Despite the importance of Asia and Europe on the global map, the relationship between the two continents has been regarded as relatively inadequate with few mutual contacts, compared to the brisk trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific exchanges and cooperation. To rectify this situation, ASEM was inaugurated with the intention of strengthening the links and cooperative relationship between Asia and Europe. The inaugural Asia-Europe Meeting was held in Bangkok, Thailand. in March. 1996. attended by the heads of State and government of 10 Asian countries and the 15 EU member countries plus the President of the European Commission. The second ASEM was held in London, England, in April, 1998.

The third ASEM summit, scheduled to be held in Seoul, Korea, from October 20 to 21, 2000, is anticipated to provide fresh momentum for the sustained development of ASEM into a more mature process by fleshing out ways to enhance the interregional ties in the 21st century, under the host country’s initiative.