Dear colleagues and friends,

Warmest welcome to all of you to the website of the 9th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting!

Over the past decade since its establishment, ASEM has proven itself to be a unique and dynamic forum for promoting Asia – Europe partnership. The 9th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM 9) to be held in Ha Noi on 25th - 26th May 2009 constitutes one of the most significant events in international relations and in the Asia-Europe co-operation. As the first gathering of Foreign Ministers and delegations from 45 ASEM members, this Meeting will provide a valuable opportunity for Ministers from the two continents to work out measures to deepen ASEM bonds and make contributions to endeavours in addressing the global financial crisis and other global challenges.

As for Viet Nam, FMM 9 is of special importance as it represents not only our country’s consistent policy of openness and proactive international integration but also our desire to work together with other members for the enhanced profile of ASEM. We are determined to do our utmost for the best possible organization of the event. Thorough preparation is well under way. Various activities in the field of art, media, and trade and investment promotion will be organized on the sidelines of FMM 9 with a view to further promoting the visibility and profile of ASEM and the mutual understanding and friendship among our peoples.

I would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome you all to Viet Nam, a country of a four-thousand-year history. I am confident that, visiting Viet Nam this time, you will experience the warm hospitality and friendship of the people of Viet Nam as well as their rich and age-old culture. You will also have an opportunity to join us in activities towards the celebration of the 1000th Anniversary of Hanoi, formerly named “Thang Long” or “the City of the Ascending Dragon”, that will take place in 2010.

I do look forward to the continued strong support and close cooperation of all ASEM members for the success of the Meeting.

Once again, welcome and see you all in Ha Noi in May.

 

Pham Gia Khiem
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs