Switzerland deepens Asean ties ahead of 10th anniversary of sectoral dialogue partnership

The Star

18-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): As Asean and Switzerland mark a decade of their sectoral dialogue partnership next year, both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas where Switzerland offers distinct value and expertise.
Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, said that the country is strengthening its strategic engagement with Southeast Asia through enhanced economic partnerships, multilateral cooperation, and sustained support for peace and development in the region.
Switzerland became an Asean Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2016.
Building on this foundation, Switzerland has recently been taking a more strategic approach by releasing its first-ever South-East Asia strategy in 2023 and, most recently, the Asia G20 strategy. In both, Asean is considered a key regional actor.
"We are pleased with this partnership and the achievements we have accomplished together.
"Looking ahead, we remain committed to nurturing this valuable partnership in those areas where Switzerland can bring added value,' Cassis told Bernama.
At the same time, Cassis said Switzerland has reaffirmed its global role as a neutral mediator in promoting peace and stability, including in Southeast Asia, by leveraging its long-standing tradition of dialogue and diplomacy to become a trusted bridge-builder in complex geopolitical situations.
He said the country's commitment was further underscored by its first-ever term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2023-2024. Switzerland made meaningful contributions during this time of significant global tensions.
"We focused on key priorities: protecting civilians, building sustainable peace, addressing climate-related security risks, and enhancing the Council's effectiveness,' he said, adding that the outcomes are expected to have an impact beyond this tenure.
Cassis noted that Switzerland has always prioritised sustainable development in its cooperation with Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on climate resilience and environmental protection through its partnership with Asean.
He said since 2009, the country has supported community-led forest management and the sustainable use of natural resources. This enables local communities to play an active role in environmental conservation.
"This collaboration continues to thrive today. We work closely with Asean member states, the Asean Secretariat, and various Asean centres. In the near future, we will launch a new project focused on improving air quality,' he added.
Cassis said Switzerland has a long-standing relationship with Southeast Asia, underpinned by more than 60 years of development cooperation and a solid economic presence across ASEAN member states, which contributes to the economic growth of the host countries.
"In the framework of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprised of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, we have concluded free trade agreements with several countries in the region, namely Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and most recently with Malaysia
In June this year, EFTA and Malaysia signed an Economic Partnership Agreement.
Cassis said that in times of trade disruptions, it is essential for an open economy like Switzerland to remain engaged in constructive cooperation with international partners.
Last year, EFTA and Asean adopted a Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation.
"It's an important step forward in strengthening our economic ties. The declaration lays the groundwork for more in-depth dialogue and increased trade and investment between our two regions,' he said.
"We're now working closely with Asean to develop a new concrete work plan. We hope to finalise it soon so we can move quickly into implementation,' Cassis said, adding that the modern and comprehensive free trade agreement will further boost sustainable trade and investment. - Bernama