A typical example of multilateral integration and cooperation

In December 2022, on the occasion of the EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in Brussels, our leaders jointly developed an ambitious blueprint for future cooperation, and announced through the most comprehensive Action Plan in the history of EU-ASEAN relations.

This is the foundation for cooperation in the coming years. The EU and ASEAN have agreed to work together to strengthen strategic cooperation in a number of areas where citizens of both sides and perhaps the whole world expect leadership. our leadership, in green issues and sustainable connectivity.

In this context, I would like to emphasize again that in December 2022, the EU announced 10 billion Euro in support for Global Gateway projects in Southeast Asia. I am pleased to announce that the implementation of these projects is progressing well through technical dialogues and effective exchange of experiences. Through cooperation, we constantly demonstrate our common commitment to the values ​​that the two organizations rely on and constantly seek new opportunities to help the EU – ASEAN Strategic Partnership become more and more dynamic. bringing the two areas closer together.

Similar to the EU, ASEAN is one of the most typical examples of the benefits of regional integration and multilateralism. Southeast Asia’s story of regional integration illustrates the fact that peaceful coexistence with neighboring countries brings about a virtuous cycle of development, including economic growth and the forms of cooperation that bring Great benefits for countries and regions. Therefore, peace, stability and prosperity are clearly interconnected and need to be maintained and protected at all costs.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Myanmar situation or the East Sea tensions have shown that peace and stability do not come naturally. Therefore, it is essential that we uphold the principle of protecting multilateralism and international law. Any deviation from these principles will push us – the EU, ASEAN, or even the wider world – into a slippery slope with uncertain consequences.

Vietnam is an important partner of the EU and our relationship is developing very well, reinforced by three important agreements that have been signed over the years – the Free Trade Agreement, the Framework Agreement Partnership and Comprehensive Cooperation, Framework Agreement on Security and Defense Cooperation. Looking forward, we believe in the support from Vietnam for the increasingly strong EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership.