Participating countries welcomed ASEAN and the EU officially upgrading their relations to a strategic partnership, which has affirmed their strong commitment to promoting cooperation on the basis of shared values, upholding multilateral cooperation, and promoting a rules-based international order, thus making positive contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity.
ASEAN countries spoke highly of the EU's program on supporting ASEAN in fighting Covid-19 and asked the EU to continue to support ASEAN's COVID-19 prevention and control initiatives as well as ensure access and the development of vaccines in a safe, equitable, and effective manner in the region.
Regarding the East Sea issue, the parties highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, stability, freedom, security, and safety of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, and promoting the settlement of disputes in the East Sea by peaceful measures in accordance with international law.
