Metissen appreciates preparation for ASEM Summit

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ A delegation headed by Mr Michael Metissen, a chief consultant to the European Union’s External Relations Division on ASEM affairs, called a press conference Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to talk about the preparation for the 11th ASEM Summit. Mr Metissen is here for the second time, to witness the course of the preparation and to give some advice. He said the hosting of the ASEM Summit is a big challenge for any country, "this Summit, which is to celebrate its 20th anniversary as well, expects 53 countries' leaders and high-level officials". He said Mongolia is ensuring the preparation very well. “The government of Mongolia is experienced in hosting buggest international gatherings, and we hope Mongolia will successfully organize the ASEM Summit. The EU has decided to support Mongolia in hosting this event,” Mr Metissen said. Ahead of the Summit, Mongolia will organize the 9th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP9) Meeting this April 21-22. As of today, some 20 countries have applied to take part in the ASEP9. In frames of the visit, Mr Metissen and accompanying him delegation has met with D.Gankhuyag, the State secretary of Foreign Ministry and chair of the ASEM preparation commission; B.Boldbaatar, the secretary-general of the Parliamentary Office; P.Tsagaan, a head of the Presidential Office; Kh.Gantsogt, the State Secretary of the Finance Ministry; and Ts.Enkhtsengel, a Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar on social and development affairs.