AB and ASEAN: Emphasis on Strong Partnership and Cooperation

Strong Cooperation Between the EU and ASEAN

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, emphasized the importance of cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), stating that strengthening this reliable partnership is a critical task.

Important Messages at the ASEAN Summit

In his speech at the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, Costa congratulated Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his efforts to establish a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. He noted that this development symbolizes ASEAN's commitment to peace and dialogue.

Changing Geopolitical Balance and New Opportunities

Costa mentioned the importance of maintaining a reliable partnership with ASEAN amid changing geopolitical balances, stating, "We live in a multipolar world today; in this world, fragmentation and uncertainty are increasing. Therefore, it is essential to establish inter-regional cooperation networks and strengthen our partnerships."

Free Trade Agreements and International Law

Costa expressed that the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement between the EU and Indonesia have yielded positive results, and that talks with the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia are also progressing successfully. He emphasized the shared stance of Europe and Asia on multilateralism and adherence to the UN Charter. Costa stated, "International law must prevail in crisis areas such as the South China Sea, Gaza, and Ukraine."