Muscat one of three speakers to address Asia-Europe summit

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat called for the strengthening of relationships and alliances between Europe and Asia during his address at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) being held in Milan.

Muscat was one of three speakers asked to address the summit to which 51 heads of states and governments are attending.

Muscat said a strong alliance between the two continents would benefit citizens on global issues.

Arguing that there existed differences in the way Europe and Asia tackle challenges, this shouldn’t act as a deterrent for better cooperation.

Muscat also talked about the global conference on climate change to be held in Paris in 2015. “This will be an important test which the international community cannot fail. The EU will in fact be discussing the subject during the Council next week,” he said, adding that the ASEM should serve as a platform to understand Asia’s position on climate change.

The Maltese prime minister said 2015 will also be important to discuss the post 2015 develop agenda, setting Millenium Development Goals that have changed the lives of millions across the globe.

“Children today have better access to education, clean water and better health systems. But the Ebola crisis however reminds us that inequalities still exist and that there is much more that we have to do,” he said.

Turning to human rights, Muscat said much more needs to be done through a culture of dialogue which should be more widespread.

“Global connectivity is increasing and this means that there should be better promotion of how modern means of communication can be utilised,” he said.

Muscat suggested that ASEM could be used as a platform to discuss how modern digital means could be used to create a safer digital environment.

The Prime Minister insisted that Asia and Europe could work together on the so-called ‘New Green and Blue Silk Road’, uniting the two continents with Africa.