OVERVIEW
This instalment of the Asia-Europe Journalists’ Seminar was one of the ASEF’s 10th anniversary events. The seminar brought together 25 foreign desk editors, correspondents, and reporters from 21 Asian and European countries. Among the journalists invited were those from newer ASEM member countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, India, and Mongolia.
Held over a day, the seminar was divided into two sessions. The morning session, moderated by Zhang Niansheng (Brussels Bureau Chief, People’s Daily China), covered the topic of European enlargement and consolidation from the Asian point of view. The afternoon session, moderated by Matthias Nass (Deputy Editor, Die Zeit Germany), focused on the perceptions of regional development in emerging Asia, particularly the implications for Europe.
The participants also had a luncheon with Ambassador Andreas Michaelis (Director-General for Asian and Pacific Affairs of the German Federal Foreign Office) who discussed strategic issues on Asia-Europe relations and explored current and future areas of co-operation between the two regions. After the seminar, the journalists were invited to cover the 8th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which took place from 28-29 May 2007.