 APU in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat hosted the 'East Asia Roundtable 2007' on the theme of 'Community Building in Diversity' over 3-days from June 2nd to June 4th, 2007.
The conference brought together a total of 50 participants including representatives from international organizations such as ASEAN, international diplomats, government officials, scholars and executives from global companies. Fruitful discussions were held on the possibility of community building within the East Asian region. |
|
An 'Open Seminar' open to students and members of the public was held on June 2nd at APU on the theme of 'Community Building in Diversity: Regional Trends towards East Asian Integration and Local Community Initiatives'. Approximately 100 students and invited guests attended to listen to government officials and executives from ASEAN nations take part in a panel discussion.
During her keynote address, the Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN, Her Excellency Seoung RATHCHAVY said, ''It is a historical year for ASEAN. In line with our mission, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation has been completed and various nations are currently in the process of becoming signatories. I look forward to hearing the various opinions of the participants of the roundtable in regards to the unification of such a diverse range of countries.''
Mr. HAMADA Masayoshi, the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and Mr. HIROSE Katsusada, Governor of Oita Prefecture also spoke at the seminar.
After the Expert Group Meeting on the 3rd and the 4th, Inter-generational Exchange with experts and APU students were carried out in the afternoon of the 4th on the theme of 'Mega Infrastructure Development', 'Global Environmental Management', 'Trans-Border Cultural Exchanges' and 'Cross- Border People Movements'. Former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. MURAYAMA Tomiichi made a guest appearance to each of the workshops and offered words of encouragement to all the students present. |
|
