A delegation of the Commission of the European Economic Community led by Sir. Christopher Soames, Vice President and Commissioner for External Relations of the EC Commission, held an informal meeting with ASEAN Ministers in Jakarta on 24 - 25 September 1974. The Meeting was attended by H.E. Datuk Hamzah bin Abu Samah, Minister of Trade of Malaysia; H.E. Troadio T. Quiazon Jr., Secretary of Trade of the Philippines; H.E. Encik Rahim bin Ishak, Senior Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of Singapore; H.E. Vicharn Nivatvongs, Minister of Commerce of Thailand: and H.E. Mr. Radius Prawiro, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia. The Meeting as also attended by H.E. Tan Sri Philip Kuok, Chairman of the ASEAN Brussels Committee; H.E. Mr. Frans Seda, Chief of the Indonesian Mission to the EEC in Brussels; Ambassador Wilfredo Vega, Deputy Chief of the Philippines Mission in Brussels; Mr. Budi Hartantyo, Leader of the General Working Group of ABC officials; and Commissioner Razon T. Harosco, UN - ASEAN - MTN Team Leader.

Thus was the third meeting between EC Commission and ASEAN at this level, the first having been held in Brussels on 16th June 1972 and the second in Bangkok on 5 - 6 September 1973.

The present meeting discussed the possibilities and areas for broader cooperation between the ASEAN and EEC. There as also an exchange of views on topics of mutual interest, particularly on the EEC development policy towards the non- associated countries including the trade promotion and regional integration projects; the world economic situation; ASEAN development; the Multilateral Trade Negotiations; and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

Sir Christopher Sownes referred to the 1972 Paris Summit Declaration as a result of which the community committed itself to a new development cooperation policy towards non-associated developing countries including ASEAN. He confirmed that the joint Declaration of Intent covers all ASEAN countries.

Noting the dangers of possible disruptions to the orderly functioning of the world economic system, it was agreed that both developed and developing countries had a role to play in the context of their increasing economic interdependence. Emphasis was laid on the contribution which the GSP and the Multilateral Trade Negotiations should make to improving the world trading system and to promoting a better balance in international economic relations. The importance of an effective implementation of generalized System of Preferences by all developed countries was stressed.

Agreement was reached in principle to set up a joint ASEAN - EC Commission Study Group, to further the development and intensification of the continuing dialogue between ASEAN and the Commission of the European Community.

The joint ASEAN - EC Commission Study Group will have broad terms of reference the modalities of which will be worked out jointly between ABC and representatives of the EC Commission, for submission to and approval of ASEAN Governments and the Commission of the European Community.

Both sides found this ministerial meeting most useful and agreed to continue this type of meeting at appropriate intervals.

Sir Christopher Soames and his party conveyed to the ASEAN Ministers and the Government and people of Indonesia their appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to them and underlined the great importance they attach ASEAN - EC relationship.