The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) hold the 23rd ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) held on December 1 via videoconference. (Photo: asean.org)Brussels (VNA) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and theEuropean Union (EU) agreed to elevate their relationship to “StrategicPartnership” during the 23rd ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) held onDecember 1 via videoconference.
The meeting wasco-chaired by Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, asCountry Coordinator for ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, and EU High Representativefor Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. It was attended by theforeign ministers or representatives from all ASEAN member states and 27 EUmember states, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat and European Commission (EC).
ASEAN and the EUreaffirmed the shared values and common interests that underpin 43 years ofASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations and noted with satisfaction the comprehensive andmultifaceted nature of their dynamic partnership today. The two sides commendedthe good progress on the implementationof the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action (2018-2022).
Recognising theunprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, they encouraged greatercooperation in strengthening both regions’ preparedness for and capacity torespond to current and future public health crises in line with SustainableDevelopment Goal 3 on health and well-being.
The two sidesrecognised the EU’s early engagement with ASEAN at the outset of the pandemicthrough the successful convening of the ASEAN-EU Ministerial Video Conferenceon COVID-19 in March 2020.
They discussedways to take forward cooperation to combat the novel coronavirus, facilitaterobust recovery, and enhance their long-term resilience and sustainability,including through bilateral cooperation to support the implementation of the ASEANComprehensive Recovery Framework.
The EU and ASEANagreed on the importance of collaboration at the WHO, including towards animpartial review of the pandemic response. The EU and ASEAN looked forward tocontinue working together on pandemic response and sustainable recoveryefforts, in line with the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework.
They wereheartened by their robust economic cooperation, with the EU being ASEAN’s thirdlargest foreign investor and trading partner in 2019. They acknowledged the serious economic impact ofthe pandemic and resolved to strengthen the economic linkages binding the tworegions to bolster the comprehensive post-pandemic economic recovery.
The two sidesengaged in frank and fruitful discussions on regional and international issuesof mutual interest and concern. Their ministers underlined the importance of the respect for the rule of law,sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, maritime security and safety,freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, inaccordance with the universally recognised principles of international law,including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) andthe relevant standards and recommended practices of the International CivilAviation Organisation and theInternational Maritime Organisation.
They alsoreaffirmed their support for the open, inclusive and rules-based multilateralsystem and reiterated their shared interest in promoting international law andinternationally agreed norms and standards.
They reiteratedthe importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety,and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the East Sea (internationallyknown as South China Sea) and the importance of non-militarisation andself-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all otherstates, including those mentioned in the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct ofParties in the East Sea (DOC)that could further complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the sea.
The ministersfrom both sides later congratulated Vietnam on its successful ASEANChairmanship 2020. The two blocs set to commemorate the 45th anniversary oftheir relations in 2022 and to continue their discussions at the 24th AEMM, scheduled to be hosted by the EU in the same year.
Speaking afterthe AEMM 23, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that together ASEAN andthe EU represent more than a billion people and one fourth of global economicpower. “Together, we have a strong voice in this world,” Maas told theGermany-based newspaper FAZ.
Upgrading theASEAN-EU relationship to a strategic partnership is a key goal of the Germany’sPresidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of this year, accordingto the German diplomat. EU countries look to diversify relations both in andwith the Indo-Pacific, with ASEAN at its core./.
VNA
