Berlin, Germany – Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Director of the German Bundestag, Dr. Georg Paulus, in Berlin on Monday, February 16, 2026, to discuss strengthening parliamentary ties and expanding cooperation between the regional bloc and Germany. The meeting underscores ASEAN’s commitment to fostering “friendly relations and mutually beneficial dialogues, cooperation and partnerships” with international organizations and individual nations, as outlined in ASEAN’s foundational principles.
The discussions centered on a range of issues, including economic collaboration, security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and the promotion of sustainable development. Dr. Paulus reaffirmed Germany’s support for ASEAN centrality in regional affairs and expressed interest in deepening parliamentary exchanges to enhance understanding and address shared concerns. This meeting between the Secretary-General of ASEAN and a key figure in the German parliamentary system highlights the growing importance of inter-regional dialogue in a complex geopolitical landscape.
Expanding ASEAN’s Global Partnerships
ASEAN, established in 1967, comprises Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. East Timor is slated to become the newest member in 2025, further solidifying the organization’s role as a significant force in Southeast Asia. Britannica details ASEAN’s core goals: promoting economic growth, social progress, cultural development, and peace and security within the region.
The organization actively seeks to build relationships with a diverse array of partners, including dialogue partners, sectoral dialogue partners, and international organizations. According to a list of instruments maintained by ASEAN, current partners include the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Asian Development Bank, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand, among others. ASEAN’s official website provides a comprehensive overview of these relationships.
Germany’s Role in ASEAN Cooperation
Germany has been a long-standing partner of ASEAN, with cooperation spanning various sectors, including trade, investment, and sustainable development. The meeting in Berlin represents a continuation of this collaboration, with a particular focus on strengthening parliamentary ties. Such exchanges are seen as crucial for fostering mutual understanding and facilitating policy coordination.
Dr. Paulus emphasized the German Bundestag’s commitment to supporting ASEAN’s efforts to address regional challenges, such as climate change, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. He also highlighted the importance of upholding international law and promoting peaceful resolutions to disputes. The discussions also touched upon the potential for increased German investment in ASEAN member states, particularly in areas related to renewable energy and digital infrastructure.
The ASEAN Community and its Vision for 2025
Launched in 2015, the ASEAN Community is built around three pillars: the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community, and the Socio-Cultural Community. The ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together vision, also introduced in 2015, outlines the organization’s long-term goals for regional integration and development.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn underscored ASEAN’s commitment to implementing the ASEAN 2025 vision and highlighted the importance of international partnerships in achieving these objectives. He emphasized the require for a rules-based international order and the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges. The Secretary-General also reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and ensuring that the benefits of regional integration are shared by all.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue the dialogue and explore further opportunities for cooperation between ASEAN and Germany. Both Dr. Hourn and Dr. Paulus expressed optimism about the future of the partnership and reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening ties for the benefit of both regions.
Looking ahead, ASEAN and Germany plan to hold a series of follow-up meetings and workshops to explore specific areas of collaboration. A joint working group will be established to identify concrete projects and initiatives that can be implemented in the coming months. The next major checkpoint will be a planned visit by a delegation from the German Bundestag to ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta later this year.
This developing story underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing shared challenges and promoting regional stability. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives on the growing partnership between ASEAN and Germany in the comments below.
