The European Union's incoming Dutch presidency says it hopes an Asia-Europe meeting can take place later this year, despite a dispute over Burma.
Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot told reporters that he is confident an ASEM meeting will occur in October. He says the EU and its Asian partners should find a way to resolve the Burma dispute.
EU officials canceled two upcoming ASEM meetings due to the Burma dispute. The European Union has said it does not want Burma to join ASEM due to concerns over the Burmese military government's crackdown on pro-democracy groups.
Burma, Cambodia and Laos are the only members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations not currently part of ASEM.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.