EU and ASEAN to jumpstart trade agreement talks

The European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed on 26 April 2015 to take steps towards resuming stalled talks on a free trade agreement between the two regions. The statement was released in Malaysia following discussions between delegations on the sidelines of ASEAN's annual diplomatic gathering, hosted in 2015 by Malaysia.

The EU and ASEAN had launched negotiations in 2007, but broke them off in 2009, amid disagreements largely centering on European concerns over ASEAN member Myanmar's human rights record.

• Primary Source

EU: EEAS: Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) http://eeas.europa.eu/asean/index_en.htm

Deutsche Welle, 26.04.15: EU set to resume free-trade talks at ASEAN summit dominated by China sea dispute http://dw.de/p/1FF6

EUObserver, 27.04.15: EU to re-open South-Asian trade talks https://euobserver.com/news/128474

The Star Online, 27.04.15: EU-ABC sends proposal to Asean Economic Ministers http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2015/04/27/EUABC-sends-proposal-to-Asean-Economic-Ministers

Bangkok Post, 26.04.15: Asean, EU to revisit FTA talks http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/541535/asean-eu-to-revisit-fta-talks

ESO: Background information: Council extends mandate for free trade talks with ASEAN http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-extends-mandate-for-free-trade-talks-with-asean/

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