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EU proposes to scale up partnership with ASEAN

Xinhua, May 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

The European Commission (EC) proposed to push forward relations with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to a press release sent out here Wednesday.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and the EC had adopted the joint communication, "the EU and ASEAN: a partnership with a strategic purpose," to the European Parliament and the European Council, according to the press release.

The measure put forward concrete ideas for taking EU-ASEAN relations to the next level, namely, providing a more coherent cooperation framework between sectors, and a sharper political focus.

Saying the EU had "a huge stake" in the success of ASEAN, the joint communication covered points such as promoting connectivity, boosting trade, investment and business, strengthening the dialogue on aviation, and enhancing innovation cooperation.

"From trade to security, from climate change to the rule of law, we have a deep cooperation and as the EU we are supporting ASEAN integration. Deepening and broadening our relations with ASEAN is key for the EU's Asia strategy," said Mogherini.

Mogherini and the EC called for working together to forge a "modern EU-ASEAN partnership with a strategic purpose." Endit