The two blocs held their 24th ministerial meeting in Brussels, agreeing to intensify relations
At the 24th ASEAN-EU ministerial meeting held in Brussels on Feb. 2, it was agreed to further intensify trade and investment relations between the countries. "We were encouraged by the strong economic cooperation between ASEAN and the EU, which is ASEAN's third largest foreign investor and third largest trading partner in 2022, and reaffirmed our commitment to use this positive momentum to further intensify trade and investment relations between ASEAN and the EU," reads the joint ministerial statement issued on Saturday, Feb. 3. At the meeting, attended by foreign ministers from ASEAN and EU member countries, the ASEAN Secretariat and the European Commission, as well as Timor-Leste as an ASEAN observer, ASEAN reiterated the importance of finding solutions to long-standing market access problems. Both sides also welcome opportunities to increase trade and investment through bilateral free trade agreements, strengthen connectivity and economic relations between the two regions, and enhance sustainable development for both sides, such as through the ASEAN-EU Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWG). "We will intensify our engagement on trade and economic issues and explore other venues in the short and medium term to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as the digital economy, green technologies and services, sustainable production and consumption of raw materials, and supply chain resilience, while reaffirming a future ASEAN-EU free trade agreement as a common long-term goal," the communiqué reads. In addition, during the meeting chaired by Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo and European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell, ASEAN and the EU reaffirmed the shared values and common interests that have underpinned the 47-year ASEAN-EU dialogue relationship and expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive and diverse nature of the dynamic partnerships. They also reaffirmed the strategic partnership and common interest in keeping the regions peaceful, stable and prosperous, upholding and respecting international law and the international order based on rules and adherence to international law, and maintaining peace, security and stability, including through such measures as the promotion and protection of human rights, including for people with disabilities, gender equality and fundamental freedoms.
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