(4 Apr 1998) English/Nat
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II presided over a banquet for the leaders of 25 Asian and European nations on Friday night.
The banquet took place at Buckingham Palace at the end of the first day of the summit the Queen said the leaders were getting a well deserved break.
After a full day of discussions, it was time for dinner at Buckingham Palace - and all the Asian and European leaders were there.
In addition to Britain, the summit participants include the rest of the E-U, six members of the Association of South East Asian Nations and Japan, South Korea and China.
Queen Elizabeth the Second had a word of welcome for all of them.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Prince Philip and I am delighted to welcome you all to this country for the second Asia-Europe meeting, and to Buckingham Palace for a much-needed pause in your deliberations. Britain is honoured that the first ASEM summit in Europe should be taking place here."
SUPER CAPTION: Queen Elizabeth II
The leaders had spent much of the day discussing the financial crisis in Asia.
But they were eager to reassure the world that Asia's economic crisis isn't likely to worsen or spread.
However, financial worries were temporarily cast aside as the participants set down to dinner.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I should now like to ask my fellow guests to join me in toasting your Majesty's very good health. Your Majesty."
SUPER CAPTION: Sultan of Brunei
For dinner, the guests had a cordon bleu menu of sea bass, veal with mushrooms, spinach, celery and potatoes, then salad, followed by apricot ice cream filled with champagne sorbet, accompanied by fine wines.
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