Jakarta – The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, welcomed a delegation from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and Members of the Bundestag representing Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) parliamentary group at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Thursday.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening ASEAN–Germany and ASEAN–EU relations, while also exploring avenues for advancing cooperation in areas of shared interest.
Discussions centred on peace, stability, sustainable development, and ASEAN Community-building efforts toward 2045 and beyond.
Dr. Kao highlighted ASEAN’s commitment to deepening ties with Germany, noting that Berlin has long been a strong supporter of ASEAN’s integration and development agenda.
He emphasised that ASEAN’s external partnerships are vital in addressing global challenges, particularly in areas such as climate change, digital transformation, and sustainable economic growth.
The German delegation, led by representatives of KAS and CDU parliamentarians, reaffirmed Germany’s interest in working closely with ASEAN to promote multilateralism, regional stability, and inclusive development.
They also expressed support for ASEAN’s long-term vision, ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, which outlines the bloc’s strategic priorities for the next two decades.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of ASEAN–EU relations, which have been elevated to a Strategic Partnership, and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. Germany, as a leading EU member state, was recognised as a key partner in advancing these initiatives.
The meeting also underscored the role of think tanks and political foundations such as KAS in fostering dialogue, policy exchange, and capacity building between Europe and Southeast Asia.
By engaging with ASEAN institutions, KAS and CDU representatives aim to contribute to stronger interregional understanding and collaboration.
Observers note that the engagement reflects ASEAN’s broader strategy of diversifying partnerships and strengthening ties with Europe at a time of shifting global dynamics.
With Germany’s expertise in green technologies, digital innovation, and governance, ASEAN sees opportunities for collaboration that align with its own development goals.
The discussions concluded with both sides expressing optimism for closer ASEAN–Germany cooperation, reaffirming their shared commitment to building a peaceful, stable, and sustainable future for their regions.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News, The Straits Times, Deutsche Welle
