Q: Regarding the Asia-Europe Meeting in Phnom Penh: what are the major topics and what is the French delegation, if there is one? What's the link to the Indo-Pacific?
A: The 13th summit of heads of State and government of ASEM (Asia-Europe Dialogue), organized by Cambodia in virtual format on 25 and 26 November, is devoted to Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth. An informal forum founded on a Franco-Singaporean initiative launched in 1996, which now brings together 51 member countries as well as the ASEAN secretariat and the EU, ASEM celebrates its 25th birthday this year at a pivotal moment for our two regions of the world, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Macron spoke today at the ASEM Summit via a video message on sustainable, inclusive growth and on development. He stressed the need to address three essential challenges for Europe and Asia: the climate emergency, the raising of funds to meet infrastructure needs in the Indo-Pacific region and the fight against inequality. The President's participation is fully in line with France's Indo-Pacific strategy, as well as that of the European Union.
Cooperation between Asia and Europe to support a socio-economic recovery compatible with a green reconstruction dynamic, promoting our values and commitments, will be at the heart of this summit. Connectivity and digitalization of the economy will also be discussed as priorities for cooperation between ASEM member countries.