KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 — The European Union is keen on developing and diversifying trade portfolios with Asean, and recognises the increasing importance of the bloc, said Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
She emphasised that the EU-Asean partnership is strategic, particularly in today’s turbulent global environment, and described it also as a security partnership.
“EU is the stability factor in Europe, whereas Asean I think it is (the stabilising factor) in this region,” she told selected media on the sidelines of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting yesterday.
According to Kallas, the EU and Asean should collaborate closely, as both groupings believe in free trade.
“We (EU and Asean) should really have a free trade agreement and of course work is ongoing. It is not easy but I think it is important,” she said.
The official EU website says dialogue between the EU and Asean has spanned over 50 years. In December 2020, the two organisations established a strategic partnership, marking a new phase in their enduring relationship.
For 2021 to 2027, the EU has allocated €180 million (RM895.4 million) to support regional cooperation with Asean, focusing on key areas aligned with the EU-Asean strategic partnership.
In 2027, the EU and Asean will mark the 60th anniversary of their relations.
The EU comprises 27 countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, and Sweden.
The 58th AMM was held from Tuesday to Friday.
The four-day high-level event gathered around 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from Asean member states, Timor-Leste, Asean Dialogue Partners, Asean Regional Forum participants, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and Asean Secretariat senior officials.
— Bernama
