Jean Asselborn Advocates Multilateralism, Climate Action at Asia-Europe Meeting

Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, attended the 14th ASEM Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM) which took place on 15 and 16 December 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

Established in 1996, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is composed of 53 partners from Asia and Europe, including the European Union and the Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and aims to deepen relations between the two continents at the political, economic, social and cultural levels.

The meeting, inaugurated by His Majesty the King of Spain, was held under the theme "Asia and Europe - Together for effective multilateralism". On this occasion, Minister Jean Asselborn spoke during the plenary which addressed the themes concerning climate change, gender equality and the role of women in efforts to restore peace and prevent conflicts.

Regretting that multilateralism, human rights, as well as the international law-based system are under strain, Minister Asselborn reiterated that: "We need a common approach to ensure that trends negative trends are reversed and sustainable development is achieved. This common approach is multilateralism ”.

In addition, Jean Assemborn highlighted the role of women in peace and security. In this context, he stressed that "the systematic inclusion of women in peace and security processes is essential to achieve lasting peace and security", adding that "in accordance with resolution 1325, Luxembourg is putting currently implementing its “Women and Peace and Security” action plan".

During his speech, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister also discussed climate change, noting that: “In order to deal with the climate emergency, my government has decided to accelerate our climate efforts. Thus, a bill provides for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to "net zero" by 2050". He added that: "Luxembourg is committed to promoting investment in green and sustainable projects through the Luxembourg Green Exchange, the first global platform for listing green bonds since 2016".

Minister Asselborn also had an exchange of views with two Luxembourgish students participating in the 9th Model ASEM, a youth forum which took place on the sidelines of the ASEM meeting.

Finally, Jean Asselborn had bilateral interviews with several of his Asian and European counterparts, in particular with the Mukhtar Tleuberdi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, and Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs of India.