Cyprus President Christofias on his way to China for ASEM summit

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias is on his way to China to attend the ASEM Summit (Asia-Europe forum) in Beijing.

During his stay in the Chinese capital, Christofias is expected to have meetings with heads of states and governments and other officials of countries attending the Summit.

The Heads of State and Government representing the European Union and Asia will hold their 7th ASEM Summit on 24 and 25 October.

This ASEM Summit will be the biggest ever in terms of participation: six new members – India, Pakistan, Mongolia, Romania, Bulgaria and the ASEAN secretariat – will take part for the first time. The meeting in Beijing will bring together almost all of Asia and Europe and account for half of global GDP, nearly 60% of the world's population and 60% of global trade.

China will chair the Summit, while France as holder of the Presidency will head the European Union delegation. Civil Society, parliamentarians and business leaders will attend related meetings on the sidelines of the Summit.

The overarching theme of ASEM7 is 'Vision and Action: Towards a Win-Win Solution'. At the summit ASEM leaders will focus their discussions on political, economic and social and cultural issues, including issues related to sustainable development.

The Summit will provide a good opportunity for expanding and deepening dialogue on an equal footing and mutually-beneficial cooperation between Asia and Europe to ensure win-win progress for the benefit of peoples of ASEM partners.

President Christofias returns home October 26.