The Legislative Council attended the Inter-Regional Dialogue between the European Parliament and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly hosted by the European Parliament (EP) on Tuesday, 22nd June 2021.  The dialogue session was attended by delegations from the Parliaments of ASEAN countries and delegations from the Parliaments of European countries.  The Legislative Council was represented by Honourable Dayang Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii and Honourable Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad, Members of the Legislative Council. Also present during the dialogue, Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Judin bin Haji Asar, Secretary to the Cabinet Ministers' Council & Clerk to Councils.

The dialogue session discussed the relationship between the European Parliament and the AIPA Parliament as potential partners in contributing towards the development of the EU-ASEAN relations and strategic steps in supporting and participating in its implementation.  Two main points were highlighted during the dialogue session, namlely on Mitigation Measures from the Negative Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic; and the issue of the Development of Trade Relations between the EU and ASEAN.

Brunei Darussalam values trade relations between the European Union and ASEAN and fully supports the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreement which provides great opportunities in trade and investment in the Pacific and European regions. Brunei Darussalam also benefits from the European Union's contribution in channeling manpower capacity. This also includes the development of digital online services in enhancing the market of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to be more consistent in economic diversification. The Honorable also made a statement on the importance of best practices based on the ASEAN Rules of Origin to be more transparent and orderly in expanding trade in the Pacific and European regions.