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Asean-EU summit: Forging a strategic front amid Middle East turmoil

As geopolitical volatility reshapes the global order, leaders from both blocs stressed that the security of their regions is ‘more interlinked than ever’

    • One of the Europe Union’s goals of engagement with Asean is to build economic competitive advantage relative to other world powers, including the US.
    • One of the Europe Union’s goals of engagement with Asean is to build economic competitive advantage relative to other world powers, including the US. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Published Mon, May 4, 2026 · 12:53 PM

    THOUSANDS of kilometres separate the European Union and Asean, yet the two have a growing amount in common, not least as two of the largest blocs of nations in the world. Collectively, the two mega regions have a population of well over one billion and their future engagement is underpinned by the ambitious EU-Asean Plan of Action 2023-2027.

    The warmth of the relationship was evident at the 25th Asean-EU Ministerial Meeting on Apr 27 to 28 in Brunei Darussalam. High-level discussions were held under the strategic partnership that the two powers now enjoy, culminating in a 15-page joint ministerial statement issued.

    The EU and Asean have been dialogue partners since 1977, advocating for shared values and principles for a rules-based international order, sustainable multilateralism as well as open and fair economic relations.

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