The 4th summit between the European Union and the countries of Asia (ASEM 4) was held in Copenhagen on 23 and 24 September, with the objective of reinforcing cooperation between the two continents, especially as regards foreign policy, trade and culture. The political discussions focused on the campaign against international terrorism, the process of reconciliation between the two Koreas and the situation in Iraq. The summit, co-chaired by Denmark and Vietnam, adopted two declarations on the campaign against terrorism, reaffirming common membership of the world alliance formed after 11 September, and establishing a joint programme of cooperation that provides for exchange of information and intelligence and institutional collaboration between the competent authorities of the two sides. On the question of inter-Korean relations, the prime ministers adopting the “ASEM political declaration of Copenhagen for peace in the Korean peninsula” have received with satisfaction the positive signals coming out of Pyongyang (capital of North Korea), in particular as regards the possible reuniting of families, and expressed the hope for an effective resumption of dialogue between the USA and North Korea. With reference to Iraq, and in spite of the fact that the 25 participants were unable to produce a joint declaration, consensus on the need to place any intervention in Iraq in the framework of a multilateral response under the aegis of the United Nations should however be emphasized. Italy will host the second ASEM summit on environmental questions next year, while the next Euro-Asiatic summit (ASEM 5) will be held in Vietnam, at Hanoi, in 2004. ———————————————————————————————————– Sir Europa (English) N.ro assoluto : 46 N.ro relativo : 34 Data pubblicazione : 28/09/02
