Asean and EC in the year 2008: prospects for cooperation

Abstract

I think I've been invited here to speak on behalf of the Community because UK currently enjoys the privilege of holding the presidency of the Community. But in fact, I would like to speak, if I may, in a slightly personal capacity. The reason for that was if I had asked for a draft speech from Brussels or from London on the subject this afternoon, I think I would have got something so bland and uncontroversial, and I think it would put everyone to sleep. So, I'd like to speak personally. The views I shall express will not, I think, be too revolutionary. I don't want to make you think you're going to get something particularly sensational. It is slightly easier to speak on certain subjects when one is speaking in a personal capacity. But I think the views expressed here are more in the mainstream European Community (EC) rather than the views of any particular member state, including my own.