JOINT MINISTERIAL STATEMENT 25TH ASEAN-EU MINISTERIAL MEETING 27-28 APRIL 2026

 JOINT MINISTERIAL STATEMENT 25TH ASEAN-EU MINISTERIAL MEETING 27-28 APRIL 2026 

1. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) convened the 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) on 27-28 April 2026 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The Meeting was co-chaired by The Honourable Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Minister of Foreign Affairs II of Brunei Darussalam, as Country Coordinator of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, and Her Excellency Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. The Meeting was attended by the Foreign Ministers from ASEAN and EU Member States, as well as representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat. 

 2. We, the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN and the EU, and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, reaffirmed the shared values and common interests that underpin 49 years of ASEAN EU Dialogue Relations and noted with satisfaction the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of our partnership. We noted the good progress made in implementing the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action (2023-2027) and emphasised the importance of further strengthening our Strategic Partnership. 

 3. We recalled the substantive outcomes of the 24th AEMM held in Brussels, Belgium in 2024, which reaffirmed the commitment to deepen relations based on international law, mutual interest, mutual benefit and equality. We reiterated our shared interest in keeping our regions peaceful, stable, and prosperous, in upholding multilateralism and respecting international law and the rules-based international order. We emphasised our joint commitment in maintaining peace, security and stability, including through, amongst others, sustainable development, the promotion and protection of human rights, including for persons with disabilities, gender equality, and fundamental freedoms. 

 4. We looked forward to the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations in 2027 and the forthcoming proposal to convene an ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit, which will serve as a renewed impetus for closer collaboration between both sides and bring the partnership to new heights, guided by our shared aspirations for peace, progress and sustainable development.

5. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations and to undertaking more tangible, practical and mutually beneficial initiatives to advance the Strategic Partnership. ASEAN noted with appreciation the EU's intention to establish an ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and both sides looked forward to further discussions toward this objective. We underscored that any consideration of such establishment should be meaningful, substantive, mutually beneficial and grounded in concrete and practical cooperation that delivers real value to 1 both regions, and should continue to be guided by ASEAN Centrality, established principles and agreed processes.

 6. We noted that both the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific share relevant fundamental principles in promoting an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture in the Indo-Pacific region that upholds international law, and expressed our intention to explore practical cooperation in the four priority areas of the AOIP, consistent with the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and international law, through relevant ASEAN-led mechanisms. We reaffirmed the central role of the AOIP in shaping regional cooperation and welcomed the EU’s continued support in aligning the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific with the AOIP, including through the 4th EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels on 21 November 2025. We recognised that advancing peace, stability, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific remains a shared strategic interest. 

 7. We welcomed the 6th ASEAN-EU Policy Dialogue on Human Rights held on 15 October 2025, emphasising ongoing cooperation and advancing the promotion and protection of human rights in both regions. We also took note of the adoption of two ASEAN human rights instruments at the 47th ASEAN Summit, namely the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment, and the ASEAN Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and the Right to Peace Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development. We encouraged cooperation on human rights among relevant stakeholders, including exchanges of experiences on National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights, in cooperation with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) and civil society, as appropriate. We looked forward to continued engagement on areas of mutual interest, including institutional linkages and capacity-building. In this regard, we noted ASEAN’s continued work on strengthening the regional human rights mechanism, including through the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). Noting the impact of mines on all human rights, as well as the importance of mine action in national rehabilitation and sustainable development, ASEAN encouraged the EU to support the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC). 

 8. We expressed appreciation to Malaysia for its Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 and the progress made under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” We welcomed the Philippines as ASEAN Chair in 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, and expressed support for its three priority pillars: Peace & Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment. We also welcomed the adoption of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, including the ASEAN Community Vision 2045: “Resilient, Innovative, Dynamic and People-Centred” (ACV 2045) and its Strategic Plans by ASEAN Leaders during the 46th ASEAN Summit. We looked forward to enhanced ASEAN-EU cooperation in support of the priorities of the 2026 ASEAN Chairship and the first year of implementation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, including its four Strategic Plans, and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan V (2026-2030), through practical initiatives and increased cooperation. 2

 9. We welcomed Timor-Leste to the 25th AEMM as the 11th Member State of ASEAN, and reaffirmed our continued commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s full integration, including through the continued implementation of the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN following its admission, as well as through targeted capacity building initiatives. 

 10. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, prosperity, safety and stability, the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 

 11. We reiterated our unwavering commitment to upholding international law in the maritime domain, and the freedom of navigation and overflight, in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS. We noted the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution A/RES/76/72 emphasising in the Preamble, the universal and unified character of the 1982 UNCLOS, and reaffirming that the Convention sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out and is of strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and global action and cooperation in the marine sector, and that its integrity needs to be maintained. We reaffirmed our commitment to maintaining and further strengthening stability in our respective maritime spheres to bring about overall peace, security, stability, and prosperity in our regions, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. 

 12. We stressed that ASEAN and the EU face increasingly complex security challenges and that the security of the two regions is more interlinked than ever. We remained committed to cooperate in key domains such as maritime security, Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), cyber, counter-terrorism and space security, among others, and strengthen synergies, in full respect of the Charter of the United Nations (UN), and noted the EU-funded projects such as Critical Maritime Routes Indo Pacific (CRIMARIO), Enhancing Security Cooperation in and With Asia and the Indo Pacific (ESIWA+), EU CyberNet, EU Cyber Direct and Global Ports Safety (GPS). We underlined the importance of the respect for the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded lawful maritime commerce and other internationally lawful uses of the sea. 

 13. We emphasised the need to respond effectively, in accordance with the principle of comprehensive security, to all forms of threats, transnational crimes and transboundary challenges. In this regard, we encouraged the sharing of best practices on whole-of society resilience models to better prepare for and respond to multifaceted crises. We also recalled the importance of enhanced cooperation in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts to better detect, analyse and investigate terrorism financing and the laundering of proceeds of crime, in accordance with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, through capacity-building workshops and seminars to 3 combat International Economic Crime, such as on money laundering and proliferation financing. 

 14. We welcomed ASEAN’s continued efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation through relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies and ASEAN-led mechanisms, as well as ASEAN-led processes including the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF), as well as growing cooperation on maritime safety and security, through capacity-building programmes, sharing best practices on emergency response, search and rescue (SAR), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), early warning systems, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), countering sea piracy, armed robbery against ships, cybersecurity in maritime domain, trafficking in persons, smuggling of arms and drugs, promoting sustainable and responsible fisheries, marine environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, marine plastic debris reduction, and protecting and securing underwater infrastructure, such as submarine cables and pipelines. 

 15. We underlined that the resilience of critical maritime infrastructure is vital to our security and prosperity and its effective protection requires a concerted and coordinated effort. To this end, we continued to promote a common understanding of the existing and emerging threats and challenges to the interconnected critical infrastructure and encouraged enhanced cooperation through sharing best practices and responses, in accordance with international law. 

 16. We welcomed the entry into force of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). We will work to promote the ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement to ensure its effective implementation starting from its first Conference of Parties. 

 17. We welcomed the EU’s continued support for ASEAN Centrality and its active engagement in ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC). ASEAN noted with appreciation the EU’s interest in engaging in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts’ Working Group activities through the observership programme, in accordance with ASEAN’s established principles, modalities, processes, and practices. 

 18. We welcomed the EU’s support for maritime security and maritime domain awareness, which complement ASEAN’s priorities under the AOIP, through technical cooperation, shared awareness, capacity-building, exchange of experience, and sharing of knowledge and expertise, and noted efforts to enhance information exchange, inter agency coordination and implementation of the relevant Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in accordance with international law. 

 19. We looked forward to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the TAC in 2026 and reaffirmed the TAC’s continued importance as a foundational instrument for 4 promoting peace, stability and cooperation in the region. We underscored the TAC’s enduring principles of peaceful coexistence, non-interference, the renunciation of the threat or use of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, to which all signatories have committed, and which remain essential in an increasingly complex global environment. We welcomed the EU’s continued support for the TAC as part of efforts to strengthen ASEAN Centrality and to maintain an ASEAN-centred, open, transparent, inclusive, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law. ASEAN also welcomed the continued interest by EU Member States to accede to the TAC. 

 20. We welcomed ongoing cooperation in mitigating risks associated with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials, building on the collaboration between the Network of ASEAN CBR Defence Experts and the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative, including through capacity-building activities. 

 21. We reiterated our unwavering support for safeguarding and strengthening the nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control architecture. We will continue to work towards a successful 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) building on our engagement throughout the current review cycle. We reaffirmed our unequivocal support to the NPT as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, the essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament in accordance with Article VI, and an important element in developing nuclear energy applications for peaceful purposes according to its Article IV. It is crucial to the maintenance of international peace and security. 

 22. We reaffirmed the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), including through the Plan of Action to Strengthen the Implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty (2023-2027). We noted that the Executive Committee of the SEANWFZ Commission is continuing to explore the possibility of allowing individual Nuclear-Weapon States which are willing to sign and ratify the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty without reservation and provide prior formal assurance of this commitment in writing to go ahead with the signing. We noted that ASEAN welcomed any Nuclear-Weapon States that are ready to do so. We congratulated Timor-Leste’s accession to the SEANWFZ Treaty in 2025. We welcomed continued engagement with all Nuclear-Weapon States, including those with reservations, with a view to resolving outstanding issues in accordance with the objectives and principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty, and welcomed efforts in promoting global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. 

 23. We welcomed continued cooperation to combat transnational crime under the ASEAN Plus EU Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC + EU) Consultation framework, as guided by the ASEAN-EU Work Plan to Combat Terrorism and Transnational Crime (2022-2027), and looked forward to its further implementation. We also noted the cross-sectoral Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL) Framework established under the ASEAN Multi-Sectoral Work Plan Against Trafficking 5 in Persons 2023-2028 (Bohol TIP Work Plan 2.0), which enhances ASEAN’s coordinated efforts to combat TIP. 

 24. We recognised the importance of strengthening cooperation on non-traditional security challenges, including cyber threats, online scams and related crimes, and on countering disinformation and misinformation. We encouraged deeper cooperation between ASEAN bodies and centres and EU institutions, specialised agencies and projects to enhance cyber resilience and incident response, and promote an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful information and communication technology (ICT) environment, consistent with the 2019 ASEAN-EU Statement on Cybersecurity Cooperation. In this context, we also stressed the importance of ASEAN-EU cooperation to promote responsible state behaviour and the applicability of international law in cyberspace, including through the UN Global Mechanism. We reaffirmed our commitment to leverage the ARF to enhance ASEAN-EU cooperation on cyber issues, including through confidence building measures.

 25. We remained committed to combating the global scourge of online fraud and recognised global instruments, including the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, and initiatives, including the Call for Action of the Global Fraud Summit of 2026 and the Bangkok Joint Statement by the Global Partnership against Online Scams, that can be instrumental to that end. We noted ASEAN and the EU’s intention to support prevention measures, effective law enforcement actions and support and protect victims, as noted in the ASEAN Declaration on Combatting Cybercrime and Online Scams and the ASEAN Guide on Anti-Scam Policies and Best Practices, as well as in the ProtectEU European Internal Security Strategy. We stressed the need to strengthen the sharing of expertise and cooperation. We recognised the need to stop the rising number of scam centres, especially in Southeast Asia, and dismantle the organised criminal groups establishing and operating those centres, as they pose a major challenge to regional security and human rights. These centres often capitalise on local border conflicts and weak regulatory environments to facilitate fraudulent operations worldwide. We recognised the need for assistance of victims of human trafficking, who are coerced and exploited within these centres to facilitate their recovery and repatriation. 

 26. We acknowledged the EU as a strategic economic partner for ASEAN. In the current context of rising challenges for the stability and the predictability of the global economy, such as industrial overcapacities and trade tensions, ASEAN and the EU share the ambition to uphold a predictable, transparent, free, fair, inclusive, sustainable, and rules based multilateral trading system. As such, we agreed to intensify efforts to further strengthen trade and investment relations. We welcomed the convening of the regular ASEAN-EU Business Summit to boost trade and investment ties in key priority areas between the two regions. We welcomed the endorsement of the ASEAN-EU Trade and Investment Work Programme (TIWP) 2026-2027 at the 21st ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)-EU Trade Commissioner Consultation in September 2025, which will strengthen the strategic economic partnership between both sides. We also welcomed the progress in the bilateral free trade agreements between the ASEAN Member States and the EU as a critical step towards deepening the economic ties between the EU and ASEAN. 6 Furthermore, we emphasised that these agreements will not only enhance mutual ASEAN-EU trade but also serve as a catalyst for elevating our broader strategic partnership. We are confident that our evolving trade relationships will foster long-term prosperity and stability for both ASEAN and the EU. 

 27. We noted that deepening trade and investment cooperation will be increasingly important in navigating global economic uncertainty and geoeconomic challenges and building a resilient diversified and sustainable supply chain. In this context, we welcomed the work undertaken by the ASEAN-EU Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWG-TI), in areas of digital trade, green services and green technologies and supply chain resilience, including the results of the joint study on digital trade, which showed potential for future cooperation between ASEAN and the EU. We welcomed the recommendation of the 21st AEM-EU Trade Commissioner Consultation to consider working towards a set of non-binding ASEAN-EU Digital Trade Principles, building on the results of the joint study to strengthen cooperation on digital issues and encourage convergence around common principles. We noted the progress already made by the JWG-TI in advancing discussions on the Digital Trade Principles, which will strengthen our partnership and support an open and trustworthy environment for digital trade. We also welcomed the SCOPE Trade project, which supports resilient value chains and digital trade. We reaffirmed our efforts in making continued and tangible progress in sectoral cooperation and in advancing towards a region-to-region ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the longer term. 

 28. We acknowledged the importance of critical minerals for the development of crucial technologies for the clean and digital transitions. We looked forward to exploring meaningful cooperation in upstream-to-downstream minerals development, promote sustainable practices and technology adoption, and build human capacity to foster responsible investment, production, and trade across the value chain. 

 29. We welcomed the deepening cooperation between ASEAN and the EU under the ASEAN-EU 2025 Digital Work Plan, and looked forward to the implementation of the ASEAN-EU 2026 Digital Work Plan, including enhanced exchange and cooperation in secure and trusted connectivity, AI governance, digital platforms and online scams, digital standards, digital trade, and Earth observation. We also acknowledged the progress of the ongoing Global Gateway projects, namely the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE)-Trade, SCOPE-Investment Facility, and SCOPE Digital. We looked forward to the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) this year to further strengthen ASEAN’s digital integration and enhance inter-regional digital trade opportunities. 

 30. We welcomed the EU-ASEAN High-Level Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation held in Jakarta on 19 June 2025, which reaffirmed the importance of strengthening ASEAN-EU cooperation in research and innovation. We highlighted the role of science, technology and innovation in addressing shared global challenges and supporting sustainable and inclusive growth. We also welcomed the continued strengthening of cooperation in this field through Horizon Europe and other dedicated 7 instruments, and encouraged greater participation of ASEAN researchers and institutions. We further noted progress in the implementation of priorities agreed with the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI), including the adoption of the ASEAN Regional Research Infrastructure (RRI) Strategy, and expressed our intention to explore further practical cooperation in areas such as science diplomacy, talent mobility and support for technology transfer capacities, including through relevant ASEAN-EU mechanisms. 

 31. We acknowledged the EU’s support for advancing ASEAN’s enforcement and advocacy capabilities in competition and consumer protection policies, and agreed to strengthen our cooperation, including through the convening of the first ASEAN-EU Heads of Competition Agencies Roundtable in May 2026. 

 32. We looked forward to further cooperation in the development and promotion of ASEAN micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including through enhanced cooperation, technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives to strengthen their ability to meet EU relevant standards and regulatory requirements, and to support their adaptation and sustainable transition. 

 33. We welcomed the ongoing implementation and continued development of ASEAN-EU cooperation on intellectual property (IP) under the SCOPE-IPR project, which has delivered tangible outcomes, including through capacity-building programmes and the facilitation of knowledge exchange, IP support for innovators, creators, MSMEs, and underserved groups, and enhanced cooperation on IP enforcement. We also encouraged enhanced cooperation in creative economy. 

 34. We welcomed the continued cooperation between ASEAN and the EU in the field of transport and looked forward to the 9th ASEAN-EU Senior Transport Officials’ Dialogue that will take place in the Philippines in November 2026. We noted the extensive support being provided through different projects under the Sustainable Connectivity Package to increase the safety, sustainability, resilience and interoperability of the ASEAN transport system across modes, and encouraged ASEAN and the EU to further deepen collaboration in the coming years, in line with the ASEAN Transport Sectoral Plan 2026 2030. We noted progress in the implementation of ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (CATA), the first region-to-region aviation agreement, and recalled the Record of Statements made on the occasion of its signature, which enables the provisional application of the Agreement, pending its entry into force. We also encouraged continued efforts towards ratification in order to fully realise the Agreement’s potential in facilitating business, trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. 

 35. We noted the work of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Palm Oil between the EU and Relevant ASEAN Member States, and the voluntary attendance of Member States at the JWG’s Meetings, to promote mutual understanding on the sustainable production of vegetable oils and addressing challenges in this sector in a holistic, transparent, and non-discriminatory manner. 8 

 36. We welcomed the publication of the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance (Version 4) and emphasised the importance of ensuring its interoperability with international standards, including the EU Taxonomy. In this context, we highlighted the importance of mobilising investment for circular business models through implementation of sustainable finance taxonomies that recognise circularity as a key environmental objective. 

 37. We welcomed the EU’s support through the EU-ASEAN Green Initiative and the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility. We further welcomed the launch of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for MSMEs in the Green Transition at the 47th ASEAN Summit, and looked forward to continued ASEAN-EU cooperation on circular economy initiatives, including the ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform hosted by the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD). We agreed to enhance cooperation on resource efficiency and to share best practices on sustainable product design and life-cycle assessments. 

 38. We welcomed the third ASEAN-EU Energy Dialogue in 2025 and looked forward to its next iteration in June 2026, building on ongoing initiatives such as SCOPE Energy projects. We also appreciated the engagement on energy during the Global Gateway Forum in October 2025. We reaffirmed the importance of energy efficiency, and noted ASEAN's Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) programme under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC), as well as the EU's “Energy Efficiency First” principle. We recognised that the energy transition should be just and inclusive, towards ensuring that the transition away from fossil fuels is undertaken in a just, inclusive and orderly manner, while creating local jobs, supporting regional structural change, and maintaining energy affordability for all. 

 39. We acknowledged the EU’s support for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and agreed to further explore cooperation on renewable energy, energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies and sustainable finance, while recognising the importance of energy security, affordability and reliability during energy transition. We welcomed the EU’s support for APG implementation, including through the SCOPE-Energy initiative, as well as the Green Team Europe Initiative (GTEI) and its Technical Assistance Facility (TAF). We also welcomed the EU’s proposed support in science diplomacy, start-ups, bioeconomy, and gender equality in research. 

 40. We welcomed the ASEAN Leaders’ adoption of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) 2026-2035, which includes an increased emphasis on the mainstreaming and implementation of the AOIP. We commended the joint collaboration among the EU, the ASEAN Committee on Sustainable Infrastructure (ACSI), and other relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies in advancing connectivity and sustainable infrastructure cooperation, including through the ongoing implementation of the SCOPE-Investment Facility supporting early-stage preparation of Global Gateway investments in ASEAN countries. 9 

 41. We encouraged the EU to explore collaboration to support the implementation of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the Blue Economy, the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework, and the ASEAN Blue Economy Implementation Plan for Sustainability and Prosperity, to harness the potential of the Blue Economy as a new engine of growth for ASEAN, promoting inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economic development across coastal and landlocked States in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. We welcomed the progress of the ASEAN Blue Economy Implementation Plan (2026-2030) and expressed commitment to strengthening cooperation in sustainable fisheries, maritime connectivity, and marine biodiversity. 

 42. We encouraged the EU’s continued support for sub-regional cooperation frameworks in ASEAN, including the Mekong subregion, Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle (IMS-GT), and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT GT), to promote inclusive and equitable development across ASEAN. 

 43. We welcomed the strengthened partnership between ASEAN and the EU, as well as the EU’s support and sharing of best practices and experiences, which can assist ASEAN’s efforts to narrow the development gap among ASEAN Member States as well as between ASEAN and the rest of the world, achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and enhance ASEAN’s competitiveness as a region, including through the implementation of the IAI Work Plan V, as well as taking into account existing sub regional cooperation frameworks. 

 44. We appreciated ongoing cooperation in labour, social protection for migrant workers and people in vulnerable situations, gender equality, public health and education, and welcomed the ASEAN-EU SCOPE Higher Education Programme (SCOPE-HE) (2024 2028), supporting higher education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digital skills development and research partnership. 

 45. We encouraged the EU’s continued support for ASEAN’s priorities in climate action, biodiversity conservation, mitigation of transboundary haze pollution, safe and sustainable low-carbon energy, and public health, by deepening engagement with the relevant ASEAN Centres, including the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC), ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC THPC), ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre, ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI), as well as the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) once established, as practical platforms to advance ASEAN-EU cooperation in these areas. 

 46. We committed to deepening cultural cooperation between ASEAN and the EU to foster mutual understanding, preserve shared cultural heritage, and promote creative exchanges, thereby strengthening the people-to-people dimension of our Strategic Partnership. 10 

 47. We looked forward to receiving the EU’s proposal to establish an ASEAN-EU Centre in Europe as an important step towards strengthening engagement between our regions. We acknowledged its potential to promote closer collaboration in areas such as trade and investment facilitation, innovation and emerging technologies, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and people-to-people exchanges, while contributing to shared economic and social development. 

 48. We appreciated the EU’s support in facilitating orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration in the region, including through the development of the second edition of the ASEAN Employment Outlook. 

 49. We recognised that the triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution – is an existential threat to which immediate responses are needed, requiring urgent and accelerated collective action. We reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing environmental protection, combating climate change, including by pursuing efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, addressing biodiversity loss and deforestation as well as land degradation, desertification and drought, including through the effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, taking into account the outcomes of the Global Stocktake (GST), as well as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), to promote sustainable development and address the global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental protection, leaving no one behind, through relevant ASEAN-EU platforms and dialogue mechanisms. We recommitted to defending science as the foundation of our climate and environmental action to support the International Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). We underlined the role of the ocean in the fight against climate change and called on countries to preserve and restore ocean and coastal ecosystems and scale up, as appropriate, ocean-based mitigation action. 

 50. We reaffirmed the importance of effectively implementing the Paris Agreement and our respective Nationally Determined Contributions, in line with the 1.5°C above pre industrial levels temperature goal. We will explore how to enhance our cooperation and exchanges to further enhance climate action, including on areas such as carbon pricing and markets and resilience, in view of the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN-EU relations in 2027. We reaffirmed the critical role of the financial sector in mobilising private investment for climate-neutral technologies and cooperation on transition finance to support hard-to-abate sectors in their transition towards net-zero. 

 51. We welcomed cooperation on climate action and environment through the ASEAN-EU TAF-GTEI and the Climate Action Programme (CAP), the upcoming Small Grants Programme Phase III: Strengthening Biodiversity Conservation and Community Resilience (SGP III) as well as the Nature Solutions Finance Hub. ASEAN noted the EU's Nature Solutions Finance Hub, aimed at supporting ASEAN Member States’ efforts 11 in biodiversity conservation. We welcomed the first convening of the ASEAN-EU Ministerial Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change on 4 September 2025 in Langkawi, Malaysia, and the endorsed ASEAN-EU Proposed Work Programme (2025 2026) where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to address climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, as well as opportunities of collaboration on carbon markets, and looked forward to the second edition in 2027 to continue advancing our cooperation on environmental and climate topics. 

 52. Both sides remained committed to developing an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, by addressing the full lifecycle of plastics, as mandated by United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/14. We will work together to ensure effective global measures underpinned by robust science-based considerations, particularly reducing the use of single-use, avoidable, and problematic plastic products to advance plastic circularity and support a circular economy. 

 53. We encouraged strengthened cooperation in Disaster Risk Management, which includes support for the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN One Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region, and the recently adopted ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme 2026-2030. We also appreciated the EU’s collaboration with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) through the “Integrated Programme in Enhancing the Capacity of AHA Centre and ASEAN Emergency Response Mechanisms” (EU-SAHA), as well as the Administrative Arrangement between the AHA Centre and European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Directorate General (DG ECHO) signed in October 2024. We underscored the importance of forging stronger partnerships to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in the region, including to further develop an enabling framework for sustainable resilience. 

 54. We welcomed the continued collaboration in sharing best practices and knowledge sharing in the areas of poverty reduction and rural development, as envisioned under the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action (2023-2027). 

 55. We exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern. We reaffirmed our respect for sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of all nations and reiterated the need to comply with the UN Charter and international law. We underscored the importance of upholding multilateralism and we reaffirmed our commitment to the rules-based international order based on adherence to international law, including the UN Charter, for the maintenance of peace, stability, security and prosperity, as well as sustainable development. We will work together in driving forward the UN reform process – the UN80 Initiative – to ensure the UN remains effective, cost-efficient and responsive towards advancing peace, development and sustainability. We envisaged cooperating on the prevention of sanctions circumvention in accordance with the UN Charter and the international treaties of which we are members. 12 

 56. We recognised the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity. We reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of all activities and avoid actions that could increase tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings and miscalculations, and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. We underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety. We encouraged all states to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the region. We emphasised the need to maintain and promote an environment conducive to the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) negotiations. We looked forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. 

 57. We expressed deep concern over the escalation of conflicts and humanitarian situation in Myanmar. We reaffirmed that the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus remains the main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar and further reaffirmed the relevant Leaders’ decisions. We denounced the continued acts of violence and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, to facilitate humanitarian access and create conducive environment for inclusive national dialogue through a Myanmar-owned and -led comprehensive political resolution, while reaffirming that Myanmar remains an integral part of ASEAN. We appreciated the ASEAN Chairs’ continuing efforts through its respective Special Envoys of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, and called for the continued support of ASEAN’s External Partners, including the UN, as well as neighbouring countries of Myanmar, to work with ASEAN towards the concrete implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. 

 58. We expressed concern over the recent developments on the Korean Peninsula, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) intercontinental ballistic missile testing and ballistic missile launches, which are in violation of relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. We stressed the importance of resuming peaceful dialogue among all concerned parties in order to realise lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. We called on the DPRK to comply fully with all relevant UNSC resolutions. We called for the full implementation of all relevant UNSC resolutions and supported international efforts to bring about the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. We reiterated our readiness to play a constructive role, including through utilising ASEAN led platforms such as the ARF, in promoting a conducive atmosphere to peaceful dialogue amongst the concerned parties.

 59. On Ukraine, we reiterated our positions as expressed in other fora, where most members expressed deep concern over the ongoing war, which continues to cause immense human suffering and carries global consequences. As for all nations, we continued to reaffirm our respect for sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. We called for a sustainable ceasefire, and for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law. We expressed 13 support for efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, based on the principles of the UN Charter and of international law. 

 60. We remained gravely concerned over the deteriorating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We deplored the continuing catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, despite the ceasefire and initial steps toward implementing the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict (“Gaza Peace Plan”), facilitated by the United States. We condemned all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and called for rapid, safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need, including through increased capacity at border crossings, including by sea. We recalled the need to ensure the protection of civilians at all times. We called for the full implementation by all parties of the ceasefire and of all other provisions of UNSC Resolution 2803 (2025), in line with relevant UNSC Resolutions, which endorses the Gaza Peace Plan and provides for the establishment of a temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, with a view to achieving a permanent end to hostilities. We underlined the importance of its full and effective implementation in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law, taking into account the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination and to their homeland of the Palestinian people. We reiterated our support for a comprehensive and durable solution to achieve just and long-lasting peace in the Middle East based on the two-State solution in accordance with international law and the relevant UN resolutions. We emphasised the need for all parties to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions or widen the conflict. 

 61. On the situation in the Middle East, we welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, mediated by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with the support of other concerned parties, and continue negotiations in good faith to bring about a lasting resolution to this conflict. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining maritime safety and security, and upholding freedom of navigation in and overflight above straits used for international navigation, in accordance with international law, as reflected in the 1982 UNCLOS. We expressed deep concern over any discriminatory or unilateral measures, that may impede or obstruct vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, or any straits used for international navigation, which are inconsistent with international law, as reflected in the 1982 UNCLOS, and called for the restoration of the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS, as well as for all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and ships in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), minimising disruption to the flow of food, energy and essential goods, and mitigating its adverse impact on global economic stability. We urged all parties involved to maintain conducive conditions for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, by exercising utmost restraint, ceasing all hostilities, and avoiding any acts that may aggravate the situation. We underscored the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity, upholding international law and promoting genuine dialogue and diplomacy in addressing conflicts and tensions, including the need for a complete and immediate cessation of hostilities 14 across all fronts in the Middle East. We further reaffirmed the obligations of all States to resolve their differences through peaceful means, and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in armed conflicts, and to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel, in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and relevant UNSC resolutions. 

 62. We expressed concern over the continuing humanitarian crisis and human rights situation in Afghanistan. We also expressed concern over ongoing tensions and underscored the importance of restraint and de-escalation by all sides, as well as efforts to support dialogue and regional stability. We called for unhindered access to the delivery of basic needs and humanitarian assistance to all regions and all people, including women and children, in the country. We encouraged further coordinated efforts from the international community to help address the crisis. We stressed the importance of an inclusive and fully representative government, based on the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons living in Afghanistan, particularly women, girls and children. 

 63. In line with the principles of the UN Charter, international law, including applicable international human rights law, we reaffirmed our commitment to continue encouraging dialogue and understanding and promoting the spirit of peaceful co-existence in full respect of the cultural, religious and linguistic diversity of both regions.