(VOVWORLD) - ASEAN will not issue a joint statement on trade or tariffs with the US, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan told reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit.
 Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (Photo:Reuters) |
He said that the issues of trade and tariffs were not discussed during the meetings, adding that it would be better for each member country to issue its own statement and handle matters directly with the US.
Regarding ASEAN’s relations with the European Union (EU), Minister Hasan said both parties are now in the final stage of negotiating the ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). European Council President Antonio Costa will attend the ASEAN Summit and related meetings, he noted.