The European Union and the ASEAN group of southeast Asian countries have agreed to upgrade their relationship to a strategic partnership, current EU president Germany said on Tuesday. “As close economic partners, we will stand up for safe and open trade routes and a free and fair trade,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said after a virtual meeting with his counterparts from the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “Together, we represent more than a billion people and almost 25 per cent of global economic power. Together, we have a strong voice in this world,” said Maas, who gave no specific ... (full story)