​His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, then proceeded to attend the Plenary Session along with other ASEAN-E.U Leaders, in which the discussion focused on the direction of ASEAN-E.U. Dialogue Relations as well as regional and international issues of common concern. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

During the Session, His Majesty in a titah highlights that this year ASEAN and the E.U are celebrating 45 years of Dialogue Relations and as successful regional organizations, are natural partners to promote regional integration, peace and security. On moving the strategic partnership between ASEAN and the E.U forward, His Majesty states that focus should also be on the current pressing challenges namely climate change, biodiversity loss and deforestation, which have contributed to the ongoing extreme weather patterns, loss of potable water, air pollution, and environmental degradation.

His Majesty in his titah says ASEAN and the E.U need to make a green transition to ensure more sustainable growth and development therefore, His Majesty welcomes the cooperation through the Green Initiative Programme in Southeast Asia, and looks forward to working with the E.U. through the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, to be established in Brunei Darussalam.

His Majesty in his titah also emphasises the importance of transforming the world’s food systems to prevent food wastage and loss. To this end, His Majesty highlights the benefits of cooperation in this area due to the E.U.’s experience in digital transformation and its advancement in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as the development and use of innovative approaches in agriculture production, efficient distribution and storage system. At the end of the Summit, the Joint Leaders’ Statement of the ASEAN-E.U. Commemorative Summit was issued.

Source: Radio Television Brunei