This summer, a group of twenty mid-career diplomats from ASEAN member states completed a two-week diplomatic training course at the Clingendael Institute. This year's course was particularly noteworthy as for the first time, participants from Timor-Leste, ASEAN candidate member state, participated in the course. The participation of Timor-Leste enriched the diversity and perspectives within the course, fostering partnership and furthering regional cooperation. 

The programme aimed to deepen the participant’s knowledge in diplomacy and regional cooperation, while also aiming to foster relations between the EU and ASEAN. The course covered key topics, including regional integration, security, economics, social issues, and climate change. Throughout their stay, the diplomats engaged in lectures, working visits, and skills training seminars, enabling them to enhance their expertise and expand their international networks. A highlight among the lectures was a keynote speech on EU-ASEAN relations by Tom Corrie, Team Leader ASEAN at the DG International Partnerships, European Commission. 

Furthermore, the Clingendael Institute organised skills trainings. These covered various aspects of diplomatic practice, including crisis communication, stakeholder analysis & management and negotiation skills. In these sessions, the diplomats were equipped with theory, as well as practical cases and exercises, bridging the gap between theory and practice. 

The training programme was organised in cooporation with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We wish all the participants good luck!