19 October 2014 -  Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario joined the leaders from 51 Asian and European countries, ASEAN Secretariat and the European Union in the northern Italian city of Milan to discuss regional and global  issues as well as efforts to deepen cooperation between the two regions.

Under the theme "Responsible Partnership for Sustainable Growth and Security", the meeting in Milan was hosted by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, chaired the meeting while the European Commission was represented by its President, José Manuel Barroso.

With the Heads of States and Governments of 29 European countries and 22 Asian partners,  the Summit also formally welcomed the membership of Croatia and Kazakhstan as new ASEM partners, bringing the total number of members to 53.

The meeting started with a session with the three ASEM fora representatives of the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP), Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF) and Asia-Europe  Business Forum (AEBF). 

It was followed by the first plenary session where ASEM partners exchanged views on how countries can promote financial and economic cooperation through enhanced Europe-Asia connectivity focusing on economic and financial cooperation,  multilateral trade and fostering growth and jobs.

Leaders also discussed Europe-Asia partnership in addressing global matters in an interconnected world which was devoted to issues such as climate change, Millennium Development Goals, human rights, disaster management and energy security.

The President of the Italian Republic Giorgio Napolitano hosted dinner for the leaders at the conclusion of the first day of the summit.  The retreat session on the second day allowed leaders to discuss enhancing dialogue and cooperation between the two regions and the future directions of ASEM. END