KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) with the European Union (EU) was held on 11 July 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings. Taking place in parallel with the Post-Ministerial Conference with the United Kingdom, the session underscored ASEAN’s ongoing effort to engage meaningfully with like-minded partners at a pivotal moment for regional cooperation.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Dato’ Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof, in his capacity as the ASEAN Country Coordinator for Dialogue Relations, and Her Excellency Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union (EU).
Malaysia’s YB Minister of Foreign Affairs led the Malaysian delegation and delivered Malaysia’s intervention during the closed session.
Malaysia emphasised the importance of deepening the ASEAN–EU Strategic Partnership to address pressing global and regional challenges, including the need for stronger cooperation on green growth, just energy transition, and digital skills development. Malaysia also welcomed the continued engagement on digital governance, cybersecurity, and youth capacity-building, noting the alignment of these efforts with ASEAN’s vision for a digitally empowered and inclusive community.
On regional and international issues, Malaysia called on the EU to take a more decisive stance in supporting an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian access, and accountability. Malaysia stressed that international law must be applied consistently and without double standards. On Myanmar, Malaysia welcomed the EU’s continued support for ASEAN-led efforts and urged the scaling up of humanitarian assistance, particularly following the March 2025 earthquake. Coordination with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) was emphasised as critical.
Malaysia also expressed support for finalising the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), advancing negotiations on a region-to-region ASEAN–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and expediting the ratification of the ASEAN–EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement — signed in 2022 — in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN–EU relations in 2027.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both sides to upholding multilateralism, international law, and ASEAN Centrality in navigating evolving geopolitical and geo-economic dynamics. Malaysia expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support of ASEAN’s initiatives across all three Community pillars, and underscored the importance of fostering cooperation that is tangible, inclusive, and future-oriented for the mutual benefit of both regions.
SOURCE: Communication & Public Diplomacy Division,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
--BERNAMA