KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 - President of the European Council, Antonio Costa after attending the 47th ASEAN Summit (Plenary) in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. - fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED
KUALA LUMPUR: Free trade agreement negotiations with Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand are progressing well, with agreements set to bring both regions closer together, says the European Union (EU).
EU president Antonio Costa said a free trade agreement had also just been concluded with Indonesia, making it the third Asean country after Singapore and Vietnam.
“We must keep our regions linked, not just through trade, but also through deeper ties in areas like digital infrastructure, energy, and green transitions,” he said in his remarks at the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits Plenary session here on Sunday (Oct 26).
“Every new trade agreement and new investment is a bridge that reinforces stability and shared prosperity,” he added.
He said Asean was a reliable partner that the EU was proud to engage with, noting how both economies were deeply interlinked.
“We live in a multipolar world. A world facing increasing fragmentation and uncertainty.
“It is crucial that we weave a global network of cooperation across regions, and we strengthen our partnership.
“We must secure our supply chains, diversify partnerships, promote sustainable trade, and build resilience in critical sectors.
“Our collective ambition is clear - to work side by side to keep our regions even more connected to each other and to the world,” he said.
He said maritime security was another key area of cooperation.
Both EU and Asean, he said, advocate for a free and open Indo-Pacific based on respect for international law.
“Our regions share a commitment to multilateralism, to the rules-based international order and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
“These principles are the foundation of our security and prosperity.
“The alternative is a chaotic and violent world. International law must prevail everywhere,” he said.
He also said the European Union has long been a champion of deeper regional integration.
“We know from experience that stronger connectivity leads to better cooperation, greater stability, and lasting prosperity,” he said.
Looking towards the 50th anniversary of European Union-Asean relations in 2027, he highlighted the importance of continuing to deepen partnerships.
“By addressing shared challenges, such as climate change, ocean protection, and technological transformation.
“By exploring new areas for cooperation, including digitalisation, security, and education.
“And by upgrading our partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by 2027.
“Our partnership is long-term and strategic.
“Together, we can build a future of peace, prosperity, and stability,” he said.
