JAKARTA, 18 November 2025 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties during a meeting between ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and EU Heads of Missions based in Jakarta.
The gathering, hosted at the Mission of the EU to ASEAN, provided a platform to discuss the future direction of the ASEAN–EU Strategic Partnership as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027.
Dr. Kao, attending as a Special Guest, delivered remarks highlighting ASEAN’s priorities in advancing regional stability, economic integration, and sustainable development.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation with the EU in addressing emerging global challenges, including climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical tensions.
The meeting also explored ways to enhance collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides acknowledged the strategic value of the partnership, which has evolved into one of ASEAN’s most comprehensive external relations frameworks.
The ASEAN–EU Strategic Partnership, formally established in 2020, has since expanded to cover a wide range of initiatives, from green energy cooperation to digital economy integration.
With the 50th anniversary milestone approaching, ASEAN and the EU are expected to outline new joint programmes that reflect shared values of multilateralism, inclusivity, and resilience.
Dr. Kao noted that ASEAN’s vision for the coming years centres on building a “resilient, people-centred, and future-ready community,” while the EU expressed its readiness to support ASEAN’s regional agenda through capacity-building, technical assistance, and enhanced diplomatic engagement.
The meeting comes ahead of the upcoming EU–ASEAN Ministerial Dialogue scheduled later this month, where both sides are expected to formalise new areas of cooperation and issue a joint statement reaffirming their partnership.
Observers view the dialogue as a significant step in strengthening ASEAN’s global role, particularly as the region navigates complex challenges in security, economic recovery, and sustainable growth.
For Indonesia, hosting the meeting in Jakarta underscores its role as a bridge between ASEAN and the EU, reinforcing its position in regional diplomacy.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News, Consilium (EU Council), EEAS
