Commemorative summit to step up EU – ASEAN longstanding relationship: European expert
The ASEAN-EU Summit will provide a political framework for the longstanding relationship between the two sides, said Pierre Gréga, Director of the Development, Rehabilitation, Integration and Security (DRIS) centre.
Pierre Gréga, Director of the Development, Rehabilitation, Integration and Security (DRIS) centre (Photo: VNA)
Brussels (VNA) – The ASEAN-EU Summit will provide a political framework for the longstanding relationship between the two sides, said Pierre Gréga, Director of the Development, Rehabilitation, Integration and Security (DRIS) centre.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the summit commemorating the 45th anniversary of the EU - ASEAN relations in Belgium, Gréga highlighted the cooperative relations between the two organisations, saying that this covers various aspects.
It will strengthen orientations of the strategic framework adopted by the two sides in 2020 which defines the relationship between the two regional organisations based on shared values and principles, he noted.
The EU-ASEAN cooperation contributes to enhancing global political stability on the basis of mutual respect, thus promoting trade relations, he went on.
However, he noted that the EU-ASEAN relations also face the challenge of maintaining an international order based on common rules and multilateralism accepted by all parties.
Regarding the prospect of EU-ASEAN cooperation in the future, Gréga said the EU-ASEAN relations will support all member states in their transition schemes towards increasingly sustainable development.
The cooperation will promote investment of their member countries in sustainable production and consumption, stimulate the development of circular economy, especially in global actions to protect the environment, Gréga said.
The future of the relations is clearly based on strengthening existing cooperation, including the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (ASEAN-EU CATA) signed at the 28th ASEAN Transport Ministers' Meeting in Indonesia in October this year, he added.
Regarding the role by Vietnam in promoting the ASEAN – EU cooperation, the expert said Vietnam needs to take advantage of its good relations with most of the EU member states to boost the relationship./.
Vietnam has the potential to become a country that plays an important role in the relationship between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived in Brussels on December 13 for the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit and an official visit to Belgium at the invitation of President of the European Council Charles Michel and Belgian PM Alexander De Croo.
Italian news website La Città Futura has run a story highlighting the important role of Vietnam as a bridge for the strategic partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN,) on the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s participation in the ASEAN-EU Summit commemorating the 45th anniversary of their relations.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for more efforts to intensify international solidarity, uphold multilateralisation, and cooperate more closely and effectively among countries, while attending the 10th ASEAN-EU Business Summit in Brussels on December 13 afternoon (local time).
A summit commemorating 45 years of diplomatic relations between ASEAN and the EU is expected to usher in an era of better economic ties, reported German newswire DW.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Pierre Gréga, Director of the Development, Rehabilitation, Integration and Security (DRIS) centre (Photo: VNA) 
