EU and ASEAN Strengthen Partnership Amid Global Instability

Strategic Insights -

High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas represented the European Union at two key meetings in Kuala Lumpur, attending the EU-ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference and the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting. In a strong statement, Kallas emphasized the importance of EU-ASEAN cooperation in the face of global instability, describing ASEAN as Asia's "stabiliser". She highlighted the deepening ties between the EU and ASEAN on trade, digital infrastructure, and security, and called for closer cooperation to protect undersea cables and promote free trade agreements.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU-ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference reviews EU-ASEAN engagement over the past year across political, security, and economic cooperation.
  • The 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting is the region's main government-to-government security dialogue, bringing together foreign ministers from the region and beyond.
  • HRVP Kallas stressed that Europe's cooperation with Asia is stronger than ever, and that the EU and ASEAN share a commitment to dialogue, consensus-building, and international law.
  • The EU and ASEAN represent nearly 40 countries and just under one third of global trade, making their partnership both strategic and impactful.
  • The EU and ASEAN have deepening ties on trade, digital infrastructure, and security, with a focus on protecting undersea cables, promoting free trade agreements, and growing EU investment in the region.
  • HRVP Kallas called for closer cooperation to protect undersea cables, welcomed ASEAN interest in free trade agreements, and highlighted growing EU investment in the region.
  • The HRVP reaffirmed support for ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus and warned against legitimising junta-led elections in Myanmar.
  • Kallas addressed broader regional challenges, including maritime threats and the erosion of international law, and stressed the need for cooperation to uphold international law.

Statistics:

  • The EU and ASEAN represent nearly 40 countries.
  • The EU and ASEAN account for just under one third of global trade.
  • The EU and ASEAN have a significant impact on the region's economy, with deepening ties on trade, digital infrastructure, and security.
  • 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting is the region's main government-to-government security dialogue.

Sources:

  • European Union External Action Service

* 10-11 July news release regarding EU-ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference and 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting