EU urges Asean to defend rules-based order amid regional, global conflicts

The Star

4 days ago

High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, delivers a speech during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the European Union in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The European Union and Asean, as the world's two foremost regional organisations, share a joint responsibility to uphold the international rules-based order and defend multilateralism, says EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Kaja Kallas ( pic ).
The vice-president of the European Commission said both blocs must continue to promote regional cooperation and integration in the face of mounting global crises.
'In the face of Russia's war against Ukraine, multiple conflicts in the Middle East and the rising tensions in the South China Sea, we stand together as advocates for regional cooperation and integration,' she said.
'We defend the rules-based order and multilateralism in line with the UN Charter. We do this because it is in the interest of every citizen in Europe and every citizen here in Asia,' Kallas said at the Asean Post-Ministerial Conference with the EU on Friday (July 11).
Kallas added that as protectors of global norms, the EU and Asean must also push back against renewed protectionism.
'In the face of renewed protectionism, we must boost our cooperation on trade and defend the rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable and transparent trading system with the World Trade Organization,' she said.
She also extended an invitation to Asean ministers for a working lunch in Brussels this November, on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, to strengthen coordination and 'prepare the ground' for deeper cooperation.
'We must take the 50th anniversary of EU-Asean relations and make it a success.
'This work should involve us identifying concrete deliverables to mark that occasion,' she said, referring to the upcoming Commemorative Summit in 2027.
Kallas stressed that the current global instability, marked by threats to territorial integrity and violations of international humanitarian law, required predictable and principled actors.
'Many things that we have taken for granted are now being questioned, including core principles such as territorial integrity and international humanitarian law.
'But the European Union is as committed to upholding global norms as ever before.
'We are a predictable, reliable partner for free trade, multilateralism, solving global issues together and standing up for international law,' she said.
She also highlighted the growing interdependence between Asean and the EU, noting that both regions account for over 20% of global GDP and nearly a quarter of global trade.
'Malaysia has helped the EU to cut its dependency on Russia for oil and gas. Brunei has too - thank you for that.
'European-produced electric vehicles run on batteries with inputs from Indonesia and Thailand produces more rubber than any other country in the world.
'We use this in everything from tyres to… well, everything,' she said.
Kallas said the EU also provides Asean members with critical imports, including pharmaceuticals, industrial tools and advanced technology.
Looking ahead, she voiced confidence that the evolving partnership between the EU and Asean warranted a further upgrade.
'I am confident that the substance of our work together justifies the elevation of our partnership status to one of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,' she said.
She closed her remarks by thanking Malaysia for its hospitality and Brunei for assuming the role of Asean country coordinator for the EU.