21 November 2022, The Hague – In the run-up to the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels on December 14, the robust relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union, including The Netherlands, was highlighted during the event “A Night with ASEAN Ambassadors” hosted by the Asia Table of the Nieuwe of Litteraire Societeit de Witte on 21 November in The Hague.
Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, as Chairperson of the ASEAN Committee in The Hague said, “The ASEAN- EU Strategic Partnership is one of the most important for ASEAN. Our shared values, principles, and interests, such as common belief in strengthening the rules-based multilateral system and the promotion of effective multilateralism to face common challenges, including economic, security, health, environment and climate change, continue to be the bedrock of our relations.”
“The recent gatherings of world leaders at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in Phnom Penh on 10-13 November, the 17th G20 in Bali on 15-16 November and the 29th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Bangkok on 14-19 November underscore the important role of ASEAN in Asian affairs and world affairs. ASEAN countries are also among the key drivers of the world’s economic growth,” Ambassador Malaya added in his presentation.
Mr. Nando van Ketwich, Head of the Asia Table, welcomed the attendees and said that this year marks ASEAN’s 55th founding anniversary, a testament to its importance and success as a regional organization.
The event also featured presentations from the other ASEAN Ambassadors based in The Hague, namely Ambassador Mayerfas of Indonesia, Ambassador Nadzirah binti Osman of Malaysia, Ambassador Chatri Archjananun of Thailand and Ambassador Pham Viet Anh of Viet Nam. The Ambassadors highlighted key economic and political developments in their respective countries as well as their countries’ relations with the EU and The Netherlands.
Director Philippe Peycam of the Leiden University International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), meanwhile, noted the significance of strengthening the connections and expanding the network between the EU and Southeast Asia, as Southeast Asia and the ASEAN are expected to play a more vital role in the world’s affairs. He introduced IIAS’ interdisciplinary programs among educational and cultural institutes in both regions to facilitate exchanges and expand knowledge about Asia.
Fr. Sjaak de Boer, Board Member of the Societeit de Witte, also conveyed the organizations’ appreciation for the opportunity to interact with the Ambassadors from ASEAN and hopes that there would be more collaboration in the future.
As token of appreciation, Ambassador Malaya donated to the Societeit de Witte the books “Raak Me Niet Aan!” (Noli Me Tangere) and “De Revolutie” (El Filibusterismo), the Dutch translations of the novels written by Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero, and the “Stewards of the Nation: Aguinaldo to Duterte and their Inaugural Visions,” which is co-authored by the Ambassador.
Ms. Asty Dewi of Indonesia rendered a popular Indonesian song, which gave the attendees a glimpse of ASEAN’s rich traditions.
Attended by some 80 members and friends of the Societeit de Witte Asia Table, the forum was undertaken as part of the Philippines’ initiatives as current chair of the ASEAN Committee in The Hague. // END
