National Convention Centre, Vientiane, Lao PDR
5 November 2012

Together with his fellow ASEM leaders, President Benigno S. Aquino III attended the Opening Ceremony of the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 9) at the National Convention Centre (NCC) in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

This year’s theme is “Friends for Peace, Partners for Prosperity” and ASEM leaders will be exchanging views on a wide range of issues such as the Eurozone crisis, trade and investments, energy and food security, disaster management, counter-terrorism, migration and regional issues.

Prior to the Opening Ceremony, three new partners were officially welcomed during the ASEM Enlargement Ceremony — Norway, Switzerland and Bangladesh.  This brings to a total of 52 the member partners which is a testimony to ASEM’s relevance.

ASEM Summits are held every two years with the venue alternating between Asia and Europe. It has a total of 8 summits so far – Bangkok (1996), London (1998), Seoul (2000), Copenhagen (2002), Hanoi (2004), Helsinki (2006), Beijing (2008) and Brussels (2010).

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