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`ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) is a biennial summit meeting of the heads of state from 26 Asian and European countries promoting collective prosperity and cooperation between the two continents in various fields encompassing political, security, social and cultural issues. Despite the importance of Asia and Europe on the global map, the relationship between the two continents has been regarded as relatively inadequate with few mutual contacts, compared to the brisk trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific exchanges and cooperation. To rectify this situation, ASEM was inaugurated with the intention of strengthening the links and cooperative relationship between Asia and Europe. The inaugural Asia-Europe Meeting was held in Bangkok, Thailand, in March, 1996, attened by the heads of state and government of 10 Asian countries and the 15 EU member countries plus the President of the European Commission. The second ASEM was held in London, England, in April, 1998. This commemorative stamp features the ASEM emplem and a picture from the `Album of the Gathering of Old Statesmen`, a documentary album depicting scenes of the 1719 feast sponsored King Sukjong for a group of elderly government officials called `kisa`. The ASEM emblem represents partnership, harmony, and coprosperity of the two continents, while the Joseon Dynasty drawing entitled `Returning to the Retirement House`, depicts the scene of elderly officials leaving after a celebration. Overall, this stamp symbolizes the meeting of the East and the West that unites all humanity in the dynamic development for a brighter future in the 21st century. `