On 10–11 July, High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas represented the European Union at two key meetings in Kuala Lumpur: the EU-ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference and the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting.

The Post-Ministerial Conference reviews EU-ASEAN engagement over the past year across political, security, and economic cooperation. The ARF is the region’s main government to government security dialogue, bringing together foreign ministers from the region and beyond.

Speaking at the ARF, HRVP Kallas said that 'we are living in a world of clear and present danger, global norms are under pressure and territorial integrity is being breached left, right and centre.' She stressed that 'at this apex of global instability, Europe’s cooperation with Asia is stronger than ever.'

Strengthening a long-standing partnership

Kallas described ASEAN as Asia’s 'stabiliser' and underlined the EU and ASEAN’s shared commitment to dialogue, consensus-building, and international law. She highlighted that, together, the EU and ASEAN represent nearly 40 countries and just under one third of global trade—making their partnership both strategic and impactful.

The HRVP pointed to deepening ties on trade, digital infrastructure, and security. She called for closer cooperation to protect undersea cables, welcomed ASEAN interest in free trade agreements, and highlighted growing EU investment in the region— from satellite-supported climate risk management in the Philippines to support for semiconductor production in Malaysia.

On Myanmar, Kallas reaffirmed support for ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and warned against legitimising junta-led elections. 'Without freedom or fairness,' she said, 'you have democracy in name only.'

The HRVP also addressed broader regional challenges, including maritime threats and the erosion of international law. She stressed the need for cooperation to uphold international law. 

Looking ahead, Kallas expressed strong optimism for the EU-ASEAN relationship. 'In rough seas,' she concluded, 'citizens and businesses need the reliability, predictability and credibility that the EU and ASEAN both offer.'