Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today said that the gathering of Asian and European foreign ministers in Bali later this month will provide an important opportunity to discuss ways to address the current challenges facing the region and the world.

"Although we will be coming from diverse backgrounds and even differing political perspectives, it will be important for the leaders of Asia and Europe to reassert their common commitment to address the pressing issues of today, issues that affect all of us," the Secretary said.

The Fifth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM 5) of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) will be held on 23-24 July 2003 in Bali, Indonesia. The Philippine delegation will be headed by Hon. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Blas F. Ople, with newly appointed Undersecretary for Policy Sonia C. Brady, Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Jaime J. Yambao and Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Rafael Seguis as members.

Foreign Ministers will exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern, such as the new international situation, the Middle East Peace Process, the situation in the Korean Peninsula, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, anti-terrorism, SARS/transmittable diseases and sustainable development. The Philippines is one of the lead speakers on "Iraq Post War Issues" and "Anti-Terrorism".

The Philippines is an active member of ASEM. Secretary Ople will mention RP’s plan to hold an ASEM experts’ meeting on managing inter-faith dialogue in 2004. At the senior officials’ meeting (SOM) held prior to the FMM, the Philippines will give a progress report on the ASEM Virtual Secretariat project – a comprehensive and interactive website which will enhance coordination between ASEM members. The Philippines will also seek endorsement for its new Oceans initiative which increases Asia-Europe cooperation in marine environmental protection, maritime security and scientific/technical exchanges. The Philippines is likewise a co-sponsor of ASEM initiatives which strengthen Asia-Europe cooperation in child welfare and combating human trafficking.

Secretary Ople attended the Fourth ASEM Summit held in Copenhagen on 22-24 September 2002 as President Arroyo’s special envoy, where he stressed to the Heads of State and Government the need to focus international efforts on poverty alleviation as a counter to terrorism. He made particular mention of the EU’s important role in promoting socio-economic development through more equitable international trade, by opening its markets to the goods and services of developing countries.

ASEM is a unique inter-regional organization which aims to promote mutual development and prosperity in Asia and Europe through greater political understanding, reinforced economic cooperation and common cultural endeavors.
ASEM has 26 members: Austria, Belgium, Brunei, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and the European Commission. END.