EU and ASEAN: Common Interests

Jakarta – The European Union will redouble its effort to strengthen relations with ASEAN by stepping up its support to ASEAN Community building, said the new Ambassador of the EU to ASEAN, Olof Skoog. He presented his Letter of Credence to Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN on 31 October.

Ambassador Skoog stressed that ASEAN is a very important partner of the EU, and that a prosperous, successful and stable ASEAN is also in the interest of the EU.

Secretary-General Minh welcomed Ambassador Skoog as the new Ambassador of the EU to ASEAN, and encouraged him to work closely with ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat to further strengthen ASEAN-EU relations. Secretary-General Minh said that cooperation could be further strengthened, among others, in the areas such as trade and investment, education, disaster management, and maritime cooperation.

During the meeting, Secretary-General Minh and Ambassador Skoog also exchanged views on potential areas for future ASEAN-EU cooperation.