In 2016, Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) turned 20. Over the last two decades, ASEM has played a pivotal role as a forum for dialogue and cooperation. The 1st ASEM Summit (ASEM1) was held, 1-2 March 1996, in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the start of a process of engagement between Asian and European political leaders in dialogue and cooperation on political, economic and socio-cultural issues. From an initial gathering of 26, it has grown to 53 partners. ASEM celebrated its 20th anniversary at the 11th ASEM Summit (ASEM11) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 15-16 July 2016, where ASEM Leaders reviewed past progress and achievements made by ASEM since its inception, while setting the course for further enhancement and evolution of the inter-regional process in the next decade.