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Prime Minister Lee, Prime Minister Prayut, Secretary-General, I am delighted that despite a very busy week here in Brussels, we have found a moment to talk. As a long-standing supporter of ASEAN integration, the European Union is committed to strong relations with ASEAN.
Almost one year ago we met at the EU-ASEAN commemorative Summit and East Asia Summit in Manila to celebrate 40 years of bilateral relations. The overall geopolitical context has changed substantially since then – both in Europe and in Southeast Asia.
Today, ASEAN and the European Union have a responsibility to put all our energy, influence and power to support the rules-based international order and the multilateral trading system. We are committed to working together to counter protectionism and modernise the World Trade Organisation.
In Manila, we agreed to accelerate efforts towards a Strategic Partnership between the EU and ASEAN by strengthening all areas of dialogue and cooperation. We will use the meeting today to seek greater engagement on trade and investment, rules-based and sustainable connectivity, climate change, and more security cooperation. It is also a priority for the EU to enhance our relations further, on the basis of common interests and shared values of democracy, human rights and rule of law.
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