His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the press conference, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the biennial inter-regional dialogue and the current status of the ASEAN-EU partnership. His Royal Highness in his sabda said the EU is ASEAN's second biggest trading partner and single largest investor, representing a total trade and investment of nearly 200 billion US dollars.
His Royal Highness added that ASEAN is very keen to look at ways to build further future trade partners, possibly through an ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement.
His Royal Highness in his sabda stated that the meeting had adopted the new plan of action which included a proposal for strengthening the ASEAN secretariat. His Royal Highness added that the ministers had an exchange of views on regional and international affairs, including the situation in the Middle East, financial and economic developments in Europe and other security concerns.
During the media conference, His Royal Highness in his sabda stated that there are three matters that will be beneficial to Brunei Darussalam as the meeting's host. Firstly, as a member of ASEAN, the practical decisions reached such as the 5 Year Action Plan will enhance the development of ASEAN member countries and the support of ASEAN in this matter is greatly appreciated. Secondly, the meeting provided an opportunity to hear the views of the European Union on several issues currently occurring. And thirdly, His Royal Highness in his sabda said, the meeting gave an opportunity to Brunei Darussalam to play host to international meetings as well as preparation to chair ASEAN next year.