ASEAN, EU Underscore Need To Strengthen Maritime Security

By Fadzli Ramli

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 28 (Bernama) -- ASEAN and the European Union (EU) underscored the need to strengthen maritime security, particularly in safeguarding freedom of navigation.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said both sides must take a firm approach in protecting key maritime routes and critical infrastructure amid global tensions and security challenges.

“There is a need to be very strong on maritime security, particularly in championing and defending the freedom of navigation,” she said at a joint news conference with Brunei’s Second Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Erywan Yusof after the 25th ASEAN-European Union Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) here on Tuesday.

“There is a pressing need to protect critical physical assets, specifically focusing on the protection of undersea infrastructure,” she added.

The two-day AEMM, which ended on Tuesday, was co-chaired by Kallas and Erywan.

The emphasis on maritime security comes as ASEAN and the EU look to deepen cooperation in upholding a rules-based international order, which Kallas said is increasingly under strain amid global tensions.

She said both regional blocs share a strong commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based framework, which acts as the foundation for global stability.

"We see that multilateralism and the international order are under strain right now. But we should use this time for reform.

"We should use this time for changing the international system so that it also reflects the world as it is, meaning that it takes into account all the countries that are existing in the world," she said.

Speaking at the same news conference, Erywan said both blocs are stepping up their security cooperation to address security challenges including cybersecurity threats and transnational crimes.

“Jointly addressing modern cybersecurity threats and transnational crimes is vital to protect citizens and maintain public trust in government institutions,” he said.

Erywan said both sides held candid discussions on global crises, including Russia-Ukraine conflict, developments in West Asia such as Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.

“Despite the climate of global uncertainty, we reaffirmed that ASEAN and the EU stand firmly united in defending international law and a rules-based order,” he said.

He said the successful meeting has generated strong momentum as both regions prepare for a historic milestone.

In 2027, ASEAN and the EU will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their dialogue relations, paving the way for deeper, inclusive and more impactful strategic cooperation.

--BERNAMA