(VOVworld) - Representatives from ASEAN and the European Union (EU) reiterated their commitment to strengthen their existing close trade and investment relations during the 23rd Meeting of the ASEAN-EU Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday.

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The two sides praised the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to Strengthen the ASEAN-EU Partnership (2013-2017), and exchanged views on development in their respective regions.

The EU applauded the formation of the ASEAN Community late last year and the adoption of the ASEAN Vision 2025. It also reaffirmed its support for ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture.

ASEAN acknowledged the EU’s pledge to strengthen ASEAN-EU relations. The two sides welcomed the enhancement of cooperation in non-traditional security, including maritime security, preventive diplomacy, mediation, cyber security, counter-terrorism and transnational crimes.

Participants noted with appreciation the convening of the 2nd ASEAN-EU High Level Dialogue (HLD) on Maritime Security Cooperation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in May last year, affirming that it serves as a platform to exchange best practices and experiences while addressing maritime-related issues and strengthening regional cooperation.

This year’s ASEAN-EU summit on maritime security cooperation will be held in Thailand and next year’s in the Philippines.