HELSINKI (AFX) - Asian and European leaders accepted India, Pakistan and Mongolia as new members of the ASEM grouping during the first day of their two-day summit here, Finnish prime minister Matti Vanhanen said.
'I really welcome India, Pakistan and Mongolia as new partners,' he said after chairing the gathering of 38 Asian and EU leaders.
Vanhanen, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, said that when Bulgaria and Romania join the EU as is expected next year, it would also like them to become part of ASEM.
He said that during today's talks, leaders also urged Myanmar -- represented here by foreign minister U Nyan Win -- to step up moves towards democracy and to improve human rights.
But he said the foreign minister made no clear commitments, adding: 'We are not satisfied.'
Vanhanen said leaders also called for a successful resolution of concerns about the nuclear development programme of North Korea.
They agreed on the need for comprehensive peace in the Middle East, but did not discuss Iran in detail, he said. victoria.main@afxnews.com vm/sw COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2005. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited