From Fadzli Ramli
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 29 (Bernama) -- ASEAN and the European Union concluded their ministerial meeting on Tuesday with a pledge to deepen economic and security cooperation, as both sides warned of growing risks from geo-economic fragmentation and the weaponisation of economic tools amid rising global instability.
At the 25th ASEAN-European Union Ministerial Meeting (AEMM), the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to open and rules-based trade.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan told Bernama and RTM on the sidelines of the AEMM that unilateral measures could disrupt global trade flows and disproportionately affect smaller, trade-dependent economies.
“Globally, economic engagement must remain transparent, non-discriminatory and supportive of an open and rules-based trading system,” he said, driving home the point that safeguarding fair and transparent trade is pivotal.
Mohamad added that ongoing conflicts continue to weigh on the global economy, fuelling supply chain disruptions, energy insecurity and rising cost-of-living pressures.
Economic cooperation featured prominently, with ASEAN and the EU advancing discussions on a region-to-region Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen resilience amid global uncertainties.
Brunei’s Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof said ASEAN and the EU are building on existing cooperation to advance the FTA.
“ASEAN believes the foundations are already in place. The task now is to build on this momentum and move forward,” he said.
Beyond trade, ministers also agreed to expand cooperation in the digital economy and energy transition, including through the EU’s support for the ASEAN Power Grid, while stepping up efforts to address cybersecurity threats and transnational crime.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stressed the need to protect critical maritime infrastructure and uphold freedom of navigation.
She also warned that the international rules-based order is under increasing strain and called for reforms to ensure it reflects evolving global realities.
“We should use this time for reforms and reshape the international system so that it reflects global realities,” she said.
On humanitarian issues, Mohamad reiterated Malaysia’s call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded delivery of aid.
The two-day meeting, co-chaired by Erywan and Kallas, also affirmed plans to elevate ASEAN-EU ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with officials tasked to deliver concrete outcomes ahead of the 50th anniversary of dialogue relations in 2027.
-- BERNAMA
