MFA Press Statement: Roundup of Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo's attendance at the 16th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) in Nuremberg, 14-15 March 2007

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo attended the 16th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) in Nuremberg, Germany, from 14-15 March 2007 along with his ASEAN and EU counterparts.

The ASEAN and EU Ministers had a good exchange of views on regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East and issues relating to climate change and energy security. The Ministers endorsed the Nuremberg Declaration on an ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership, a framework document which maps out the future direction for cooperation. Affirming the need to strengthen economic cooperation between both sides, the Ministers agreed to actively pursue the launch of the ASEAN-EU FTA talks. The ASEAN Ministers further welcomed the EU's intention to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). To mark the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-EU relations, the Ministers supported the convening of a Commemorative Summit this year in ASEAN.

Minister Yeo also met his counterparts Maxime Verhagen from the Netherlands, Jan Kubis from the Slovak Republic and Luis Amado from Portugal, as well as European Commissioner for External Relations, Ms Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, at the sidelines of the AEMM. Minister Yeo had warm and interesting discussions with the Ministers. They agreed that relations were good, and that we should continue to develop our political and economic dialogue. As we shared common interests and views on many regional and international issues, there was scope for greater bilateral and regional cooperation.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
16 MARCH 2007