Foreign ministers of the 26-member Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) brought a fruitful close to their two days of talks in Beijing on Friday by reaching a consensus on a wide range of issues.

In a Chairman's Statement, the ministers pledged to launch a new round of multilateral WTO talks and press ahead with the Kyoto Protocol to combat global warming.

Political dialogue was also a key topic during the two days of meetings.

On the issue of Korea, the ministers urged progress in the process of reconciliation and co-operation with strengthened dialogue and a second summit.

They were also committed to maintaining global strategic balance and stability, and strengthening regional and global initiatives on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Agreement on these issues reflects the desire, in both Asia and Europe, for co-operation between these two continents which account for almost half of the world's gross domestic product.

As two of the largest economic and political forces in the world, Asia and Europe not only enjoy high complementarity in the economic and trade fields, but also share similar views on many major international issues.

ASEM, which serves as a bridge to strengthen exchanges between the two continents, will promote prosperity on both sides.

A strong partnership between ASEM members will also contribute to the stability and development of the whole world.

ASEM has already succeeded by bringing together its 26 members for meetings.

These exchanges prove that different countries, despite economic, political and cultural gaps, can build understanding and trust through constructive communication.

As globalization sweeps across the world, antagonism should become the past while co-operation is the future.

ASEM is a harbinger of this future.