Brussels (VNA) – The European Union (EU) and the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to boost cooperation in the spheres ofmutual interests during a meeting of ASEAN-EU Senior Officials’ Meeting inBrussels, Belgium, on February 11.
The two sides were unanimous to intensify collaboration ineconomy-trade-investment, adaptation to emerging challenges, especially theFourth Industrial Revolution, connectivity promotion, transport, health care,sustainable development, anti-terrorism, prevention of transnational crime,cyber security, and maritime security.
They also agreed to soon complete the ASEAN-EU Air Transport Deal and step upefforts towards the ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Regarding regional and international issues, countries shared the situation ofcoping with the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) and agreed to organise ateleconference between ASEAN and EU to share experience in the field.
As regards East Sea issues, countries continued stressing the importance ofmaintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation.
They called on the involved parties to settle disputes via peaceful means inline with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention onthe Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Participants also backed the efforts of ASEAN and China in implementingeffectively the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea(DOC) and soon reach a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
Countriescongratulated Vietnam on fulfilling its missions as President of the UNSecurity Council in January 2020.
As ASEAN Chair 2020,Vietnam on behalf of the association affirmed to continue promoting closerelations between ASEAN and its partners, including the EU./.
VNA