It is a great pleasure to be here representing the European Union.
I am here for three purposes.
First, to hold the EU-ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Ministerial Meeting. Secondly, to participate in the ASEAN Regional Forum. Thirdly, to have bilateral meetings with all the countries in the region.
I want to stress the clear convening power that the ASEAN has. I want to stress the importance of this part of the world.
The European Union wants to engage more with the ASEAN. It is a vibrant economy. It is a geopolitical power. We have to be more present here.
I hope that we will discuss regional tensions – there are many in this part of the world – and how we can contribute together to face global challenges and to develop multilateralism.
I think it is going to be two busy days, but important days for me, representing the European Union.
It is a pleasure to be here.
Thank you.
Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-244143