European Commission Communication - A New Partnership with South East Asia
This communication proposes revitalising the EU’s relations with ASEAN and the countries of South-East Asia. The need to develop these relations further was noted in the Commission’s
September 2001 Communication on ‘Europe and Asia, a strategic framework for enhanced partnerships’, since endorsed by the Council and the Parliament.
There are several reasons for this strategy of enhanced relations. There is a solid foundation
for strengthened cooperation in the fact that the countries of Europe and South-East Asia share many common features and values, as well as important political and economic interests. These include a deep respect for cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, and a commitment to regional integration. There is also the increasing realisation that many problems — such as terrorism, environmental degradation, diseases, organised crime — are truly global in their nature, and can only be addressed effectively through international cooperation. Economic imperatives for closer cooperation include the fact that South-East Asia is set to become one of the most dynamic growth areas in the world economy.
This Communication identifies the following six strategic priorities, and outlines actions by
which the EU’s relationship with ASEAN and the countries of South-East Asia could be
improved:
Volume:
2003
Issue:
399
Pages:
54
Place of Publication:
Brussels
Publisher:
European Commission, DG External Relations
ISBN:
92-894-6480-1
Related Countries:
EU, Southeast Asia
Print
Back to top
