of the 51-member group have also thrown their support behind the establishment of inter-religious dialogue and underlined the necessity to involve more people of different beliefs into this process.
“The leaders have resolved to take concerted action to further promote mutual understanding and tolerance so people of diverse faiths, religions and cultures can co-exist in harmony and enjoy equal rights,” said the chair's statement issued at the end of the two-day summit yesterday.
Asem leaders also expressed concern over the situation in Syria.
“Leaders have called for an immediate cessation of violence and also expressed readiness to support the reconstruction efforts in Syria,” said the statement.
They also called for reforms of international financial institutions and pledged to give new momentum to cooperation between Asia and Europe.