Representatives from ASEAN and the European Union (EU) reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the existing close trade and investment relations between the regions.
Jakarta (VNA) – Representatives from ASEAN and the European Union (EU) reiterated their commitment to further strengthening th🐭e existing close trade and investment relations between the regions during the 23rd Meeting of the ASEAN-EU Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) in Jakarta, Indonesia on February 4.
The two sides welcomed the substantial rate of implementation of cooperation activities foreseen in the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to Strengthen the ASEAN-EU Partnership (2013-2017), and exchanged views on development in their respective regions.
The EU applauded the formation of the ASEAN Community late last year and the adoption of the ASEAN Vision 2025. It also reaffirmed its support to the centrality of ASEAN in the regional architecture.
The group appreciated the EU’s pledge to strengthen ASEAN-EU relations, and welcomed the appointment of Francisco Fontan as the first EU Ambassador to ASEAN.
The two sides welcomed the enhancement of cooperation in non-traditional security, including maritime security, preventive diplomacy, mediation, cyber security, counter-terrorism and transnational crimes.
Participants noted with appreciation the convening of the 2nd ASEAN-EU High Level Dialogue (HLD) on Maritime Security Cooperation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in May last year, affirming that it serves as a platform to exchange best practices and experiences while addressing maritime-related issues and strengthening regional cooperation.
The two sides spoke highly of the growing dialogue and engagement between the EU and ASEAN on security and defence issues, including the EU’s active engagement in the ASEAN Regional Forum. They also emphasised the importance of further development of dialogues on security and crisis management as part of the effort to set up a roadmap toward an ASEAN-EU strategic partnership.
They also welcomed the increase in EU funding for development cooperation projects in the period 2014-2020, which helps promote ASEAN integration and applauded recent conclusions of the Financing Agreement on the Enhanced EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (E-READI).
The meeting also noted the EU’s decision to finance two new programmes on sustainable use of peatlands, haze mitigation, biodiversity conservation in ASEAN member nations, climate change adaptation, environmental protection and disaster management.-VNA
Senior officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) have gathered in Brussels for their 23rd Senior Officials' Meeting to review the two sides’ enhanced partnership and discuss future direction.
The fourth ASEAN-EU Business Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on August 23, bringing together over 250 business leaders, policy makers and scholars from the two sides.
ASEAN and the EU agreed to intensify human rights cooperation and policy dialogues at a series of events during an ASEAN delegation’s visit to Belgium’s Brussels from October 19 to 25.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
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International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
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Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
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