BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 28 (Bernama) -- ASEAN aims to establish an ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) to significantly enhance trade and investment ties between the two major regional blocs.
Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Erywan Yusof, said the foundational frameworks for the FTA are already in place through existing cooperation and bilateral agreements.
“The focus must now shift toward building upon these building blocks to move the ambitious trade agenda forward. The renewed push for the FTA aligns with a unanimous agreement among member states to elevate their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
“As both regions approach the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-EU dialogue relations in 2027, the move towards a CSP must be guided by concrete, inclusive, and mutually beneficial deliverables,” he said.
Erywan said this during a joint press conference with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, after the 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) here today.
The two-day AEMM, which ended today, was co-chaired by Erywan and Kallas.
Touching on broader economic cooperation, Erywan highlighted the expanding focus on the digital economy and green energy transitions. Notably, he welcomed the EU’s vital support for the ASEAN Power Grid, describing it as a key infrastructure initiative necessary for ensuring regional energy security.
On the security front, both regions are actively stepping up collaborative efforts to combat modern cybersecurity threats and transnational crimes.
Addressing these specific issues, Erywan said it is crucial to protect the safety of citizens and maintain public trust in government institutions.
“The heart of ASEAN-EU relations remains its people. Strengthening exchanges, mobility, and practical cooperation among students, researchers, businesses, and professionals will be essential in bringing ASEAN and Europe closer together in the coming years,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
