European Union High Representative Josep Borrell Thursday raised his objection to Myanmar assuming the role of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Coordinator for relations with the 27-member European bloc.
“Let me raise one issue of concern. You know that we faced a challenge related to the potential of Myanmar assuming the role of ASEAN Coordinator for relations with the European Union,” he told the annual EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, today, according to a statement released by his office.
“We do not recognise the military junta and trust you will find a solution to overcome this issue,” he said.
Borrell went on to say that the EU is “to engage more with the ASEAN. It is a vibrant economy. It is a geopolitical power. We have to be more present here.” “I hope that we will discuss regional tensions – there are many in this part of the world – and how we can contribute together to face global challenges and to develop multilateralism,” he added.
On Friday, Borrell will participate in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting where the 10 ASEAN Member States will participate alongside the other 17 ARF partners to exchange views on a number of regional and global issues.
Source: Kuwait News Agency