Press Release: Sixth Summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting in Helsinki on 10-11 September 2006

The Heads of State or Government of 25 Europe Union Member States and 13 Asian countries, as well as the President of the European Commission, will hold the Sixth Summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Helsinki (Finland) on 10-11 September 2006. The Helsinki Summit will mark the tenth anniversary of the ASEM process. President José Manuel Barroso will be accompanied by the Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner. The overarching theme of the Summit is "10 Years of ASEM: Global Challenges - Joint Responses”. The Summit will have a particular focus on globalisation. Other topics will include strengthening multilateralism and addressing security threats, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue. Leaders will also discuss topical regional and international developments, and are expected to take a decision on the further enlargement of ASEM.