The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Kingdom have announced a renewed commitment to deepen cooperation across security, economic development, connectivity and sustainable growth under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
The agreement was unveiled during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the UK in Manila on July 22, 2026, as both sides marked five years since the establishment of their Dialogue Partnership.
Partners Reaffirm Commitment to Peace and Rules-Based Order
In a joint ministerial statement titled “ASEAN-UK Joint Ministerial Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific: Advancing Together,” both parties stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability and prosperity throughout the region.
ASEAN member states and the UK reaffirmed their support for international law, including the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They also highlighted the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful dispute resolution and a transparent, inclusive regional system built on established international rules.
AOIP Placed at the Centre of Future Cooperation
The two sides agreed that the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific would remain a key foundation for their partnership, supporting cooperation across four major priority areas.
These areas include maritime cooperation, connectivity, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and economic collaboration.
ASEAN and the UK said implementing the AOIP would help strengthen ASEAN centrality while promoting a more open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
New Plan of Action to Guide ASEAN-UK Relations
The statement welcomed the newly adopted ASEAN-UK Plan of Action for 2027-2031, which is expected to shape future cooperation between the two partners.
The plan aims to support ASEAN community-building efforts, strengthen regional resilience and expand practical collaboration in areas that benefit both sides.
The UK also received recognition for its efforts to deepen ties with ASEAN, including its application to participate in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
Maritime Security Cooperation Gets Major Focus
Maritime issues featured prominently in the agreement, with both sides emphasising the importance of protecting freedom of navigation, maritime safety and stability.
ASEAN and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to UNCLOS and peaceful solutions to maritime disputes while supporting cooperation through ASEAN-led platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus Experts’ Working Groups and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum.
The partnership will focus on areas including search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, protection of marine resources, combating human trafficking at sea, improving maritime awareness and preserving marine ecosystems.
Connectivity and Digital Security Among Key Priorities
The agreement also placed strong emphasis on improving regional connectivity as a driver of economic growth and stability.
ASEAN and the UK pledged support for the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan 2026-2035, including cooperation on energy networks, clean power development and cross-border electricity projects.
The UK will also continue supporting education and youth mobility programmes, including scholarship opportunities, technical training initiatives and skills development.
Both sides highlighted the need to address growing cyber threats, particularly online scams, financial fraud, money laundering and other forms of transnational crime.
Joint Push to Accelerate Sustainable Development Goals
ASEAN and the UK renewed their commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The partnership will focus on improving healthcare systems, strengthening education, promoting gender equality and supporting climate action.
Areas of cooperation include pandemic preparedness, clean energy transitions, sustainable finance, smart cities and economic policies aimed at creating inclusive growth.
The partners also welcomed continued cooperation through initiatives such as the ASEAN-UK Dialogue on Sustainability.
Economic Cooperation and Innovation Expanded
The two sides agreed to strengthen economic ties by encouraging trade, investment and private sector cooperation.
They stressed the importance of maintaining an open, transparent and rules-based global trading system, while supporting efforts to improve economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
Future collaboration will include digital economy development, financial services, regulatory reform, supply chain resilience and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
ASEAN and the UK also agreed to expand cooperation in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, with a focus on responsible innovation and developing secure digital ecosystems.
Commitment to Narrow Development Gaps
The partnership will continue supporting efforts to reduce development inequalities within ASEAN through regional integration programmes and targeted assistance.
Both sides expressed support for initiatives designed to promote sustainable economic growth, improve opportunities across ASEAN communities and ensure that development benefits are shared more widely.
ASEAN-UK Partnership Enters New Phase
The joint statement concluded with both ASEAN and the UK pledging to build on the progress made since their Dialogue Partnership began in 2021.
By combining ASEAN’s regional leadership with the UK’s global engagement, both sides said they aim to advance cooperation that promotes peace, prosperity and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
The agreement was formally adopted in Manila, Philippines, on July 22, 2026.
