Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha C. Nasir emphasized the growing importance of the strategic partnership between ASEAN and the European Union amid global uncertainty.

"The ASEAN and EU partnership is not merely symbolic. It must deliver direct benefits for the public and the business actors, and must be relied upon by the market," he said at the ASEAN-EU ministerial meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, on Tuesday (April 28).

In his statement, Arrmanatha said both parties need to push for the realization of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between ASEAN and the European Union.

He expressed his hope that the EU would play a constructive role amidst geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics.

He further urged cooperation between ASEAN, the EU, and countries of the Global South to maintain an open, fair, and stable international system.

Arrmanatha also highlighted the importance of reforming the multilateral system and collaboration between the two regions in realizing more inclusive, effective, and responsive global governance.

Efforts to strengthen an equal and mutually beneficial strategic partnership between the two regions were also discussed during the meeting, which was co-chaired by the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam and the High Representative of the EU.

The meeting also served as an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global issues.

The meeting was attended by ministers and deputy foreign ministers from ASEAN and the EU, who emphasized the importance of multilateralism and respect for international law.

Cooperation in energy, food, connectivity, digital transformation, maritime affairs, and trade was a top priority.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint statement by the ASEAN-EU foreign ministers.

The partnership between the two regions has existed since 1977 and is considered to have great potential in shaping a more stable, inclusive, and sustainable global order.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha held courtesy calls with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam and the High Representative of the European Union.

He also held bilateral meetings with the deputy foreign ministers of Austria, Poland, Portugal, and Germany.

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