Kaja Kallas Addresses ASEAN Regional Forum: Strengthening EU-ASEAN Ties

On July 11, 2025, Kaja Kallas, the High Representative/Vice-President of the European Union, delivered a significant address at the 32nd meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In her speech, Kallas emphasized the importance of the ASEAN Regional Forum as a unique platform for dialogue among nations, expressing gratitude to Malaysia for hosting the event and highlighting the enduring partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Kallas articulated that the EU and ASEAN share a mutual commitment to navigating the complexities of international relations, likening the dynamics of global interaction to life aboard a ship. She noted that just as ships require stabilizers to maintain balance in turbulent waters, so too do nations need cooperative frameworks to foster stability in international affairs. "Like the European Union, ASEAN walks a delicate line between sovereignty and collective priorities; and just like us, the result is a culture of consensus-building and dialogue – the ‘ASEAN way’,” she stated.

Historically, ASEAN has been a critical dialogue partner for the EU since 1972. Currently, the EU stands as ASEAN's second-largest trading partner, following China, and is a significant source of foreign investment in the region. Kallas underscored that free trade is essential for economic growth, asserting, "Tariffs harm consumers and industries. Free trade is the firepower of our economies."

In her remarks, Kallas pointed to the increasing importance of securing undersea cables, which are vital for international data and energy transmission. She echoed Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing's sentiments from the Shangri-La Dialogue on the necessity for EU-ASEAN cooperation in this regard, noting that the EU has already pledged €1 billion for surveillance and emergency repairs of these critical infrastructures.

Kallas further reflected on the EU's resilience in the face of crises, stating, "The European Union’s stabilizing power is why we have always grown stronger through crises, from economic turmoil to global pandemic." She highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by aggression in Europe, specifically referencing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine in its pursuit of sovereignty and freedom.

In the context of regional security, Kallas mentioned that the EU is enhancing its partnerships across Asia, including newly established security dialogues with Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, while also negotiating Free Trade Agreements with Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. She expressed optimism regarding the future of EU-ASEAN relations, citing a 20% increase in ASEAN's investment in the EU over the past four years.

Kallas concluded her address by reaffirming the shared commitment of the EU and ASEAN to uphold the rules-based international order, stating, "We cooperate for the benefit of us all." This meeting not only underscored the strengthening ties between the EU and ASEAN but also highlighted the critical role of multilateralism in addressing global challenges and fostering regional stability.