However, in an inter-dependent world, are Asia and Europe ready to sidestep their differences and focus on what binds them? What are the expectations for ASEM 8? Will the meeting succeed in reinforcing the Asia-Europe dialogue?
These and other questions will be discussed by a panel including Thomas Roe, Asia Adviser and ASEM Counselor at the European Commission, Bertrand de Crombrugghe, Belgian Ambassador and Head of the ASEM 8 Task Force, Enrique A. Manalo, Ambassador of Philippines’ Mission to the European Union, Norio Maruyama, Head of the Political Affairs Section of the Japanese Mission to the European Union, and Christopher Dent, Professor at Leeds University. In addition, Lay Hwee Yeo, Director of the EU Centre in Singapore and Wilhelm Hofmeister, Regional Programme Director of KAS’s "Political Dialogue Asia" will present the contents of their new book The Asia-Europe Meeting: Engagement, Enlargement and Expectations. The debate will be moderated by Shada Islam, EPC Senior Programme Executive. A sandwich lunch will be served after the meeting.
