DILI, 28 April 2026 (TAOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister, Bendito Freitas, attended the 25th ASEAN–EU Ministerial Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, marking the country’s first participation as a member of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The meeting, co-hosted by EU High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Brunei’s Minister of Foreign Affairs II, Erywan Pehin Yusof, brought together foreign ministers from the European Union and ASEAN to advance the longstanding partnership and address pressing global challenges.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to international law, including the UN Charter and UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea), and underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
The Ministers recognized that effective protection of critical maritime security requires a concerted and coordinated effort and encouraged enhanced cooperation through sharing best practices and responses, in accordance with international law.
“The European Union and ASEAN share an interest in regional stability and a strong rules-based international order. In such testing times for both, our discussions at the EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting underline why more cooperation and stronger partnerships is the best way forward,” said Kallas, as cited by the European Union External Action.
In his intervention, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn briefed the Ministers and representatives from ASEAN and EU Member States on the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership (2023–2027) as ASEAN and the EU look ahead to its 50th anniversary in 2027.
“Ministers welcomed progress under the EU-ASEAN Plan of Action (2023–2027) and reiterated their ambition to further deepen the Strategic Partnership,” according to the European Union External Action.
Ministers also held a comprehensive exchange on regional and global security developments.
The discussions also focused on enhancing trade cooperation, including advancing green and digital transitions and promoting more diversified supply chains to strengthen economic resilience.
The Ministers from both sides emphasized the importance of open, transparent, and sustainable economic engagement.
“The European Union provided updates on its Global Gateway initiatives, highlighting ongoing and planned investments in sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, and digital connectivity across Southeast Asia. ASEAN welcomed these efforts as a contribution to inclusive and long-term regional growth,” the European Union External Action said in a statement.
Both sides expressed interest in elevating cooperation further, including consideration of a future Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
TATOLI
