ASEAN Committee Convenes In Abu Dhabi To Bolster UAE Strategic Partnership

In a significant step towards bolstering international relations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee convened with Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State, in Abu Dhabi. This meeting underscored the UAE's commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with ASEAN following its accession as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2022. The discussions focused on the UAE-ASEAN action plan for the years 2024-2028, marking a pivotal moment in their collaborative efforts.

Chaired by Ahmad Fadil bin Haji Shamsuddin, Malaysia's Ambassador to the UAE, the assembly saw participation from ambassadors representing Indonesia, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and the Philippines. The meeting served as a platform to deliberate on various joint projects and initiatives under the Sectoral Dialogue Partnership. These discussions aimed at establishing an action-driven cooperation agenda in sync with the ASEAN Secretariat.

The committee members also reviewed ongoing ASEAN projects, highlighting the significance of the UAE's involvement in expanding cooperation across multiple sectors including economy, trade, investment, climate change, and clean energy. Al Sayegh expressed gratitude towards ASEAN for their support in activating the UAE's role as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner. He emphasized the UAE's dedication to implementing the action plan for 2024-2028 and its leadership's commitment to advancing strategic partnerships.

ASEAN Ambassadors in the UAE lauded the meeting for its role in fostering cooperation between the two sides. They acknowledged the importance of these biannual meetings in Abu Dhabi, which are aimed at monitoring common goals and progress in various fields. This ongoing dialogue between the UAE and ASEAN is a testament to their mutual interest in strengthening ties and working collaboratively on projects that benefit both parties.

This engagement not only signifies a step forward in diplomatic relations but also opens up avenues for enhanced cooperation in critical areas such as economic development, trade expansion, and sustainable practices. As these discussions continue to evolve, they pave the way for a more integrated approach towards addressing global challenges and achieving shared objectives.

With inputs from WAM