Asia's and Europe's rediscovery of each other dates back to some thousands of years ago, and has undergone tremendous transformation. Their engagement was coloured by the history of colonialism, and interrupted by the heat of the Cold War. However, an important step to chart an equal partnership and deepen engagement was taken with the launch of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in March 1996. ASEF appeared the following year as the most concrete manifestation of this newfound engagement, and as an attempt to widen the contours of Asia-Europe's relations.

Professor Tommy Koh, a distinguished and well-respected diplomat of our time, is Singapore's foremost "Americanist", having spent about two decades in America, serving as Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to the United States. When he turned "Europeanist" on being appointed the Executive Director of ASEF, many of his admirers were surprised, but they had no doubts that his diplomatic skills and international stature make him the ideal person to bridge the gap between Asia and Europe.

This collection of Tommy Koh's speeches and essays provides an insight into the role and workings of ASEF. It contains his thoughts on the three important pillars of Asia-Europe relations: economics, politics and culture. Readers will find in this book his assessment of some of the key trends shaping the emerging world order and some crucial events affecting the transformation of Asia and Europe. He points to synergies between the two continents but also does not hesitate to note the differences in outlook which have to be recognised and respected. This volume is an essential and stimulating guide for anyoneinterested in understanding Asia and Europe, especially those following and assessing the trends influencing both, and who are concerned with the future of Asia-Europe relations.