ASEAN, EU elevate ties to strategic partnership

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh attends the 23rd ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeeting held in form of virtual format on December 1, 2020. Photo: VGP

The meeting was co-chaired by Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, as country coordinator for ASEAN-EU dialogue relations, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell.

The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their strong commitment to accelerate multilateral and regional cooperation on the basis of shared values and common interests in a rules-based global order.

They agreed to continue close coordination in containing and pushing back the Covid-19 pandemic and in fostering post-pandemic recovery.

The ministers approved an ASEAN-EU Joint Statement on connectivity, with due consideration to the EU Strategy Connecting Europe and Asia and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025.

They also welcomed the official launch of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) under the EU ARISE program, which will contribute effectively to further facilitation  of trade flows in the region.

Regarding regional and international landscape, the ministers underlined the need to ensure an environment of peace, security and stability in the region, affirming their commitment to upholding international law, promoting multilateralism and cooperation in addressing global challenges.

The participating countries emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea – a key sea lane of the world and voiced support for efforts aimed at early resumption of talks on an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea in accordance with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh appreciated the EU’s advocacy for ASEAN centrality and unity in an open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based regional emerging architecture.

He suggested the EU share experience with and back ASEAN in narrowing development gap to help the region achieve sustainable development./.

By Thuy Dung