HC Deb 25 November 1992 vol 214 cc740-1W
30. Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the prospects for developing relations between the European Community and the Association of South East Asian Nations countries.

Mr. Garel-Jones

The ASEAN countries are of growing importance to the Community, both in terms of regional stability and trade. We have devoted considerable attention to them during the United Kingdom Presidency; My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has personally attended two ministerial meetings with ASEAN in Manila. The outcome of the EC/ASEAN ministerial meeting last month will boost co-operation in a range of fields, including trade, environmental protection, technical co-operation and human rights.