(VOVworld) - ASEAN and the European Union (EU) agreed to intensify human rights cooperation and policy dialogues at a series of events during an ASEAN delegation’s visit to Brussels from October 19 to 25.

ASEAN and EU representatives pose for photo (Photo: asean.org)

During the annual visit, the ASEAN delegation had an exchange of views with members of the European Parliament and attended a seminar on "human rights" hosted by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the participation of representatives from the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The two sides held the first policy dialogue on human rights issues of mutual interest. They discussed human rights developments in the EU and ASEAN, the rights of migrants, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons; interaction with civil society; corporate social responsibility; economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development.

It also engaged with European businesses on corporate social responsibility and in other events.

ASEAN and EU officials agreed on potential areas for bilateral and multilateral cooperation including corporate social responsibility and human rights, strengthening accessibility for persons with disabilities, child protection systems, gender mainstreaming, promoting economic rights of women, violence against women and children, rights of older persons and human trafficking.