In closed-door talks, the leaders noted that the fight against transnational terrorism requires a multilateral approach, international cooperation, as well as cooperation between civilizations, said the host country of the Asia-Europe Meeting, Finland.

The leaders stressed that counter-terrorism strategies comprise a broad range of measures, such as countering radicalization, preventing financing of terrorism and promoting inter-faith dialogue, said the host country in a summary.

They believe that ASEM can be instrumental in achieving tangible progress in tackling various forms of organized crime such as money laundering, drug trafficking, illicit arms trade, human trafficking, as well as terrorism financing and corruption.

They emphasized the need to work together to find solutions to a broad range of security challenges. The leaders stressed the continued importance of multilateral efforts and treaties in the area of disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Throughout the session, emphasis was placed on strong support for the rules-based multilateral system with the United Nations at its center, according to the host country summary.

The leaders stressed that commitment to promote peace and security, sustainable development and human rights, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, is still one of the most important guiding principles of the ASEM partnership.

While discussing the role of the UN, the leaders strongly emphasized the necessity of the continued implementation of the reforms, which were agreed upon at the 2005 UN World Summit. In this context, they brought up the importance of the new Human Rights Council and Peace building Commission. The leaders furthermore pointed out the importance of achieving the Millennium Development Goals, concentrating especially on poverty reduction, and sustainable development.

The first closed-door session was chaired by Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen.