Bandar seri begawan: The European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emphasized the importance of upholding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with international law.
According to Emirates News Agency, the two sides convened at the 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) on April 27th-28th, 2026, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The meeting was co-chaired by Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, and Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.
In their joint statement released at the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing their strategic partnership and fostering international peace and stability. They highlighted the significance of maintaining maritime safety and security, and ensuring freedom of navigation in and overflight above international straits, as outlined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The statement expressed concern over any measures that could hinder or obstruct vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz or other international straits, which would be inconsistent with international law. It urged for the restoration of safe and continuous transit passage for vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz, to minimize disruptions to the flow of essential goods and mitigate adverse impacts on global economic stability.
Furthermore, both EU and ASEAN stressed the necessity of maintaining regional peace and stability, upholding international law, and promoting dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. They reiterated their support for nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control, aiming for a successful 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The statement affirmed their support for the NPT as a cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and as a foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament, as well as the development of nuclear energy applications for peaceful purposes.
