ASEAN, UK launch dialogue partnership to strengthen long-standing ties

The ASEAN foreign ministers granted the status of Dialogue Partner on the UK on August 2, 2021.

With this formalisation, the AUKJCC, which comprises the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, the Ambassador of the UK to ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat, will provide the direction and oversee all aspects of the Dialogue Partnership.

At the meeting, officials from both sides exchanged views on the recent developments in ASEAN and the UK, including efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as on regional and international issues, according to the ASEAN Secretariat in a statement published on its website.

They deliberated on ways to deepen cooperation in maritime security and maritime law; transnational crime; cybersecurity; financial services; digitalisation; micro, small and medium enterprises; climate change and environment.

Others include energy; sustainable economic growth; education; health; women, peace and security; science, technology and innovation; youth; culture; tourism; people-to-people linkages; ASEAN Connectivity initiatives; and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration.

The meeting also endorsed the Terms of Reference of the AUKJCC, and noted the ongoing negotiations on a Plan of Action (PoA) to implement the ASEAN-United Kingdom Dialogue Partnership for the period of 2022-2026.

The PoA will serve as a practical guide to further substantiate the Dialogue Partnership with a focus on areas of mutual interest, aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.