Talking at the first plenary of the two-day event, Cerar said that setting up cultural and social frameworks of cooperation would simplify cooperation processes in economy and politics.

Slovenia is a good example of how a country can build its global connections and visibility through culture, Cerar said at the biennial meeting.

Talking to the STA at the side of the summit, the prime minister labelled ASEM an important form of partnership that takes place on three levels - political, economic and financial, as well as cultural and social.

This form of cooperation and dialogue between European and Asian countries opens up cooperation possibilities in various new fields, for example in security, he said.

Themed Responsible Partnership for Growth and Security, the meeting is expected to discuss a wide variety of issues, including economic cooperation, climate change, human rights and energy security.

The talks might also touch on more delicate issues, such as terrorism, Islamic State threat in Syria and Iraq, and the situation in Ukraine.

Slovenia's prime minister used the opportunity for bilateral meetings that focused above all on economic ties.

Among others, he met with Vilay Kumar Singh, Indian minister for external and overseas affairs. Talking to the STA Cerar expressed belief that ties between Slovenia and India will become more concrete in the future.

Cerar also said that he accepted an invitation of German Chancellor Angel Merkel to visit Berlin at the end of the month.