Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Belgium has called for stronger strategic alliances between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), saying closer collaboration based on shared principles and international law has become increasingly important amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Speaking at the recent ministerial address session of the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) in Kuala Lumpur, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prevot said the two regions, representing more than one billion people, are well placed to offer stability, security and predictability in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
He noted that Europe has become overly dependent on the US for military, China for trade and Russia for energy, arguing that the current geopolitical landscape underscores the need to strengthen strategic alliances, not by seeking to oppose anyone, but for the sake of principles and for the common good rather than national isolationism.
Prevot described the EU – ASEAN partnership as a model of dialogue, diplomacy and long-term cooperation, urging both sides to take advantage of shifting global dynamics to deepen collaboration.
"If interdependence defines our reality, then multilateralism must define our response. Multilateralism is an essential part of Belgium’s and Europe’s DNA," he said.
However, the official noted, as the multilateralism system is under strain, it must adapt to remain credible and effective in such a changing world.
On security, Prevot said today's challenges extend beyond national borders and require collective responses, noting that security now encompasses not only military issues but also economic stability and environmental sustainability. He reaffirmed Belgium's commitment to the rules-based international order and support for international legal frameworks, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) on July 24, he also announced Belgium's decision to ratify the ASEAN treaty, saying the move underscores the country's commitment to peaceful interstate relations and stronger engagement with Southeast Asia./.
