Closing remarks by President Donald Tusk at the 12th ASEM summit

We have just concluded two days of good discussions about strengthening cooperation between Europe and Asia. We also agreed to renew our support for the rules-based international order. And I believe that this is the most important signal from this summit, especially valid in the current geopolitical context.

We do not agree on everything. But what we have in common is more important than any disagreement. That is why we want our two great continents to be ever more connected. From the European side, our motivation is clear: we want Asians and Europeans to trade more with each other, to visit each other more often, to save the planet’s habitat and, finally, to enhance each other’s security in these uncertain times.

We also recognised the challenges and opportunities posed by migration, and the need to work together in forging an effective global response.

During the retreat session we discussed the security environment in our regions, the need to uphold international law, the global non-proliferation regime and tackling terrorism together.

Finally, it is worth noting that a common theme in our discussions was sustainable and rules-based connectivity. While the free flow of goods, investment, information, ideas and people contributes to global growth, I strongly believe that genuine connectivity  between our regions will be achieved by bringing more people together through education and exchanges, joint research programmes and tourism.

To conclude, I would like to thank you all for the fruitful exchanges and frank opinions.

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