It’s been more than 25 years since ASEF was established by ASEM Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Singapore. Since then, ASEF has worked daily to bring Asians and Europeans closer together. Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs from Singapore, H.E. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan is visiting ASEF to share his thoughts and aspirations on the future of ASEF with ASEF Governors and Ambassadors based in Singapore. What will the next 25 years look like?
Executive Director, Amb Toru MORIKAWA, welcomed Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, to ASEF.
Amb MORIKAWA framed the discussion stating that “Listening to each other will be the way for us to break the ice and the key to open a door for the common future where Asians and Europeans work shoulder to shoulder for the betterment of the entire world”.
In the end, Amb MORIKAWA invited the Minister to share his views on the future of ASEF as the continuation of the exciting intellectual journey of Asia and Europe dialogue.
Read the full speech here.

“Engagement between Asia and Europe has become more essential than ever before amid an increasingly turbulent and uncertain geopolitical and economic landscape. This is the only way that we can secure peace and achieve prosperity in our respective parts of the world. Singapore looks forward to another 25 years and beyond of good work by our ASEF partners and colleagues”, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on commemorating #ASEF25 Anniversary.
Amb Toru MORIKAWA, ASEF Executive Director and Javier PARRONDO, Chair of the ASEF Board of Governors, honoured Dr Vivian BALAKRISHNAN, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, by unveiling a commemoratory plaque and offering a token of appreciation.