Bandar seri begawan: Prime Minister Srisaket Sihasak attended the ASEAN-EU Foreign Ministers' Meeting, where he emphasized that the Middle East crisis is an extraordinary test of the rules-based world order.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, participated in the meeting held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The meeting was jointly chaired by Gaya Gallus, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, alongside representatives from Brunei.
During the meeting, Mr. Sihasak stated that the gathering occurred amidst a challenging period, as the conflict in the Middle East has had significant repercussions on a global scale. He described the crisis as a test of the established rules-based world order, echoing sentiments from the IPMF conference in Brussels last year, where nations reaffirmed their commitment to international peace and security foundations.
Mr. Sihasak highlighted the crisis's implications on maritime and energy security, noting that disturbances in one geographical area can have widespread effects on regions including Southeast Asia and Europe. He underscored the importance of ASEAN and the European Union's preparedness to manage these challenges collaboratively, as no single nation can address them in isolation.
He also emphasized the enduring importance of regionalism in an era where multilateralism faces challenges. Mr. Sihasak advocated for a free trade agreement between ASEAN and the EU to bolster confidence in a rules-based economic system amidst a fragmented global economy. He noted the need for enhanced resilience, as current crises have exposed vulnerabilities in energy and supply chains, hastening the shift towards green energy. He stressed the role of cooperation in clean energy, including the ASEAN power grid, in diversifying energy sources and enhancing regional resilience.
Furthermore, Mr. Sihasak called for a focus on emerging challenges that directly impact individuals and the economy, such as online fraud and cross-border cybercrime. He suggested that ASEAN and the European Union could collaborate on concrete solutions to address these rapidly evolving threats.
In conclusion, Mr. Sihasak argued that the crisis tests the commitment and capability of ASEAN and the European Union to implement targeted actions and redefine their partnership in accordance with the current global context. He stressed the importance of adhering to foundational principles to maintain stability and foster cooperation and trust during critical times.