“We must increase the efficiency of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), which serves as a platform that boosts economic cooperation around the world,” said President Park Geun-hye during the first session of the ASEM Summit in Ulaanbaatar on July 15.

Speaking as the lead speaker during the session, President Park stated that, “Now is the time to talk about ways to solidify the foundation of free trade around the world and address economic gaps among nations.”



“Each country should work to reap the benefits from open, free trade that are given to all walks of life, as well as join forces to spur creative innovation that opens a new driving force to lead our economies,” said President Park. “I hope that the ASEM Summit this time will provide an impetus to the spread of free trade across our regions, with inclusive growth and creative innovation.”

The president continued to say that, “The constant threats to peace and security, such as North Korea's nuclear weapons program, and, recently, Britain’s divorce from the EU, make us doubt not only the matter of the unity of Europe, but also the sustainability of the international order, which is based on globalization, regional unity, multilateralism and free trade. In tackling these global challenges, ASEM should play a central and a leading role with our close partnership.”

“ASEM's role should be strengthened so as to drive connectivity and unity among member states in this bloc,” President Park said. “There is a need to transform the procedures at ASEM summits so that talks can bring about more economic cooperation and more connectivity among member states. The way in which agenda items are discussed during talks should be improved so that all member states can have two-way discussions on issues of mutual interest,” she said.

By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Yonhap News
jiae5853@korea.kr