07 April 2015 - The ASEAN Brussels Committee (ABC), currently chaired by the Philippines, met with Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Jean Asselborn of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on March 27.
The ABC, led by Philippine Ambassador to Belgium Kingdom of Belgium, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Head of the Philippine Mission to the European Union Victoria S. Bataclan, were invited by Minister Asselborn to Luxembourg to discuss and exchange views on a wide range of issues from the landmark establishment of the ASEAN Community later this year to Luxembourg’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union and its hosting of the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on November 5 to 6.
Minister Asselborn reiterated the EU’s, as well as his country’s, full support for the ASEAN Community. He also expressed hope for the continued strengthening of political and economic relations between the two regions. He assured the ASEAN Ambassadors and representatives of Luxembourg’s support for the ASEAN region in terms of increased trade, continued development cooperation and readiness to provide humanitarian assistance. The Minister also discussed Luxembourg’s priorities when it assumes the EU Council Presidency in July, which include, among others, economic growth and job creation in the EU, the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals, and success of the COP21 Conference on Climate Change in Paris.
The ABC briefed the Minister on developments in ASEAN, including the progress achieved to realize the ASEAN Economic Community, increased connectivity, regional security issues, and climate change. They also conveyed the hope for resumption of ASEAN-EU FTA negotiations.
The ABC commended Luxembourg on its successful term in the United Nations Security Council. They also expressed confidence that ASEAN-EU cooperation will continue to flourish under Luxembourg’s EU Council Presidency. The ABC said they look forward to the successful hosting by Luxembourg of the ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. END