KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia. July 11, 2025 – The ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) with the European Union (EU) took place today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, held alongside the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Running parallel to related dialogues, including with the United Kingdom, the session highlighted ASEAN’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships at a critical juncture for regional cooperation.
Co-chaired by Brunei’s Foreign Minister, His Excellency Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof, as ASEAN Chair, and a representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the meeting saw Malaysia’s Foreign Minister lead the Malaysian delegation. In a closed session, Malaysia underscored the need to deepen the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership to tackle global and regional challenges.
Malaysia advocated for enhanced cooperation in green growth, just energy transitions, digital skills development, cybersecurity, and youth capacity-building, aligning with ASEAN’s vision for a digitally empowered community. On regional issues, Malaysia urged the EU to adopt a stronger stance in supporting ASEAN’s efforts to ensure security and accountability, emphasizing consistent adherence to international law without double standards.
Regarding Myanmar, Malaysia welcomed the EU’s support for ASEAN-led initiatives and called for increased aid following the March 2025 earthquake, stressing coordination with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). Malaysia also pushed for finalizing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), advancing an ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and ratifying the 2022 ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement ahead of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-EU relations in 2027.
The conference reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to multilateralism, international law, and ASEAN Centrality, with Malaysia expressing gratitude for the EU’s support across ASEAN’s three Community pillars. The discussions emphasized inclusive, future-oriented cooperation for mutual regional benefit.