Summary: July 28, 2005: Introductory remarks by Javier Solana, EU High Representative for CFSP, on the occasion of the EU-ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (Vientiane, Laos)
I am very pleased to be with my friends from South East Asia once again for this important series of meetings in Vientiane. The European Union has major strategic interests in East Asia, including economically and politically. The ARF and ASEAN PMC provide an excellent annual opportunity for us to consult closely on political and security issues with my counterparts in this region. I will report back fully to the EU Member States on the results of our exchanges.
This has been another year of dramatic developments and change.
The tragedy of the Tsunami struck deeply into the hearts of all Europeans. Many Europeans died. We shared your tears. But we also shared your determination to rebuild. The European Union and European Governments have made considerable financial contributions to the costs of reconstruction, adding to the extremely generous contributions made by ordinary people across Europe.
The threat of terrorism remains ever present, throughout the world. The atrocities in London on 7 July underlined once again that terrorists have no scruples. Innocent civilians are likely to remain their main target. We must continue our efforts to tackle terrorism effectively. This requires not only direct measures against the terrorists and their networks, but also broader moves to undermine terrorism at its roots, including through education and through better understanding of each
other's faiths and societies.
The EU warmly welcomes the continuing process of regional integration in South east Asia. We have watched with keen interest the development of the ASEAN communities. As a long term dialogue partner of ASEAN, the EU has a strong interest in the East Asia Summit in Malaysia in December. EU Member States are considering possible options regarding the summit, and would be grateful for the views of our ASEAN partners on whether observer status is a possible option for the EU.
The European Union is continuing and strengthening its engagement in international and regional issues. It also applies to South East Asia. We went to be engaged as closely as possible with ASEAN partners. We should seek to intensify our cooperation however we can.
EU practical engagement with the region is again evidenced by our willingness to help in the implementation of the Peace Agreement on Aceh, due to be signed on 15 August. I would like to emphasize that the EU is preparing to provide monitors at the invitation of the Government of Indonesia and in partnership with ASEAN countries.
The EU and ASEAN share many common interests and objectives. I would like to underline today the commitment of the EU to deepen further our partnership with ASEAN. I look forward to discussing with my friends today how best we can co-operate together to achieve our aims.
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