65 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, which has been made to develop relations between Europe and Asia, in particular through ASEM; and the steps, if any, which are being taken by Ireland to improve its relationships with and profile in this region. [14605/97]

There has been significant progress in recent years in relations between the European Union and Asia. The Union now has ongoing institutionalised dialogues with many Asian countries. The establishment of ASEM, Asia-Europe Meeting, has been a major factor in the development of closer relations between the participating European and Asian countries. The very successful inaugural summit meeting of ASEM in Bangkok on 1-2 March 1996 was attended by almost all the Heads of State or Government of the 15 EU member states and the President of the Commission on the European side, and of the seven ASEAN, Association of South East Asian Nations, member states and China, Japan and Korea on the Asian side.

This summit established a new comprehensive Asia-Europe partnership aimed at strengthening links between Asia and Europe to promote peace, global stability and prosperity. The partnership is to be specifically forged through fostering political dialogue, the reinforcement of economic co-operation, and the promotion of co-operation in the cultural and social fields. The Bangkok meeting established an extensive list of follow-up activities, mainly in the economic area, and various additional follow-up actions have been proposed. This is a welcome reflection of the interest and enthusiasm which ASEM has generated.