Budrys in Brunei: EU and ASEAN needs to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen strategic autonomyActivities of the Minister of Foreign AffairsBilateral RelationsEuropean[...]

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At the EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Brunei on 28 April, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys emphasized that economic security is an integral part of each state's national security.

"Lithuania is deeply convinced from its experience that dependence on one external source can become a means of political pressure. Both Europe and the countries of Southeast Asia need to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen strategic autonomy. We all feel the impact of recent global events, including tensions caused by Iran's actions, on energy markets and supply chains. Diversifying energy sources, building resilience, and close cooperation between the EU and ASEAN is a common interest in a context of growing interdependence," said Budrys.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy made a national presentation at the high-level meeting in which he expressed Lithuania's support for the EU's ambition to elevate cooperation with the ASEAN bloc to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

According to the Minister, Lithuania, which is preparing to hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027, intends to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia later this year, and during the Presidency will focus on preparations for the EU-ASEAN summit to be held next year.

According to Budrys, Lithuania will actively contribute to the implementation of the EU Global Gateway initiative in the ASEAN region. As a notable example, he highlighted the synchronization of the Baltic power grids, which marked the final stage of the long-term Baltic journey towards energy independence and significantly contributed to the security and stability of the entire region. According to the Minister, Lithuania's accumulated expertise can be useful in developing the integration of electricity networks in the ASEAN region.

The Minister also emphasized the preservation of fundamental principles of international law in the face of global challenges.

"The European Union is a reliable and predictable partner, firmly adhering to the principles of international law. For Lithuania, historical experience has clearly shown that aggression and violations of international law cannot be tolerated, so we continue to consistently support Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with the United Nations Charter," Budrys said.

The meeting adopted a joint EU-ASEAN declaration expressing the desire to respect the principles of international law, the deepening of mutual cooperation between the two regions of the world, the enhancement of economic resilience, and the implementation of projects that would contribute to joint progress.