Members and representatives of ASEF’s Board of Governors gathered recently in Vilnius, Lithuania, for the 26th ASEF Board of Governors’ Meeting. The 2-day meeting (12-13 May) reviewed ASEF strategy and policies, aligning them with the principles and priorities of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Vilnius is a historical city with a population of 580,000 and has been designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Ms Diana Mickeviciene, ASEM Senior Official, Director of Latin America, Africa, Asia and Pacific Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lithuania welcomed the Governors. “We at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania appreciate the work that ASEF has done”, she said. “ASEF is an important instrument to help people appreciate each other, and to have the full advantage of being in a global world. I am happy that there are more and more Lithuanians joining ASEF’s network.” The Board of Governorsmeets three times in two years. It was the first time that Lithuania, which joined ASEM in 2004, has hosted the meeting.
The Governors were invited to a gala dinner at Hotel Narutis, a 16th century architectural monument which was once the home to scholars and professors. This was hosted by Ambassador Eitvydas Bajarunas, Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania.
After its last round of enlargement in October 2010, ASEM now has 48 participating members.
In conjunction with the 26th BOG Meeting, the public dialogue on “Demographic changes in Asia and Europe: Challenges forthe Youth” was held. This dialogue was organised by ASEF in partnership with Mykolas Romeris University and the ASEF University Alumni Network (ASEFUAN).
- View the photos from the 26th BOG Meeting