Written questions, answers and statements

Association of Southeast Asian Nations: Foreign Relations

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Question for Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UIN 900308, tabled on 5 November 2019

Question

Richard Graham
Conservative
Gloucester
Commons

What diplomatic steps he is taking to strengthen UK relations with ASEAN member states.

Answer

Mrs Heather Wheeler
Conservative
South Derbyshire
Commons

Answered on

5 November 2019

It is undoubtable that the ASEAN region’s political, economic and security importance is growing. As we leave the EU we are excited about deepening our relationship with all countries in Southeast Asia.

The importance we place on this region is demonstrated by the fact that the Foreign Secretary’s first overseas trip was to attend ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ 31 July - 1 August, where he met all of his ASEAN counterparts, and my first overseas trip was to Cambodia, Laos and Thailand in September. We are committed to strengthening our relationship with the region in all areas.

The first dedicated UK Ambassador to ASEAN was announced in October and our UK Mission to ASEAN will open in November.

Answered by

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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