The European Union and Southeast Asian countries have agreed to increase political and economic cooperation, with the exception of Myanmar hindering a complete free trade agreement. Foreign ministers met in Nuremberg, Germany and approved a declaration on Enhanced Partnership, committing to work together on security, energy, environmental, and development issues. They also vowed to collaborate on combating terrorism, money laundering, cyber crime, drug trafficking, and addressing climate change. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana expressed satisfaction with the progress of relations between the two sides, not just in economic and trade matters, but also in politics. He emphasized the shared values and goals between the EU and the Southeast Asian countries. Analysts believe that ASEAN is seeking closer ties with Europe in order to counterbalance China's increasing power, and is also aiming to create its own single market by 2015, following the success of the European Union. The EU is interested in accessing the potential of a region with a population of 500 million through a free trade agreement, but negotiations have been stalled due to ASEAN's insistence on including Myanmar. The EU has imposed sanctions on Myanmar due to the military's refusal to recognize a 1990 election result favoring the pro-democracy party. EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Walder has called for ASEAN countries to push for human rights improvements in Myanmar, including the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. She added that the EU hopes to see positive changes in Burma/Myanmar. The EU is currently working towards individual cooperation agreements with various countries in the ASEAN region, including Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and eventually Vietnam, while awaiting a comprehensive EU-ASEAN trade deal. The EU has expressed its desire for a free trade agreement between the two blocs, but recognizes the need to engage with each country separately. While progress is being made with Indonesia, issues remain unresolved with Singapore and Thailand due to a military takeover. The EU also plans to pursue a similar agreement with Vietnam, focusing on both human rights issues and trade disputes. EU officials emphasize their ongoing human rights dialogue with Vietnam, contrasting the lack of such dialogue with Myanmar.