United Kingdom, 7 August 2021 (TDI): Today, ASEAN granted United Kingdom’s accession as its new Dialogue Partner along with Australia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States. British diplomats say that this will enhance its partnership with the region such as green jobs, trade, science and technology, bilateral relations with ASEAN members, and security cooperation such as safeguarding the key pillars of international law of the UNCLOS.
UK will also attend ASEAN’s annual Foreign and Economic Ministers meetings and other Ministerial engagements. Furthermore, UK had engaged with some ASEAN partners related to its increasing strategic focus in the Indo-Pacific tilt in the region as it would be a key step forward of defense and security cooperation, which was led by HMS Queen Elizabeth.
ASEAN looks forward to a pro-active engagement and continuous collaboration supporting its Community pillars.
