KUALA LUMPUR: Free trade agreement negotiations with Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand are progressing well, with the agreements set to bring both regions closer together, says the European Union (EU).
Its president Antonio Costa said a free trade agreement had just been concluded with Indonesia, making it the third Asean country to sign a free trade pact with the EU 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.
“Every new trade agreement and new investment is a bridge that reinforces stability and shared prosperity,” he said at the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits Plenary Session yesterday.
Costa said Asean is a reliable partner that the EU is proud to engage with, noting how both economies are deeply interlinked.
“It is crucial that we weave a global network of cooperation across regions and 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 added.
Costa said maritime security is another key area of cooperation.
Both the 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, the rules-based international order and the principles of the United Nations Charter,” he said.
“These principles are the foundation of our security and prosperity. The alternative is a chaotic and violent world. International law must prevail everywhere.”
He added that the EU has long been a champion of deeper regional integration.
Looking towards the 50th anniversary of EU-Asean relations in 2027, Costa 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 added.
