On July 15, 2016, the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit officially commenced in Ulaanbaatar, where leaders of ASEM member countries were welcomed by the President of Mongolia, Ts.Elbegdorj.

This year’s Summit is bringing together high-level delegation from 51 ASEM partners /30 European and 21 Asian countries, and two intergovernmental organizations/ under an overall theme of “20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity”.

The Summit was opened by President Ts.Elbegdorj and in his remarks, “It is a matter of honour for Mongolians to host an ASEM Summit in our motherland. On behalf of the State and Government of Mongolia I extend my profound gratitude to all countries, organizations and people who, during the past two years, have cooperated with Mongolia, strengthening ASEM multilateralism, and who have rendered financial, human resources and professional assistance to successfully organize ASEM.

There are many pending issues waiting for discussion and solution that we have on our agenda these two days, of which some are common for our two continents as well as member countries while others are totally country-specific and unique ones. Here rests the very goal of the Summit. Besides, on the side-lines of our Summit, many important multilateral and bilateral meetings will take place. I wish to emphasize again that the officials, delegations and working groups representing member countries and partner organizations have worked hard to ensure sound preparations for these meetings and exchanges”.

After, Chairman of the State Great Hural (Parliament) M.Enkhbold introduced the outcomes of the Ninth Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting /ASEP 9/, which was successfully organized by the Parliament of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar on April 21-26, 2016.

The 11th ASEM Summit will release Ulaanbaatar Declaration and Chair’s Statement. These documents shall assess the ASEM past activities, chart the future course of actions and reflect on the current status of discussions of pending issues and the possible solutions.

Press and Public Relations Department at the Secretariat of the State Great Hural of Mongolia