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Welcome to the website of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Southeast Asia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

I have had the privilege of chairing this delegation since October 2009, continuing the successful tenure of Günter Rinsche and Hartmut Nassauer.

This year is a significant one for both the EU and ASEAN. The partners are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their formal relations. ASEAN is also turning 50, while the EU is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

The anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on how to widen the EU-ASEAN cooperation to policy areas beyond the economy and trade, and to establish a strategic partnership.

The EU and ASEAN have a similar approach to current global challenges and problems. Both organisations are committed to addressing issues multilaterally, and both see regional cooperation and integration as the most effective way to foster stability, build prosperity and address global challenges.

To complete this relationship, the delegation believes it is necessary to strengthen the parliamentary extension of EU-ASEAN relations. My colleagues and I will be working to do just that in the coming months and years.

Werner Langen