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German FM urges formation of Asian-European partnership
Berlin, Sept 3, IRNA

Germany-Asia-Steinmeier
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier here Monday called for the creation of Asian-European partnership.

Addressing the 7th conference of the heads of German diplomatic missions titled 'The rise of Asia: Opportunities - options - challenges' Steinmeier said, "If Europe wants to be relevant in Asia, we have to become partners."
He stressed that many global problems like climate protection, energy security and the anti-AIDS campaign cannot be resolved "without Asia".

"Common problems need common solutions," the minister added.

Steinmeier pointed out that the stepped up cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and European states as an "important step" for establishing a joint political structure in a bid to confront "global challenges".

Referring to the mounting worldwide role of Asia's economic powerhouses China, Japan and India, Steinmeier said all three countries should take up more responsibility in this "Asian-European strategic partnership".

He cited especially China's political influential role in settling global crisis hotspots like Sudan and the row over the North Korean atomic crisis.

Steinmeier made clear that any interest of conflicts between Asia and Europe could only be resolved through "dialogue".

The German official's remarks were shared by ASEAN Secretary eneral Ong Keng Yong who in his speech to leading German diplomats said part of his organization was "to engage Europe".

He hailed the ASEAN-EU partnership as "very durable".

Meanwhile, Steinmeier said Russia remained a "strategically important partner" for Europe, despite political differences.

"No single global issue can be solved without Russia," Steinmeier said, pointing to Moscow's important role in the crisis over the Serbian breakaway province of Kosovo, the Mideast peace process, disarmament talks and the dispute over the deployment of the controversial US anti -missile shield in Europe.

Steinmeier urged also an ongoing "constructive dialogue with Russia".

German FM urges formation of Asian-European partnership (http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0709045806010916.htm)