At the meeting, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng delivered an important speech titled “Dialogues among cultures and civilizations”, pointing out that the dialogue among Asian and European cultures and civilizations is an objective requirement and urgent aspiration of peoples in the two continents, which helps reduce differences, build up trust, mutual understanding and sympathy. The Vietanmese recalled the spirit of the ASEM Declaration of dialogue among cultures and civilizations approved at ASEM 5 held in Hà Nội, suggesting that ASEM cooperation should focus on cultural and civilizational dialogues. PM Dũng porposed (1) the notion of dialogue should be extended beyond political commitments to practical programs and actions; (2) programs and contents of dialogues and cooperation among cultures and civilizations should be approachable to all walks of life; (3) dialogue contents and patterns should be diversified; and (4) dialogues should be conducted in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding as well as cultural diversity.

Also at the meeting, the ASEAM leaders tasked Senior Officials to further explore ways to achieve greater visibility of ASEM and welcomed Việt Nam’s initiative on “Coordinating Cultural Activities for the Enhancement of ASEM Visibility.”

The leaders encouraged the expeditious ratification and implementation of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions by all ASEM countries. They also noted that tourism could contribute to mutual understanding and respect for cultural diversity. In this connection, they welcomed the outcome of the ASEM Tourism Forum held in Việt Nam this year. Thay applauded the organization on the regular basis of the ASEM Culture Ministers' Meetings (CMM), noting with satisfaction the outcome of CMMs held in China, France and Malaysia. They welcomed the recommendation that a Cultural and Art Festival proposed by China be held in connection with ASEM Summits or ASEM CMM.

The leaders emphasized the importance of keeping the good momentum of the ASEM Interfaith Dialogue and welcomed the outcomes of the ASEM Interfaith Dialogues (Nanjing 2007 and Amsterdam 2008) and urged governments to actively facilitate interfaith and intercultural dialogues.

Mentioning education, the ASEM renewed their commitment to further strengthen their cooperation in human resources development, capacity building and sustained dialogue and exchanges in primary and higher education, vocational training and lifelong learning.

The leaders expressed their desire to promote human rights on the basis of equality and mutual respect as well as under the principle of pragmatic cooperation and dialogue, taking into account national and regional distinctions and historical, cultural and religious differences.

Talking of education, PM Dũng emphasized that, in the context of globalization and sharp competition, education and training have increasingly proved their essential role in socio-economic development of each and every country. To bring into full play this role, the Vietnamese PM stated, apart from joint efforts made by all countries, international cooperation in this field is very important. Việt Nam endorsed the outcome of the First ASEM Education Ministerial Meeting held in Berlin, Germany, in May 2008 and looked forward to the Second ASEM Education Ministerial Meeting to be held in Hà Nội next year to pay the way for the Euroasia strategic educational partnership in the 21 st century.