The summit, marking the 10th anniversary of the ASEM cooperation forum, will draw heads of state or government from 13 Asian countries and all the 25 member states of the European Union(EU).

The biennial summit, under the theme "10 Years of ASEM: Global Challenges-Joint Responses," will cover broad political, economic and socio-cultural issues.

Participants will discuss how to boost dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe and improve the multilateral system with the United Nations as the core.

They will also address global security and health threats such as terrorism, organized crime and bird flu.

Sustainable development, including energy security and climate change, as well as questions related to globalization, competitiveness and structural changes in the global economy, will top the agenda.

The leaders will exchange views and make commitments in an effort to revive the stalled Doha round of WTO talks as soon as possible.

They will also discuss how to boost cultural diversity and promote dialogue and cooperation between different cultures and religions.

The ASEM cooperation over the past 10 years is one of the cross-cutting themes of this year's summit. The participants will discuss proposals on further development of the ASEM cooperation and adopt a Helsinki declaration on the future of the ASEM.

The ASEM cooperation was initiated in 1996 with a view of strengthening dialogue and interaction between Asia and Europe.

This year's summit is hosted by Finland, which now holds the EU's rotating presidency.