The European Union and ASEAN Confirm their Support for the Two-State Solution

SadaNews - The European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have confirmed their support for the two-state solution as an essential option for achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, calling for the avoidance of any steps that could escalate tensions or expand the conflict.

They reiterated their joint commitment to enhancing international peace and stability, expressing grave concern about developments in the Middle East.

This came in a joint statement issued following the 25th ministerial meeting, held in "Bandar Seri Begawan," the capital of Brunei Darussalam, co-chaired by Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, in his capacity as the ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations Coordinator, and Kaia Kalas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who is also Vice President of the European Commission, with the participation of foreign ministers from member states and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat.

Both sides emphasized the necessity of maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting dialogue and diplomacy as key means to address conflicts, calling for a comprehensive and immediate cessation of hostilities in various parts of the Middle East.

On another note, the joint statement underscored a steadfast commitment to supporting the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, affirming the importance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone of international security, and working towards a successful 2026 review conference.

Both the EU and ASEAN renewed their commitment to upholding international law, resolving disputes through peaceful means, and enhancing stability in maritime domains, contributing to security and prosperity in their regions and globally, as stated in the joint statement.

According to the joint statement released by the EU in Brussels, both sides expressed their deep concern over the deterioration of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, condemning the ongoing humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip despite the ceasefire and preliminary steps to implement the comprehensive peace plan to end the conflict in Gaza, which was facilitated by the United States.

The joint statement reiterated the condemnation of all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, calling for ensuring rapid, safe, sustainable, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid, including by enhancing the capabilities of border crossings and maritime routes, emphasizing the necessity of protecting civilians at all times.

According to the joint statement, both sides stressed the need for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803 of 2025, including a ceasefire and the establishment of a temporary international force to stabilize Gaza, paving the way for a permanent end to hostilities, while reaffirming respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law.