EU Ministers will met their ASEAN counterparts in Nuremberg last week to endorse a Vision Statement on an Enhanced EU-ASEAN Partnership, laying the basis for closer political relations and co-operation in future.

At the meeting the EU express its commitment to support South East Asian in developing its own forms of regional integration.  This biennial EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting was attended by representatives from all EU Member states as well as the 10 ASEAN countries: Brunei, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

On the eve of the meeting, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner said: "EU relations with ASEAN are becoming increasingly dynamic: tomorrow's meeting, and in particular the adoption of the Vision Statement shows that our relationship is ready to shift up a gear".

She added: "Europe has led the way in exploring the possibilities and advantages of regional integration.  We applaud the initiatives that ASEAN is taking to bring the benefits of deeper regional co operation to South East Asia. We will continue to do all we can to support ASEAN in this to help bring greater stability and prosperity to the region."

Since the Commission Communication "A new Partnership for South East Asia" in 2003, important progress has been made to deepen relations with ASEAN members: negotiations have started for Partnership and Co-operation Agreements with Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia covering areas like migration, human rights and non-proliferation issues. Dialogues have been launched on sectoral issues including climate change, energy and the information society.  A joint EU – ASEAN co-operation has monitored the cease fire and brought peace back to Aceh.  And, the EC is currently seeking a negotiating mandate from the Council for a Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN to increase bilateral trade. 

This week's meeting will endorse a Vision Statement which considers how to build on 30 years of co-operation since the EU-ASEAN partnership began in 1977.  The document calls for closer political relations at bilateral and multilateral level and lists the areas for joint action, especially in security, energy, environmental and development matters.

The EU is supporting ASEAN´s moves to deepen regional co-operation in South East Asia, including decisions to establish an ASEAN charter, a kind of constitution for the Association – and the ambition to create a Single Market by 2015.  Since 2000, the EC has committed €80 million in regional programmes in South East Asia.  The EC provides support through dedicated technical assistance programmes, and regularly shares experience in regional integration on specific areas.  The EU has sent a further signal of its commitment to step up engagement by announcing its wish to accede to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Co-operation.

For more information: http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/asean/intro/index.htm