Hanoi (VNA) – Cambodia, host of the Asia-EuropeMeeting (ASEM) Summit this year, marked the ASEM Day on March 10 with a view toraising public awareness of the forum’s importance.

The 13th ASEM Summit (ASEM13) is scheduled totake place in the country’s Phnom Penh capital city on November 16-17.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister andForeign Minister of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn said the celebration of the ASEM Daywas another manifestation of his country's readiness and strong commitment tothe 13th ASEM Summit.

ASEM plays a crucial role in promotingAsia-Europe partnership and cooperation for enhancing peace, economicprosperity and social progress, he said, adding that it has become one of thecornerstones of the multilateral system and global governance.

The official said Cambodia has proposed"Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth" as the theme of theforthcoming summit. This theme focuses on the interaction of four main ideas,namely multilateralism, growth, sustainable development and prosperity.

Altogether they can contribute formidably to thestrengthening of the Asia-Europe partnership to ensure that multilateralismbrings sustainable and inclusive growth and shared prosperity, Sokhonn said.

Founded in 1996, ASEM consists of 53 partners,including 21 Asian countries, 30 European countries, the Secretariat of theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the European Commission.

The partners represent 65 percent of the globaleconomy, 60 percent of the world's population, 55 percent of the world tradeand 75 percent of the world’s tourism./.