The European Union and ASEAN stress the need to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz

The European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in a joint statement at the conclusion of the twenty-fifth ministerial meeting, affirmed their keenness to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership and enhance international peace and stability.

With regard to regional developments, the statement stressed the importance of ensuring the security of maritime navigation and freedom of passage in international straits, including the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, expressing concern about any discriminatory or unilateral measures that may impede the movement of ships or turn sea lanes into disputed lanes.

The joint statement called for re-establishing safe and unhindered passage of ships and aircraft through the Strait of Hormuz, minimizing disruptions to the flow of food, energy and basic goods, and protecting global economic stability.

He stressed the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting dialogue and diplomacy as a basic means of resolving conflicts.

The 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting was held on 27-28 April 2026 in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam, and was co-chaired by Dato’ Eriwan Bahin Yusuf, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, in his capacity as Coordinator of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, and Kaya Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union and Vice-President of the European Commission.

According to the joint statement, the meeting was considered an opportunity to review the progress made in the strategic partnership and chart the political, economic and cultural directions of the bilateral relationship in the coming years, in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The statement renewed its commitment to supporting the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation system, considering the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to be the cornerstone of that global system.

They stressed the importance of making the 2026 Review Conference a success, and strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms within the framework of the treaty, which contributes to reducing nuclear threats and enhancing international security, while emphasizing the importance of the peaceful use of nuclear energy in accordance with Article 4 of the treaty.