The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Netherlands reaffirmed their commitment to intensify cooperation through the ASEAN-Netherlands Development Partnership Committee. This commitment was reiterated during the 1st Meeting of the ASEAN-Netherlands Development Partnership Committee (DPC) held at the ASEAN Secretariat on May 17, 2024. The meeting was led by Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Political-Security Community (DSG APSC) Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz and Ambassador of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aldrik Gierveld. Representatives from ASEAN Permanent Representative Committees or their representatives attended the meeting, with Timor-Leste participating as an observer. During the gathering, Dato’ Astanah highlighted significant developments within ASEAN, including the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the ASEAN Sustainability Agenda, and current progress across three main areas: Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural. Ambassador Aldrik Gierveld emphasized the importance of ASEAN centrality and leadership amidst geopolitical uncertainties. Recognizing the increasing interconnectedness between Europe and Asia, sustaining a partnership between the Netherlands and ASEAN was deemed increasingly vital.
The Netherlands utilized the meeting to share ideas and potential cooperation avenues based on mutual trust and equality. ASEAN and the Netherlands took note of ongoing developments within ASEAN, including Laos' ASEAN 2024 leadership theme "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience," with several priorities outlined for the year. These priorities include updates on the implementation of the ASEAN Integration Initiative Action Plan IV; progress in the ASEAN Smart Cities Network Initiative; ASEAN's Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP); and ASEAN's efforts to promote sustainable development. Additionally, the meeting discussed recent developments in the Netherlands, particularly efforts to navigate current international and regional challenges, future economic development, climate change priorities, peace and reconciliation issues, maritime law, cybersecurity, cooperation with ASEAN Centers of Excellence, and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation with the Southeast Asian regional organization.
