Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

What diplomatic steps he is taking to strengthen UK relations with ASEAN member states.

It is undoubtable that the ASEAN region’s political, economic and security importance is growing. As we leave the EU we are excited about deepening our relationship with all countries in Southeast Asia.

The importance we place on this region is demonstrated by the fact that the Foreign Secretary’s first overseas trip was to attend ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ 31 July - 1 August, where he met all of his ASEAN counterparts, and my first overseas trip was to Cambodia, Laos and Thailand in September. We are committed to strengthening our relationship with the region in all areas.

The first dedicated UK Ambassador to ASEAN was announced in October and our UK Mission to ASEAN will open in November.