Italy to host Asia-Europe summit

BRUSSELS, Oct 10 (KUNA) -- The 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit will take place in Milan on 16-17 October, it was announced here Friday.
It will be hosted by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and the Government of Italy which holds the current EU Presidency.
The Summit will also bring together Heads of State and Government from 51 Asian and European partners.
The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy who will chair the meeting in a press statement said the ASEM Summit is a key forum for dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Asia.
The theme of the summit will be 'Responsible Partnership for Sustainable Growth and Security.' "I look forward in particular to reaffirming our joint responsibility for promoting peace and security in Asia and Europe," he noted.
On his part President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said "this 10th edition in Milan will be a key opportunity to further strengthen our ties. As two of the most important stakeholders of the global order we have a shared responsibility to shape a more prosperous, sustainable and fairer world." According to the agenda, the situations in the Middle East, Syria and Iraq as well as in both continents, including Ukraine and the Korean peninsula will be discussed. The situation in Africa and in particular the Ebola epidemic will also be raised.
Other global issues like trafficking of persons, cyber-crime, illegal trade in weapons, drugs, wildlife products, as well as piracy and maritime security are expected to be on the agenda too. (end) nk.ibi