“Europe and Malaysia share a commitment to a rules-based international order, economic openness, sustainable development, and regional stability. Europe remains dedicated to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific, where both sides share significant interests and responsibilities,” von der Leyen said.
“As our third-largest trading partner in ASEAN and the current chair, Malaysia plays a central role in shaping the bloc's direction. Today's announcement reaffirms Europe's commitment to strengthening ties with both Malaysia and ASEAN as a whole,” she said.
“We will aim to build our partnership on robust commitments on labour rights and climate and environmental protection….We are showing that sustainability and free trade can and must go hand in hand,” she added.
Trade between both sides is already worth €45 billion annually.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)