Background
The first ASEM Summit was held in Bangkok in March 1996. Since then, Summit level meetings have been a regular feature - (London, April 1998; Seoul, October 2000; Copenhagen, September 2002; and Hanoi, October 2004). Most recently, under the auspices of ASEM, the first PGC was held in December 2005 in Shenzhen, China.

The initiative for the ASEM Summits grew from the recognized need to strengthen the linkage between Asia and Europe. Closer cooperation between the two regions contributes significantly towards maintaining global peace, stability and prosperity. The significance of ASEM lies in the fact that 25 Heads of State and Government from Asia and Europe come together to talk about a common vision for the future. Their collective presence reflects the joint political will and commitment to create a foundation for closer and more productive relations between the two regions.

This important gathering of Asian and European leaders also provides a unique opportunity for the parties to explore new avenues of cooperation in the political, economic and social fields. ASEM has created a new era of closer friendship and cooperation between Asia and Europe, built on shared interests and sustained through common concerns and understandings.

Aims of Prosecutors-General Conference (PGC)
By establishing the PGC of ASEM, with a view to holding an annual PGC in ASEM countries, an ideal mechanism for close contact and regular communications has been created. PGC not only facilitates discussions and experience sharing, but has also become the vehicle to:-

• enhance operational ties among judicial and prosecutorial organs of member states;
• provide the ideal environment and conditions for mutual training and learning;
• promote judicial and prosecutorial reforms in member states;
• boost the strength of the battle against transnational organized crimes;
• maintain social fairness and justice and ensure harmonious development of human society.

Supported by China and approved by ASEM, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) of China hosted the first ASEM PGC between 9 and 12 December 2005 in Shenzhen City, abutting Hong Kong, under the theme : Combating Cooperatively Transnational Organized Crimes, and Establishing Harmonious, Stable and Prosperous Society.

More than 800 representatives from over 40 countries and regions, five international organizations and procurator-generals from China's provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities attended.

Mr. WU Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, gave the opening speech and emphasised the importance of the development of ASEM as a new mechanism of cooperation between the two continents.

Delegates from the Asian and European nations shared experiences, and discussions included proposals for establishing a multi-channel and multi-disciplined international anti-corruption co-operation mechanism.

SPP representatives mentioned China's active pursuit of international co-operation in the fight against trans-national crime, particularly corruption and that as a result of China's anti-corruption purge that began in 2003, about 50,000 officials had been punished.

Within the spirit of PGC's main theme, discussion sessions, led by experts in their fields included :-

• International cooperation against corruption;
• Tackling transnational organized crime;
• Combating cooperatively terrorism;
• Cracking down transnational drug crimes;
• Enhancing information exchange and cooperation of personnel training.

In the closing ceremony, a joint declaration was signed for the purpose of increasing exchanges of information to form and expand cooperative mechanisms, communication channels and enrich the context and improve the efficiency of cooperation.

The ASEM PGC has not only set up a judicial bridge between two major continents, but has also commenced specific professional mechanisms within legal frameworks under the auspices of ASEM.