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Poland in the Philippines

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Foreign ministers from Europe and Asia (ASEM) meet in Madrid

16.12.2019

Revitalising the multilateral system and creating multidimensional and sustainable connectivity between Europe and Asia were the main topics discussed at the ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Madrid.

ASEM

When speaking at a plenary session, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz outlined the Polish approach to ASEM’s role in enhancing bonds between the two regions. “The so-called connectivity, understood as building stronger ties and partnerships based on respect for common rules, has always been part of the EU’s DNA,” noted the chief of Polish diplomacy. He added that Poland supports the EU’s ambitions in this respect through initiatives such as the Three Seas Initiative with the participation of EU member states from Central Europe and the Balkan countries. Minister Czaputowicz also recalled that improving and promoting business and investment interrelations between Central European and East Asia countries is one of the main objectives of the 17+1 initiative. “We view this format as an additional tool that strengthens the entire Europe’s message to China,” said Minister Czaputowicz.

During an informal session on international and regional issues, the head of Polish diplomacy stressed Poland’s commitment to stabilise the situation in the Middle East within the framework of the Warsaw Process. He also expressed his conviction that the Process can be an effective tool to support nations and societies of the Middle East in their efforts to avoid escalating tensions and seek peaceful coexistence. “I sincerely hope that the Warsaw Process will be a starting point for new initiatives supporting both security in the Middle East and multilateralism in its very essence,” added the top Polish diplomat.

On the sidelines of the ASEM meeting, Minister Czaputowicz also held talks with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh, Kazakhstan’s top diplomat Mukhtar Tileuberdi, head of Japanese diplomacy Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister of State at Bangladeshi MFA Shahriar Alam, and India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Vellamvelly Muraleedharan.

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ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) is the process of cooperation between Europe and Asia that was launched in 1996 in Bangkok. At present it brings together 51 states and two international organisations and is the most important platform for cooperation between the two regions.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Sebastian Indra / MFA

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