The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – European Union (EU) – Senior Officials’ Meeting was convened via videoconference on 8 July 2021. The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Stanley Loh, Second Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore and H.E. Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, European External Action Service. The Meeting was attended by officials from all ASEAN and EU Member States, as well as by representatives from the European Commission and the ASEAN Secretariat.

In the face of common challenges including economic, security, health, environment and climate change, we reaffirmed the shared values, principles and interests that underpin the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership, such as our common belief in the importance of strengthening the rules-based multilateral system and the promotion of effective multilateralism. We noted with satisfaction the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of our dynamic and growing partnership today. We commended the good progress on implementing the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action (2018-2022). We reiterated our shared commitment to support ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms in the evolving regional architecture that should remain open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based. ASEAN Member States reiterated the importance of promoting and implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and encouraged greater cooperation in the key areas of the Outlook to enhance mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual benefit through ASEAN-led mechanisms. EU Member States presented the new EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, while stressing its inclusive approach and openness to cooperation with other countries in areas where we can find common ground based on shared principles, values, mutual interest, and mutual benefit.

Download the full press release here.