On 1 December 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, took part in an online meeting of the Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), chaired by Josep Borrell Fontelles, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, and Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations.
In his address to the participants of the meeting, Edgars Rinkēvičs underlined the importance of an inclusive and multilateral approach on cyber security, hybrid threats, climate change and other global challenges. The Minister pointed out that the work of the EU and ASEAN is rooted in the principles of multilateralism; therefore, the strengthening of relations is welcome at the level of strategic partnership.
Under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, of special relevance is digital connectivity, which develops in a dynamic way, while at the same time facing risks of cyber security and security of the information space, said the Latvian Foreign Minister. He underlined that Latvia is strengthening its resilience against disinformation by supporting independent and pluralistic media, media literacy initiatives and cooperation with civil society.
Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed appreciation for support given to the Cross-Regional Statement on “Infodemic” in the Context of COVID-19 endorsed by Latvia and its partners in the United Nations, and he undertook to continue efforts in this area.
Cooperation up till now and further strategic partnership between the EU and ASEAN was discussed at the meeting. Participants showed their support for the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, as well as the ongoing dialogues between the Member States of the EU and ASEAN with a special focus on climate and environmental issues, as well as safety of navigation. On the topic of economic cooperation, participants also gave support to beginning of negotiations on an EU-ASEAN free trade agreement.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the ASEAN-EU Joint Ministerial Statement on Connectivity and Co-chairs’ Statement for the press were adopted.
The EU-ASEAN dialogue has been underway for more than 40 years, having developed into a dynamic, comprehensive and multifaceted cooperation format between the European and South East Asian countries. The next meeting has been scheduled for 2022, on the 45th anniversary of the EU-ASEAN dialogue.