Initiated in 1996, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process strengthens the relationship between Asia and Europe in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership. As the only permanently established institution of the ASEM process and founded in 1997, the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) has been working diligently under ASEM's socio-cultural pillar, the third pillar of the dialogue process.
With the membership of ASEM increasing over the years, ASEF has expanded partnerships and deepened the cooperation between The year 2013 was marked with significant milestones and achievements for the Asia- Europe Foundation (ASEF). ASEF demonstrated its relevance to the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process by contributing directly or indirectly to several important ASEM events, amongst them the 11th ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM11) in November 2013 in New Delhi, India and the 4th Asia-Europe Meeting of Ministers of Education (ASEMME4) in May 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ASEF's presence in these ASEM meetings not only showcased its added value but also enhanced ASEF's alignment with the ASEM process. the people, institutions and civil societies across Asia and Europe. For the past 16 years, ASEF has demonstrated its unique role in this regard. Entrusted with the mission to foster stronger Asia- Europe relations, ASEF continued in 2013 to play the pivotal role of providing platforms where civil societies can develop and share recommendations with the ASEM governments for their consideration. ASEF actively participated in ASEM intergovernmental meetings, for instance in the 11th ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting in November 2013 in India, where ASEF's valueadded contribution was recognised.
Over the years, ASEF has created many useful networking platforms and directly involved the general public in its events and activities.ASEF's programmes and projects have undoubtedly reached a far wider audience across its member countries. With its successful and proven track record, its immense pool of partners and participants and its sustained idealism, I am confident that ASEF will continue to make itself pertinent to the needs of the increasingly inter-connected regions of Asia and Europe.
ASEF's achievements are made possible with the unwavering support from its main stakeholders, the ASEM governments, ASEF's partners and participants, and most importantly, by my fellow Governors and the highly dedicated ASEF management team and staff. ASEF will continue to take the mission of ASEM forward into the future. I would like to thank the entire ASEF team for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm in bringing together the people and institutions of Asia and Europe.
As the Chair of ASEF's Board of Governors, I am proud of the Foundation's achievements in 2013, and I am looking forward to its continuing success in the years to come.
Ambassador Professor
Rosario G. MANALO (Philippines)
Chair, ASEF Board of Governors
