The FMM9, held in Hanoi on May 25-26, seeks to enhance Asia-Europe partnership to cope with the global economic crisis and others challenges.

It is the first gathering of foreign ministers and delegations after ASEM’s expansion to 45 members.

Hung said more than 30 foreign ministers will attend FMM9.

Also on Saturday, Asian and European journalists gathered in Hanoi for a seminar themed “To progress to the world’s post-crisis future.”

The Japanese Embassy announced that a ceremony on Monday will launch the ASEM initiative to fight the influenza A H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu.

Reported by Nhu Nguyen