Jakarta – ASEAN and the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed their intention to intensify bilateral cooperation after the third meeting of the ASEAN‑UAE Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on 12 November 2025.
The session reviewed progress under the Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) for 2024–2028 and set out priorities for deeper engagement across multiple sectors.
Delegates reported steady implementation in the second year of the PCA, noting momentum in areas such as maritime security, trade and investment, the digital economy, tourism, sustainable agriculture, disaster management and humanitarian assistance, and people‑to‑people exchanges.
The meeting also highlighted work on the Initiative for ASEAN Integration and efforts to narrow development gaps among member states.
Officials from both sides underlined the untapped potential in the partnership and emphasised the importance of translating policy pledges into practical projects that deliver mutual benefits.
ASEAN urged the UAE to align its cooperation with ASEAN 2045 strategic goals and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo‑Pacific, encouraging UAE support for the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan and the IAI Work Plan V.
Areas flagged for future collaboration include peacebuilding and reconciliation, governance, women’s economic empowerment, poverty reduction and social welfare, as well as finance, digital integration and e‑commerce.
Smart city development and the ASEAN Smart Cities Network were singled out as priority avenues where UAE expertise and investment could be mobilised to support sustainable urbanisation in Southeast Asia.
The meeting was co‑chaired by Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary‑General for the ASEAN Economic Community, and Abdulla Salem Obaid AlDhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Indonesia.
Representatives of ASEAN member states’ committees, permanent missions and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the discussions, which focused on practical cooperation under the PCA framework.
The UAE has progressively strengthened ties with ASEAN since becoming a Sectoral Dialogue Partner in recent years and has engaged with the grouping on multiple fronts, including diplomatic outreach and joint initiatives designed to boost economic linkages and people‑to‑people contacts.
Earlier engagement led by the UAE underscored its interest in institutionalising cooperation and expanding the scope of projects under the 2024–2028 Joint Action Plan.
Observers say the Jakarta meeting reflects a pragmatic approach by both sides: ASEAN seeks development partners that can contribute finance, technology and expertise to help deliver its connectivity and development agendas, while the UAE is exploring new markets and strategic footholds in Southeast Asia beyond traditional trade and investment channels.
As the PCA moves into its third year, its success will depend on concrete follow‑through: project pipelines, financing arrangements, and effective coordination between ASEAN central bodies, national governments and UAE partners will determine whether the renewed commitments translate into measurable outcomes for communities across the region.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
