MEP Daniel Caspary: Strengthen parliamentary diplomacy between the European Parliament and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly
At the General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), which took place last week in Vietnam, MEP Daniel Caspary (EPP, DE) underlined the European Parliament's intention to strengthen parliamentary relations with the ASEAN Parliaments. The Chair of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Southeast Asia and the ASEAN proposed to hold one annual inter-regional meeting on specific policy issues of joint concern.
Chair Caspary underlined the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in the Parliament's relations with third countries and international organisations, alongside classical diplomacy. Parliamentarians constitute the link between executives and citizens. An annual inter-regional meeting with AIPA would allow for a more structured dialogue between the European Parliament and AIPA with the aim of developing targeted fields of cooperation between both sides.
In times of hardship, Mr Caspary stated, such as the current situation the world is experiencing with the Covid-19 pandemic, priority should be given to solidarity and cooperation. Both the EU and ASEAN have demonstrated that regional cooperation and solidarity are of the utmost importance to help and support their people, societies and economies. Beyond that, the European Union decided to mobilise a "Team Europe" package of over €800 million for the ASEAN region. The funds will support actions at country and regional level to address the immediate health crisis, strengthen health, water and sanitation systems, as well as mitigate the socio-economic impact.
The Chair of the ASEAN Delegation also emphasised that in times of geopolitical volatility and unpredictability, where the post-World War II international order is challenged, the EU and ASEAN are key factors of stability. Both believe in a rules-based multilateralism as opposed to the law of the strongest. Therefore, they must strengthen their own regional entities and enhance their relations based on common interests and shared values.
Key areas of cooperation, Mr Caspary continued, are trade and investment. The ultimate goal remains to establish a region-to-region Free Trade Agreement, building on the existing agreements with Singapore and Vietnam. Beyond trade and investment, the European Union aims at upgrading the EU-ASEAN relations to a Strategic Partnership covering areas such as political and security cooperation, as well as integration, connectivity, mobility, education and culture. The potential for greater engagement is enormous. The EU and ASEAN can make a difference with global impact.
Background
The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) is a regional parliamentary organisation. It was originally formed in 1977 and serves as the centre of communication and information among ASEAN Member Parliaments. AIPA aims to encourage understanding, cooperation, and close relations among Member Parliaments as well as Observer Member Parliaments and other parliamentary organiszations. AIPA also plays an instrumental role in familiarising the peoples of Southeast Asia with policies aimed at accelerating the realization of an ASEAN Community.
The highest body in AIPA is the General Assembly, which convenes once a year. The General Assembly is held to provide policy directions for the development of AIPA's objectives and as a forum for interchange of its members. The European Parliament has observer status and attends each year. The 41st AIPA General Assembly, at which Members of the European Parliament participated remotely, took place from 8-10 September in Hanoi, Vietnam.
At the General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), which took place last week in Vietnam, MEP Daniel Caspary (EPP, DE) underlined the European Parliament's intention to strengthen parliamentary relations with the ASEAN Parliaments. The Chair of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Southeast Asia and the ASEAN proposed to hold one annual inter-regional meeting on specific policy issues of joint concern.
Chair Caspary underlined the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in the Parliament's relations with third countries and international organisations, alongside classical diplomacy. Parliamentarians constitute the link between executives and citizens. An annual inter-regional meeting with AIPA would allow for a more structured dialogue between the European Parliament and AIPA with the aim of developing targeted fields of cooperation between both sides.
In times of hardship, Mr Caspary stated, such as the current situation the world is experiencing with the Covid-19 pandemic, priority should be given to solidarity and cooperation. Both the EU and ASEAN have demonstrated that regional cooperation and solidarity are of the utmost importance to help and support their people, societies and economies. Beyond that, the European Union decided to mobilise a "Team Europe" package of over €800 million for the ASEAN region. The funds will support actions at country and regional level to address the immediate health crisis, strengthen health, water and sanitation systems, as well as mitigate the socio-economic impact.
The Chair of the ASEAN Delegation also emphasised that in times of geopolitical volatility and unpredictability, where the post-World War II international order is challenged, the EU and ASEAN are key factors of stability. Both believe in a rules-based multilateralism as opposed to the law of the strongest. Therefore, they must strengthen their own regional entities and enhance their relations based on common interests and shared values.
Key areas of cooperation, Mr Caspary continued, are trade and investment. The ultimate goal remains to establish a region-to-region Free Trade Agreement, building on the existing agreements with Singapore and Vietnam. Beyond trade and investment, the European Union aims at upgrading the EU-ASEAN relations to a Strategic Partnership covering areas such as political and security cooperation, as well as integration, connectivity, mobility, education and culture. The potential for greater engagement is enormous. The EU and ASEAN can make a difference with global impact.
Background
The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) is a regional parliamentary organisation. It was originally formed in 1977 and serves as the centre of communication and information among ASEAN Member Parliaments. AIPA aims to encourage understanding, cooperation, and close relations among Member Parliaments as well as Observer Member Parliaments and other parliamentary organiszations. AIPA also plays an instrumental role in familiarising the peoples of Southeast Asia with policies aimed at accelerating the realization of an ASEAN Community.
The highest body in AIPA is the General Assembly, which convenes once a year. The General Assembly is held to provide policy directions for the development of AIPA's objectives and as a forum for interchange of its members. The European Parliament has observer status and attends each year. The 41st AIPA General Assembly, at which Members of the European Parliament participated remotely, took place from 8-10 September in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Statement of the European Parliament at the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)
EXPO net article 18 Sep 2020 - The EP calls for strengthening parliamentary cooperation with ASEAN
Source : © European Union, 2020 - EP