Kazakh Ambassador's engagement with ASEF
An integral part of Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Singapore Askar Kuttykadam's diplomatic portfolio in Singapore is contributing to the activities of the Asia-Europe Foundation Asia-Europe Foundation - ASEF.
Established in February 1997 and ever since located in the city-state, ASEF is the only permanent institution of the Asia-Europe Meeting - ASEM, an informal intergovernmental dialogue process launched in 1996, and now bringing together 51 countries (including Kazakhstan), the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat.
ASEF’s mission is to promote greater mutual understanding between Asia and Europe through intellectual, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
On March 2, 2023, Ambassador Kuttykadam, in his capacity as the Governor from Kazakhstan at ASEF, had a very pleasant and informative meeting with Ambassador Toru Morikawa (Japan), the Executive Director of ASEF.
The ambassadors exchanged views on how ASEF translates the ASEM Agenda into concrete activities that facilitate exchanges between Asians and Europeans, as well as between civil society and government
Ambassador Kuttykadam highly praised ASEF activities in 7 thematic areas: Culture, Education, Governance, Sustainable Development, Public Health, Media and Economy.
Kazakh Ambassador's engagement with ASEF continued on 15 March 2023, as he participated at the Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of ASEF.
His Excellency Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Foreign Minister of Singapore, delivered a Keynote Speech.
Below are few quotes from the esteemed Minister’s very impressive and thoughtful address.
“…We are faced with this very fraught geopolitical backdrop. It is vital therefore for Europe and Asia to take a moment to ponder what has changed, what is at risk and what are the possibilities for the next 25 years. I would suggest that, at a moment like this, Europe and Asia make quite natural partners. Because I think we are all instinctive multilateralists. We all believe that we do need to double down and intensify our engagement.”
“We need to intensify our efforts to deal with climate change, a clear and present threat, one whose effects could be amplified significantly over the next two decades. My point is that by working together, Asia and Europe are uniquely positioned to harness opportunities in emerging areas of mutual interest, and especially the digital and green arena.”
“I want to acknowledge that it is not a given that all countries will happily come together and work alongside each other. These things do not happen spontaneously. It requires effort, it requires commitment, it requires communication. Most of all, it requires the building of mutual trust and understanding. And therefore my point is that platforms like ASEM serve an invaluable role. This is why the work of ASEF, which complements the ASEM process and translates its agenda into something tangible, is not just important but in fact indispensable.”
“It is heartening that ASEF has brought together over 40,000 people from Asia and Europe since its inception 25 years ago – forging friendships, exchanging ideas, and strengthening bonds between our two regions. Even as our global order comes under growing stress, with the erosion of globalisation, political pushback against economic integration, and a hot war in Europe right now, it is a reminder that both Europe and Asia can and must double down and play a constructive role in supporting multilateralism, and making common cause for mutual benefit.”
“…The engagement between Asia and Europe has become even more essential than before, amidst this increasingly turbulent and uncertain geopolitical and economic landscape. This is the only way we can secure peace and achieve prosperity in our respective parts of the world. Singapore looks forward and will continue to support ASEF. We look forward to another 25 years of good and essential work by our partners and colleagues. I am confident that with the support of Members and the Board of Governors, ASEF will continue to complement the ASEM process, flourish and scale even greater heights. This is not an option – this is essential work.”