Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj delivered opening remarks at the 11th ASEM Summit.

Prior to his speech, the Mongolian leader expressed condolences on victims of terrorist attacks last night in the French capital.

President Elbegdorj said “Mongolia possesses a distinctive geographical location situating in between Asia and Europe. It is a country which used to historically and traditionally connect the two continents. The present summit of ASEM is dedicated to the theme “20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity”. This topic of discussion goes back to many centuries ago.

Eight centuries ago, the ancient capital city of Mongolia, Kharkhorum used to serve as a venue of meetings of envoys of Asia and Europe. They were talking about increasing connectivity of countries of the two continents, building inter-religious understanding, ensuring free trade and security, sharing new knowledge and creating postal stations. These are clearly described in the historical sources.

It is an honor for Mongolians to host the ASEM Summit at home. Mongolia is thankful to all countries, international organizations and collectives for providing assistance and support and for joint actions for consolidating multilateral cooperation within ASEM and making this summit happen.

Both European and Asian countries and the two continents are facing similar and at the same time different challenges that shall be addressed and tackled. The summit’s foremost goal is directed thereto. During the summit, multilateral and bilateral business meetings are expected. It is worth to note that working groups and officials representing ASEM member states and partner organizations have provided all lead-ups.

The 11th ASEM summit will be resulted in releasing Ulaanbaatar Declaration and Chairman’s Statement. These will review activities ASEM has done in the last, shape outlook and reflect ways of tackling the challenges. I believe that the follow-up roadmaps of further actions will be determined.

This year is marking the 20th anniversary of ASEM. Its summit itself serves to review the past 20 years of ASEM and envision 20 years to come. This year, Mongolia is marking several historical dates as well. We are celebrating jubilees of the Mongolian statehood and the Great Mongol Empire.

The ASEM Summit is coinciding with our national festival – Naadam as a continuation of it. It is said peaceful time comes along with the Mongolian Naadam. Naadam festival is a unique combination of the great history, unmatched cultural heritage, tradition and fests of Mongolians with the modern development of the country. We have prepared a special Naadam of nomads for you. I believe that the heaven will bless and you will enjoy it.

Mongolians find the ASEM Summit as an important centennial event taking place on the Mongolian soil. We have done our best to make it happen. We have waited for you for a long. The people of Mongolia is hospitable, proud of their national history, open and have a great aspiration, Mongolia’s nature is magnificent.

I would like to welcome once again all of you, esteemed guests”.

The Mongolian President was followed by Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council,   Htin Kyaw, the President of Myanmar, Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia and Murray McCully, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand.

Then, outcomes of the four main side events of the ASEM Summit which are Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting, Asia-Europe Youth Forum, Asia-Europe Business Forum and Asia-Europe People’s Forum are being presented at the ongoing summit.

The summit will be followed by two panel sessions. The first session themed “20 years of Partnership: Reviewing the past and shaping the future” where the heads of ASEM partner states will review political dialogues, economic cooperation, socio-cultural exchanges and collaboration over the last 20 years.

The second session will concentrate more on the soft and hard connectivity of Asia and Europe under the main topic of “Enhancing comprehensive Asia-Europe partnership”. The outcomes of the two panel session will find their reflection in the final document.