The statement says Asian and European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateralism and a multilateral international system with the United Nations at its center based on international law.?
The leaders condemned terrorism and reaffirmed their commitment to take practical steps to prevent and combat terrorism with reference to the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
On economic cooperation, the statement says the international community should jointly overcome the financial crisis through enhanced cooperation.
Leaders reaffirmed the importance of an open, fair, rule-based and stable multilateral trading system within the World Trade Organization to achieve economic growth and development, and to reduce global disparities and trade imbalances.
Leaders said each country has the primary responsibility for its own development and that national development needs to be supported by an enabling international economic environment.
They agreed on the need to enhance cooperation among ASEM partners in innovation, science, and technology to narrow the digital divide and ensure sustainable development.
The chair's statement also speaks of sustainable development.
Leaders say they held extensive discussions on the Millennium Development Goals, as well as sustainable development targets agreed in Johannesburg.
They expressed support for strengthened international cooperation on climate change. And they said there was a need to focus on development needs and environmental sustainability in the energy sector.
Leaders unanimously agreed to issue the Beijing Declaration on Sustainable Development.
Leaders reaffirmed respect for cultural diversity and the need to protect the cultural heritage, and advocated mutual understanding, tolerance, respect and peaceful coexistence among different social systems, development paths and cultures.
The statement also underlines the future role of the meeting, reaffirming the importance of developing effective ways of communication within ASEM members to support cooperation in the near future.
(CCTV October 26, 2008)
