Corrected repeat
BRUSSELS, Nov 20 (KUNA) -- The European Union called Monday for closer ties and cooperation with Asia to tackle global challenges.
"In times of great change for the world, our cooperation on global affairs is more important than ever. In these times of global change, we increasingly look to Asia as a natural partner. We, as European Union, want to make this partnership stronger," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini told a ministerial meeting of ASEM.
The foreign ministers of Europe and Asia met today for the first day of the 13th ASEM Foreign ministers meeting, taking place in Na Pyi Taw, capital of Myanmar, on Monday and Tuesday.
According to an EU statement, many ministers referred to security, terrorism, climate change, sustainable development and migration as key global challenges.
They underlined that cooperation and connectivity are essential in order to tackle them effectively. They noted the important contribution that the ASEM forum could bring in this regard.
Ahead of the ASEM ministerial, the ministers attended a meeting on the situation in the Rakhine State, presided by the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
The meeting was an opportunity to exchange views on the latest developments in the region and on the efforts of the government of Myanmar to ensure the safe and dignified return of those who have fled their homes, in close cooperation with Bangladesh.
The humanitarian situation, and the importance of ensuring access to all aid workers was also discussed, noted the statement.
The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) was established in 1996 as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Asia. It aims to strengthen the relationship between the two continents.
ASEM brings together 53 partners, including the EU, 30 European countries (28 EU member states, plus Norway and Switzerland), 21 Asian countries, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
The ASEM leaders summit is organised every two years, in Asia and in Europe alternatively, to set out the priorities of the partnership. (end) nk.sd