Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) adopted a joint c ommuniqué at the end of their 46th meetingunder the theme “Our People, Our Future Together”, in Bandar SeriBegawan, Brunei on June 30.
Following is the full text of the joint c ommuniqué:
“1. We, the Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast AsianNations (ASEAN), met on 29 – 30 June 2013 at the 46th ASEAN ForeignMinisters’ Meeting (AMM) in Bandar Seri Begawan , BruneiDarussalam under the theme “ Our People, Our Future Together ”. HisRoyal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs andTrade of Brunei Darussalam chaired the Meeting.
BUILDING A LASTING COMMUNITY
2. We are encouraged by the successful outcome of the 22nd ASEANSummit held in Bandar Seri Begawan on 24-25 April 2013, which reaffirmedour resolve to further intensify our efforts to ensure a politicallycohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible ASEANCommunity in 2015 by implementing the ASEAN Charter and the Roadmap foran ASEAN Community. We reiterated our commitment to narrowing thedevelopment gap by effectively implementing the IAI Work Plan II(2009-2015) and the ASEAN Roadmap towards realising the MillenniumDevelopment Goals (MDGs).
3. In responding to theevolving geopolitical landscape, we emphasised the importance ofreviewing ASEAN’s processes and institutions in order to safeguard ASEANcentrality in the evolving regional architecture while enhancing itsresilience in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.
4. We looked forward to the early commencement of the work of theHigh-Level Task Force on Strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat andReviewing the ASEAN Organs to meet the challenges of the future.
5. In order to enhance the region’s capacity in addressing globalissues of common concern and raise the profile of ASEAN in theinternational arena, we reaffirmed our commitment to implement the BaliConcord III Plan of Action (2013-2017) and welcomed the support of ourDialogue Partners, external parties, regional and internationalorganisations.
6. As part of our efforts toimplement the Bali Concord III Plan of Action (2013-2017), we agreed tocoordinate and provide mutual support for ASEAN Member States’ candidacyin regional and international organisations, where possible. In thisregard, we reaffirmed ASEAN’s support for Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia,Viet Nam, and the Philippines’ candidature to become Non-PermanentMembers of the UN Security Council for the year 2015-2016, 2017-2018,2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2027-2028 respectively .
7.Recalling the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Communityof Nations (Bali Concord III) and the decisions made by our Leaders atthe 22nd ASEAN Summit, we remain committed to the development of a post –2015 ASEAN vision to meet the challenges of the future in order topromote peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia and furtherdeepen ASEAN integration, as well as to continue strategicallypositioning ASEAN in the evolving regional architecture and the world atlarge. We agreed to take appropriate actions on Indonesia ’s callfor ASEAN to formulate aspirational goals beyond 2015, such as doublingASEAN’s combined GDP and halving the percentage of people living inpoverty in the ASEAN region by 2030.
ASEAN POLITICAL SECURITY COMMUNITY
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia
8. We reaffirmed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia(TAC) as the key code of conduct governing inter-state relations in theregion and a foundation for the maintenance of regional peace andstability.
9. We welcomed the entry into force ofthe Third Protocol Amending the TAC and the accession by the UK , theEU, and Brazil in Phnom Penh in 2012 to the Treaty as a positivesignal of their commitment to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN andcontribute to peace and security in the region. In this regard, welooked forward to the accession of Norway to the TAC on 1 July 2013in Brunei Darussalam.
10. We recognised the growinginterest of other non-ASEAN Member States to accede to the TAC. In thisregard, we adopted the revised Guidelines for Accession to the Treatyof Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia . We also commended the workof the Committee of Permanent Representatives in revising theGuidelines.
Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty
11. We underscored the importance of preserving the Southeast Asianregion as a Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone and free of all other weapons ofmass destruction as enshrined in the Treaty of Southeast Asia NuclearWeapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and the ASEAN Charter. We agreed to continueengaging the Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) in accordance with theobjectives and principles of the Treaty, outstanding issues with regardsto the signing of the Protocol of the SEANWFZ Treaty withoutreservations as early as possible . We also underscored the importanceof strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime tomaintain peace, security and prosperity in the region.
12. We noted with appreciation the progress made on implementing thePlan of Action to Strengthen the Implementation of SEANWFZ Treaty2007-2012 and welcomed the adoption of the revised Plan of Action(2013-2017) with a renewed commitment and a stronger emphasis onconcrete actions.
13. We encouraged the fullsupport of the NWS for the ASEAN-sponsored United Nations GeneralAssembly (UNGA) Resolution on the SEANWFZ Treaty in the upcoming 68thsession of the UNGA. We also looked forward to the submission andeventual adoption by consensus of the 68th UNGA draft resolution on theSEANWFZ Treaty.
Nuclear Safety
14.Recalling the Leaders’ decision to promote information sharing andtransparency on nuclear related issues in the region, we encouragedfurther cooperation in line with the Plan of Action to Strengthen theImplementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty (2013-2017).
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights
15. We welcomed the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN HumanRights Declaration (AHRD) and noted the annual report of the ASEANIntergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). In acknowledgingits second term, we underlined the importance of the AICHR, as theoverarching human rights institution in ASEAN and tasked the AICHR toenhance its work on the promotion and protection of human rights, inparticular, the implementation of the AHRD, in accordance with its Termsof Reference. Bearing in mind that human rights is a cross-cuttingissue as well as cross-pillars that is being dealt with in severalsectoral bodies, we encouraged AICHR to work in close consultation,coordination and collaboration with various ASEAN sectoral bodies,engage in dialogue with other ASEAN bodies and entities associated withASEAN as well as consult, as may be appropriate, with other relevantinstitutions and entities, concerned with the promotion and protectionof human rights.
16. We appreciated the Governmentof Indonesia for organising a dialogue with the AICHR on 25 June 2013 inJakarta to share information on the promotion and protection of humanrights in Indonesia . The dialogue was useful in supporting AICHR inconducting its work. We noted that AICHR and some ASEAN MemberStates might consider having such a dialogue in the future.
ASEAN Security Outlook
17. We emphasised the importance of the ASEAN Security Outlook (ASO)to promote transparency in security-related policies and complementASEAN’s confidence building efforts in the region. In this regard, welooked forward to its first annual publication in 2013.
18. Encouraged by the effective and productive joint collaboration bythe SOM-ADSOM Joint Working Group (JWG) having finalised the ASOstandardized format, we further recommended the close coordinationneeded between ASEAN SOM and ADSOM on the relevant agendas under theAPSC Blueprint.
ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation
19. We welcomed the nominations of the members of the GoverningCouncil and Advisory Board to the AIPR and looked forward to its fulland effective operationalization of the ASEAN Institute for Peace andReconciliation (AIPR) in Jakarta , which would promote researchactivities on peace, conflict management and conflict resolution in theregion.
ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre
20. We reiterated the importance of an ASEAN Regional Mine ActionCentre (ARMAC) and commended the work of the Working Group on theModalities of ARMAC. We encouraged the Senior Officials to expedite theconclusion of the TOR with a view to submit their recommendations to usbefore the 23rd ASEAN Summit.
Maritime Cooperation
21. Recognising that maritime security, including maritime safety, iscrucial to a vibrant, peaceful, stable and resilient Southeast Asia, weencouraged the strengthening of regional cooperation in maritimesecurity through, inter alia, capacity building, exchanging ofexperiences and sharing of best practices by utilising existing ASEANframeworks, including the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN DefenceMinisters’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) /Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF).
22. Wewelcomed the review of the AMF to further strengthen the work of theForum and complement the existing efforts undertaken by ASEAN.
23. We welcomed the convening of the EAMF in October 2012 in Manila, with ASEAN playing a central role, while working in close partnershipwith all participants. We looked forward to the 4th AMF / 2nd EAMF tobe held in Malaysia in 2013.
Non-Traditional Security Issues
24. We reaffirmed our commitment in addressing non-traditionalsecurity issues, particularly in combating transnational crimes andother transboundary challenges. In this regard, we looked forward to theoutcome of the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime(AMMTC) to be held in Lao PDR on 15-19 September 2013.
25. We reaffirmed our support for the work of relevant ASEAN sectoralbodies in following up with the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on aDrug-Free ASEAN 2015 through the full implementation of the ASEAN WorkPlan on Combating Illicit Drug Production, Trafficking and Use(2009-2015). We welcomed the outcomes of the 1st ASEAN SpecialMinisterial Meeting on Drug Matters held in Thailand on 31 August2012 and looked forward to the convening of the 2nd ASEAN SpecialMinisterial Meeting on Drug Matters in
Brunei Darussalamin September 2013. In this regard, we encouraged the ASEAN SeniorOfficials on Drug Matters (ASOD) to intensify cooperation, exchange ofinformation, data and intelligence, and the sharing of best practices.We also noted the proposal for ASOD to consider creating a database ondrug traffickers in the region.
26. Recalling theLeaders’ Joint Statement in Enhancing Cooperation against Trafficking inPersons in Southeast Asia adopted in 2011, we welcomed the progressmade by the 9th SOMTC Working Group on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) heldin June 2013 in Danang, Viet Nam on the development of an ASEANConvention on Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP) and a Regional Plan ofAction on Combating Trafficking in Persons (RPA).
27. We noted with satisfaction the full ratification of the ASEANConvention on Counter-Terrorism (ACCT) by all ASEAN Member States inJanuary 2013. We welcomed the successful review of the ASEANComprehensive Plan of Action on Counter-Terrorism to address, amongothers, the root causes of terrorism, and enhancing cooperation onpromoting moderation.
Defence Matters
28. We noted the outcomes of the 7th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting(ADMM) held in Brunei Darussalam on 7 May 2013 and its role in promotingregional peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation indefence and security matters, with a view to adding value andcomplementing the overall ASEAN process. We welcomed the adoption of theconcept papers on Establishing ASEAN Defence Interaction Programmes andEstablishment of Logistics Support Framework.
29.Acknowledging the significance of defence cooperation through theADMM-Plus, we emphasised the importance of maintaining and enhancing thecentral role of ASEAN in the ADMM-Plus process. We noted withappreciation the substantial achievements of the ADMM-Plus process inforging practical cooperation, in particular, through the work of thefive ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups (EWG) on Humanitarian Assistanceand Disaster Relief, Maritime Security, Military Medicine,Counter-Terrorism and Peacekeeping Operations. In this context, wewelcomed the establishment of the ADMM-Plus EWG on Humanitarian MineAction. We also welcomed the adoption of the concept paper on transitionof the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group Co-Chairmanship by the 7thADMM. We looked forward to the convening of the 2nd ADMM-Plus in August2013.
Disaster Management and Emergency Response
30. We welcomed the ADMM-Plus Humanitarian Assistance and DisasterRelief and Military Medicine Exercise (ADMM-Plus HADR & MM Ex)recently held in Brunei Darussalam on 17-20 June 2013 , as a landmarkcooperation among the defence forces of ADMM-Plus countries, in theirefforts to enhance confidence building, regional capacity,interoperability and coordination in addressing non-traditional securitychallenges, in particular disaster management.
31.We encouraged cross-sectoral coordination and multi-stakeholderparticipation, including greater civil-military coordination inemergency response operations. We also encouraged the various mechanismsrelated to disaster management in ASEAN to synchronise their activitiesand policies using the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management andEmergency Response (AADMER) as the common platform for disastermanagement. We encouraged the holding of regular disaster reliefexercises, in order to improve our capacity in disaster preparednessand, as such, welcomed the convening of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)Disaster Relief Exercise (DiREx) 2013, co-hosted by Thailand and theRepublic of Korea, in Cha-am, Phetchaburi Province, Thailand on 7-11 May2013, as one of the largest civilian-military exercises of its kind inthe region. We also welcomed the Mentawai Megathrust Exercise 2013-2014in Indonesia , involving the East Asia Summit (EAS) ParticipatingCountries on 20-26 April 2013. We looked forward to the ASEAN RegionalDisaster Emergency Response Exercise (ARDEX), in Viet Nam in October2013.
ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
32.We welcomed the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN EconomicCommunity (AEC) Blueprint. We expressed our support for the commitmentto effectively carry out the remaining prioritised measures to establishAEC by 31 December 2015 and implement cooperation initiatives andmeasures that will facilitate the flow of trade, investment and peoplein the region as well as narrowing the development gap among ASEANMember States, which would enhance ASEAN’s competitiveness, as calledfor by the Leaders.
33. We supported the on-goingefforts towards the establishment of visa-free travel in ASEAN countriesfor ASEAN nationals, ASEAN immigration lanes. We also recognised theneed for the development of an ASEAN Business travel card. In addition,we acknowledged the continued efforts in considering the proposal for anASEAN Common Visa for non-ASEAN nationals that will facilitate businessmobility and tourism.
34. We reaffirmed ourcommitment to ensuring that our stakeholders are able to benefit fromour economic integration work. In this regard, we welcomed the variousactivities that enable the ASEAN SMEs and young entrepreneurs toactively realise the vast potential in being part of the regional andglobal supply chain. We also reaffirmed our commitment and recognisedthe need for stronger partnership between the public and private sector,not only in undertaking the AEC initiatives, but also in activelycommunicating the information on AEC to the general public.
35. We were encouraged by the development in the sectors under the AECsuch as finance, energy, industry, information and communicationstechnology, agriculture, tourism and transport. In this regard, wecontinue to support efforts to further progress in these areas, in viewof their importance towards the establishment of the AEC in 2015, aswell as our pursuit of sustainable and equitable economic developmentfor the betterment of our future generation.
36. Wewelcomed ASEAN’s continued engagement with its Dialogue Partners in itsefforts to strengthen economic integration and linkages in the region.We noted with satisfaction the positive outcomes of the 1st Meeting ofthe Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Trade NegotiatingCommittee (RCEP-TNC) in Bandar Seri Begawan in May 2013 and urged theRCEP participating countries to strive for a modern, comprehensive,high-quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership agreement thatwill become a platform for future trade and investment integration inAsia and the rest of the world. We further welcomed the decision toengage Hong Kong on a bilateral basis for an ASEAN-Hong Kong FreeTrade Agreement.
ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY
Review of Blueprint
37. We welcomed the convening of the First Regional Assessment of theMid-Term Review of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint inBandar Seri Begawan on 15-16 June 2013. We commended the ASEANSecretariat for developing a Scorecard to measure the achievement ofgoals based on national, regional and global contributions and aMonitoring System to assess inputs, activities and outputs on a regionalbasis. We noted that in addition to Brunei Darussalam offering to fundthe regional assessment of the Blueprint in March, resources haverecently been mobilised from the ASEAN Development Fund for nationalassessments, wherever necessary, to be made. We hoped the Mid-TermReview process would be accelerated, in order to produce a comprehensivereport on the implementation of the ASCC Blueprint, to serve as thebasis for enhancing the fulfilment of the ASCC Blueprint 2015 and tomake recommendations of future priorities in Socio-Cultural Community.
Youth
38. We acknowledged the EighthASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth in Bandar Seri Begawan on 22 May2013 which endorsed a proposal by Brunei Darussalam for an ASEAN YoungProfessionals Volunteer Corps to complement the ASEAN Youth VolunteerProgramme established by Malaysia . We noted that Brunei Darussalamhas since announced a partnership with a non-governmental organisationin Singapore to carry out three initial short-term projects inCambodia , Indonesia and the Philippines this year.
39. We further acknowledged the Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration onYouth Volunteerism and Entrepreneurship, which calls on youngprofessionals to offer voluntary community services in areas such asrural development and poverty eradication, disaster relief, health,education and the environment, while supporting vulnerable groups andfostering entrepreneurial skills. We noted that greater awareness ofASEAN among young people should be further encouraged though differentplatforms to promote dialogue and people-to-people exchanges.
40. We also acknowledged the ASEAN First Young Entrepreneurs Seminarand Expo in Bandar Seri Begawan in May 2013 as a platform forpromoting young entrepreneurship and greater economic self-relianceamong young people and noted the resolution adopted by the Seminar whichhighlighted the challenges of youth employment.
41. We welcomed the agreement to set up the ASEAN Youth Programme Fundto help implement regional policies and programmes related to the youth,and encourage further mobilisation of existing resources including theSingapore-ASEAN Youth Fund and other sources from ASEAN DialoguePartners, to support youth cooperation activities.
ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC)
42. We welcomed the ongoing initiatives of the ASEAN Commission on thePromotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC)such as the setting up of an ACWC Network of Social Service Agenciesinvolved in preventing, protecting and helping victims of violenceagainst women and violence against children in ASEAN.
Disaster Management
43. We acknowledged the Second Meeting of the Conference of theParties to the AADMER in Ha Noi on 30 May 2013 and progress in puttinginto operation the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistanceon Disaster Management with contributions from ASEAN Member States andDialogue Partners as well as plans to launch the Second Phase of theAADMER Work Programme and the Second AADMER Partnership Conference in HaNoi in November 2013.
44. We also encouragedcloser cooperation in disaster prevention through capacity buildingefforts focusing on early warning and a timely weather forecast systemamong ASEAN Member States and between ASEAN and relevant DialoguePartners.
45. We welcomed the convening of theASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) to promotesynergy and coordination using AADMER as the common platform fordisaster management in the region. We also supported the proposal for anASEAN Declaration on Enhancing Cooperation in Disaster Management to beissued by the 23rd ASEAN Summit in Bandar Seri Begawan in October2013.
46. We also noted ACDM’s decision to have aregular forum, such as the open sessions of ACDM meetings to ensurecontinued discussion on the implementation and linkages between the EASpaper on A Practical Approach to Enhance Regional Cooperation onDisaster Rapid Response (EAS Disaster Management Initiative) and theAADMER Work Programme.
Climate Change and Environment
47. We recognised that trans-boundary haze is a recurring challengefor ASEAN and underscored the importance of the steps taken to overcomeit. To address this issue effectively, we reaffirmed our strongcommitment to continuously strengthening national and regionalcapacities through concerted efforts and intensified regional andinternational cooperation, in particular through the establishment ofeffective monitoring, rapid response and fire-fighting systems tomitigate haze impacts. We tasked our senior officials to work closelywith their relevant counterparts to consolidate ASEAN’s existinginitiatives to combat the haze, recommend new and strengthen regionalcooperation measures that can be taken to prevent the haze, and reporton the progress of these efforts through the Foreign Ministers to theLeaders at the next ASEAN Summit. In this regard, we welcomed theconvening of the 15th Meeting of the Subregional Ministerial SteeringCommittee (MSC) on Trans-boundary Haze Pollution on 17 July 2013 inMalaysia . We also stressed the importance for regional countries touphold their international obligations and work together to tackle thetransboundary haze pollution problem, and in this regard called uponASEAN Member States that have not yet ratified and operationalized theASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution to do so expeditiously.
48. We encouraged full implementation of the ASEANClimate Change Initiative and the ASEAN Action Plan on Joint Response toClimate Change. We welcomed the continued enhancement of consultationand collaboration in international climate change negotiations as wellas climate change forums. We took note of Indonesia ’s initiative onthe establishment of a regional Climate Change Database centre.
49. We recognised the importance of water resources preservation andmanagement for sustainable development. We agreed on the need forenhanced cooperation in this area within ASEAN and other sub-regionalframeworks, with a view to preventing floods and droughts in the regionwhich could affect agricultural productivity and regional food security.We welcomed the outcome of the Second Asia-Pacific Water Summit on“Water Security and Water-Related Disaster Challenges: Leadership andCommitment” held in Chiang Mai , Thailand on 19-20 May 2013.
Social Protection
50. We welcomed the results of the Inter-Sectoral Workshop onStrengthening Social Protection in ASEAN on 24-25 June 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia where concerned sectoral bodies reach consensus inpromoting social protection in ASEAN. We noted the suggestion for adeclaration on social protection towards building an ASEAN as apeople-oriented, caring and sharing society.
NARROWING THE DEVELOPMENT GAP AND INITIATIVE FOR ASEAN INTEGRATION
51. We were encouraged by the progress made in implementing theRoadmap for an ASEAN Community, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity(MPAC) and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan II thatwill narrow the development gap among ASEAN Member States. In thisregard, we encouraged the finalisation of the work programme of theEquitable Economic Development towards its effective implementation inthe very near future. We welcomed the decision to undertake a mid-termreview of the IAI Work Plan II to identify proper ways of moving itforward into its second phase (2013-2015), taking into account thelinkages with other subregional cooperation frameworks. We also welcomedthe adoption of the Guidelines for IAI Projects for ASEAN DialoguePartners and External Parties which would contribute to mobilisingresources towards better ASEAN integration.
ASEAN CONNECTIVITY
52. We noted the progress in realising the MPAC and emphasised theimportance of increasing its implementation rate, particularly throughmore effective coordination, communication and resource mobilisation. Werecognised the importance of mobilising financial and technicalresources, utilisation of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF), and thepromotion of public-private partnership (PPP) especially throughcollaboration with Dialogue Partners and external parties. In thisconnection, we welcomed the theme of the 4th ASEAN ConnectivitySymposium entitled “Partnering Private Sector for ASEAN Connectivity”which will be held in Brunei Darussalam in August 2013 and Thailand’sinitiative to host the Workshop on “Enhancing Connectivity throughMulti-layered Regional Frameworks: The Roles of Dialogue Partners” aswell as the EAS Regulatory Roundtable to be co-hosted by Thailand andNew Zealand in July 2013. We recognised the importance of ensuringsynergy and mutual reinforcement between sub-regional cooperationarrangements and the MPAC. We also welcomed the ASEAN ConnectivityCoordinating Committee’s (ACCC) engagement with Dialogue Partners,external parties as well as the private sector in the implementation ofthe MPAC. In this regard, we welcomed the inaugural meeting of the ACCCand India and the inaugural meeting of the ACCC and the Republic ofKorea . We also look forward to the convening of the 2/2013 ACCC andJapanese Task Force on ASEAN Connectivity Meeting and the Second Meetingbetween ACCC and the Chinese Working Committee of China-ASEANConnectivity Cooperation Committee. We took note that the ACCC islooking forward to meeting with non-ASEAN EAS participating countries todiscuss the follow-up to the Declaration of the 6th EAS on ASEANConnectivity.
Timor-Leste’s Official Application for ASEAN Membership
53. We were encouraged by the progress by the ASEAN CoordinatingCouncil Working Group (ACCWG) in the consideration of all relevantaspects related to the application by Timor-Leste, as well as itspossible implications on ASEAN, and agreed to explore the possibility ofTimor-Leste’s participation in ASEAN activities within the context ofits need for capacity building.
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
54. We reiterated the importance of ASEAN’s central role in theevolving regional architecture and reaffirmed our commitment to workclosely with all our partners through various ASEAN-led mechanisms,including the ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three, ARF, ADMM-Plus and EastAsia Summit (EAS) in ensuring the maintenance of peace, security,stability, and enhancing prosperity in the region.
55. We expressed satisfaction on the progress achieved in ASEAN’srelations with the Dialogue Partners, namely Australia, Canada, China,the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea,Russia, and the United States of America. We underscored the importanceof further deepening and broadening our cooperation in various fieldswith our Partners as a critical part of ASEAN’s efforts in building aclosely integrated community. In this regard, we are pleased to notethat there are 74 Ambassadors of non-ASEAN Member States currentlyaccredited to ASEAN and the establishment of 40 ASEAN Committees inThird Countries around the globe.
56. We took noteof the progress in the drafting of the General Guidelines for ASEAN’sFormal Engagement with External Parties which will include guidelinesfor the conferment of formal status on external parties as stipulated inArticle 44 of the ASEAN Charter.
57. We adoptedthe Guidelines for the Convening of Commemorative Summits andCommemorative Activities between ASEAN and Dialogue Partners.
ASEAN-Australia
58. We welcomed the proposal of Australia to convene anASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit in 2014 to mark the 40thanniversary of the dialogue relations. We were encouraged by theprogress made in implementing the ASEAN-Australia DevelopmentCooperation Programme Phase II (AADCP II) 2008-2015 in supporting ASEANon its economic integration policies and priorities, in line with theAEC Blueprint. We looked forward to the adoption of the ASEAN-AustraliaPlan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia ComprehensivePartnership (2014-2018) at the ASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit in2014 and welcomed the suggestion to extend the current Plan of Action to2014. The Meeting acknowledged the progress on the implementation ofthe ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) agreement,including the implementation of the Economic Cooperation Work Programmeprojects, review of the AANZFTA Non-Tariff Measures and establishment ofa regional mechanism for monitoring utilisation of tariff preferences.
ASEAN-Canada
59. We noted theprogress on the implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action toimplement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership(2010-2015). We welcomed the successful convening of the 1st ASEANEconomic Ministers (AEM)-
Canada Consultations held on 31August 2012 in Cambodia , which endorsed the 2012-2015 Work Plan toImplement the ASEAN-Canada Joint Declaration on Trade and Investment. Wealso welcomed the establishment of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council(CABC) on 31 August 2012 that will serve as a channel for futuregovernment-to-business engagement and to raise awareness of trade andinvestment opportunities in ASEAN and Canada .
60. We welcomed the successful convening of the inaugural ASEAN-CanadaJoint Coordination Committee on 3 April 2013 in Jakarta and theadoption of the TOR of the ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership Programthat would enable Canada ’s CAD 10 million contribution to beutilised.
ASEAN-China
61. We welcomedthe proposals made by ASEAN and China to organise activities tocommemorate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN-ChinaStrategic Partnership in 2013, including the Special ASEAN-ChinaForeign Ministers’ Meeting in China in August 2013; the ASEAN EconomicMinisters’ Roadshow to China in 2013; and the High-Level Forum on the10th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership in Thailand inAugust 2013. We noted with satisfaction the progress made on theimplementation of the 2010 Plan of Action to Implement the JointDeclaration on the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace andProsperity (2011-2015). We appreciated the efforts made by China indeepening ASEAN-China cooperation and strengthening coordination throughthe appointment of its first resident Ambassador of China to ASEAN andthe establishment of the Mission of China to ASEAN in Jakarta inSeptember 2012.
ASEAN-European Union
62. We noted with satisfaction the progress made to implement theBandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to Strengthen the ASEAN-EU EnhancedPartnership (2013-2017), which aims to give a more strategic focus toregional cooperation in a wide range of areas. We welcomed the progressin the implementation of the EU’s Multi-Annual Indicative Programme(MIP) 2011-2013. We noted with satisfaction the progress of twoimportant programmes to facilitate ASEAN integration efforts, namely theASEAN Regional Integration Support by the EU (ARISE) and the RegionalEU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (READI).
63. Westressed the importance of the ASEAN-EU Partnership and working with theEU to elevate the Partnership to a higher level. In this regard, wenoted the intention of the President of the European Commission to have adialogue with ASEAN.
64. We recognised theimportance of enhancing economic cooperation between ASEAN and the EUand the implementation of ASEAN-EU Trade and Investment Work Program. Inthis regard, we noted the on-going Free Trade agreement negotiationsbetween the EU and individual ASEAN Member States as “buildingblocks” towards the region–to–region FTA.
ASEAN-India
65. We welcomed the Vision Statement adopted at the ASEAN-IndiaCommemorative Summit in New Delhi in December 2012, including theLeaders declaration to elevate this relationship to a StrategicPartnership. We also welcomed the conclusion of negotiations of theTrade in Services and Investment Agreements and looked forward to thesigning of these agreements during the 11th AEM-India Consultations inBrunei Darussalam in August 2013. In celebrating the 20th anniversary ofASEAN-India dialogue relations, we noted with appreciation the variousinitiatives held in 2012 to signify the expanding and deepening of thedialogue partnership.
66. We expressed satisfactionwith the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan ofAction to implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress andShared Prosperity (2010-2015). In this regard, we noted the on-goingwork on the Mid-Term Review of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action andsuggested incorporation of the relevant short-term actionable goals fromthe Vision Statement. In this connection, we noted the launch of theASEAN-India Centre in India .
ASEAN-Japan
67. Recognising that this year marks the 40th anniversary ofASEAN-Japan dialogue relations, we looked forward to the convening ofthe ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo on 13-15 December2013. We noted with satisfaction the progress made in the implementationof the ASEAN-Japan Plan of Action 2011-2015.
68.We appreciate the significant contribution made by Japan to ASEANcommunity building, including through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund(JAIF), and welcomed Japan ’s decision to extend the JAIF to 31December 2013 and the operations of the JAIF Management Team to 30 June2014. We also expressed appreciation for Japan ’s support to theimplementation of the IAI, particularly through the IAI Work Plan II(2009-2015), to help narrow the development gaps in ASEAN. We lookedforward to a mechanism similar to JAIF to further facilitate ASEAN-Japancooperation and further support the ASEAN community building process.
69. Recalling the ASEAN-Japan 10-year StrategicEconomic Cooperation Roadmap, we welcomed the decision of the 15thASEAN-Japan Summit in Cambodia in November 2012 of doubling bilateraltrade and investment flows between ASEAN and Japan by 2022. We notedthe on-going negotiations for the Trade in Services and InvestmentChapters of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP)Agreement and reaffirmed the urgency of expediting the conclusion ofthese negotiations by the Commemorative Summit in December 2013.
ASEAN-Republic of Korea
70. We welcomed the proposal made by the ROK to convene theASEAN-Korea Special Summit, with substantive deliverables, in 2014 inthe ROK as well as conduct commemorative activities in the same year tomark the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-ROK dialogue relations.
71. We also welcomed the progress made in implementing the JointDeclaration on ASEAN-ROK Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperityand its Plan of Action (2011-2015), especially the Two YearImplementation Programme 2012-2013. We noted the ROK’s intention tofurther strengthen political and security cooperation with ASEAN as perthe Plan of Action 2011-2015 to Implement the ASEAN-ROK Declaration onStrategic Partnership.
72. In facilitating closercooperation and mutual understanding between ASEAN and the ROK, we notedwith appreciation the appointment of the ROK resident Ambassador toASEAN and the establishment of its Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta inOctober 2012. Pursuant to this we welcome the adoption of the revisedTerms of Reference of the ASEAN-ROK Joint Cooperation Committee and lookforward to the convening of the first ASEAN-ROK Joint CooperationCommittee in 2014.
73. We encouraged efforts tooptimize many activities held by the ASEAN-Korea Centre to promoteASEAN-ROK cooperation, mainly in the three areas of trade andinvestment, culture and tourism, and public relations and information,which also include, among others, the development of Small and MediumEnterprises (SMEs).
ASEAN-New Zealand
74. We welcomed New Zealand ’s initiative to convene the ASEAN-NewZealand Commemorative Summit in 2015 to mark the 40th anniversary of thedialogue relations. We noted with appreciation the progress made on thePlan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration for an ASEAN-NewZealand Comprehensive Partnership 2010-2015. We also welcomed theendorsement of the Proposed areas of focus for the ASEAN-New ZealandComprehensive Partnership Framework’s Plan of Action 2013-2014, andlooked forward to the effective implementation of activities under thesefocus areas, as well as the four flagship initiatives, namely theASEAN-New Zealand Scholarship Programme, Young Business Leaders ExchangeProgramme, Initiatives on Disaster Risk Management and EmergencyResponse, and Agricultural Diplomacy.
ASEAN-Russia
75. We acknowledged with appreciation the progress made inimplementing the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Promote Cooperationbetween ASEAN and the Russian Federation (2005 – 2015). We welcomedthe various developments in advancing ASEAN-Russia relations, includingthe adoption of the Roadmap of the ASEAN-Russia Trade and
Investment Cooperation by the Economic Ministers of ASEAN and Russiain 2012, and looked forward to its effective implementation.
76. We note the importance of increasing cooperation in areas oftourism and culture, and in this regard we encourage all ASEAN MemberStates to ratify the ASEAN-Russia Agreement in Cultural Cooperation todo so expeditiously so that initiatives in the agreement can be dulyimplemented.
77. We took note with appreciation theconvening of the ASEAN-Russia Youth Summit on 13-14 May 2013 in Moscowand the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum on 22 June 2013 in St. Petersburgas part of the effort to promote interaction between stakeholders instrengthening cooperation between ASEAN and Russia .
ASEAN-United States of America
78. We noted with appreciation on the progress made in implementingthe Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-U.S. Enhanced Partnership forEnduring Peace and Prosperity 2011-2015. Recognising the recommendationof the ASEAN-U.S. Eminent Persons Group (EPG) to institutionalise theASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Meeting to an ASEAN-U.S. Summit, we looked forwardto the 1st ASEAN-U.S. Summit to be held in Brunei Darussalam in October2013. In this regard, we tasked our Senior Officials to review andconsider the recommendations of the ASEAN-U.S. EPG as appropriate.
79. We appreciated the various initiatives by the U.S. inadvancing ASEAN-U.S. economic cooperation, namely the 2013 ASEAN-U.S.Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) Work Plan and theASEAN-U.S. Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Initiative. We furtherwelcomed the positive outcomes of the ASEAN Economic Ministers Roadshowto the United States held recently in June 2013.
ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation
80. We noted with appreciation the substantive progress on theimplementation of the Second Joint Statement on the East AsiaCooperation and the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work Plan (2007 – 2017)which provided strategic guidance for the future direction of the ASEANPlus Three cooperation. In this regard, we adopted the paper on theMid-Term Review of the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work Plan(2007-2017) and looked forward to the Revised ASEAN Plus ThreeCooperation Work Plan (2013-2017) to be submitted to the 16th ASEAN PlusThree Summit in Bandar Seri Begawan in October 2013. We noted therecommendations contained in the report of the East Asia Vision Group II(EAVG II) and welcomed the proposal of the ROK to undertake acomprehensive assessment of the Report. We also adopted the ConceptPaper on the Follow-Ups to the EAVG II Report as finalised by the CPRPlus Three Meeting.
81. We noted with appreciationthe role of ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Fund in supporting theactivities under the framework of ASEAN Plus Three cooperation and therecommendation on the replenishment of the Fund.
82. We welcomed the progress of enhancing the Chiang Mai InitiativeMultilateralisation (CMIM), the consensus on the draft ASEAN +3Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) Agreement that will transform AMROinto an international organisation, as well as the endorsement of theAsian Bond Markets Initiative (ABMI) New Roadmap+ Workplan, includingthe initiative on “Fostering Infrastructure Financing Bond Development”,at the 16th ASEAN +3 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’Meeting which took place in Delhi, India on 3 May 2013.
83. We reaffirmed the importance of the ASEAN Plus Three EmergencyRice Reserve (APTERR) Agreement as a permanent mechanism to ensuresustainable and integrated food security in the region. We also welcomedthe establishment of the APTERR Secretariat in Thailand in March2013 and looked forward to strengthen cooperation in food security bydeveloping more initiatives to improve food storage capacity such as newtechnologies. We also encouraged the relevant sectoral bodies toexplore the development of new food security reserve initiatives andmechanisms for other staple foods. In this regard, we underlined oursupport for the proposed creation of an ASEAN Plus Three Food SecurityInformation System.
84. We welcomed thedevelopments in a number of areas of cooperation within the ASEAN PlusThree framework which contributed towards the implementation of theLeaders’ Statement on ASEAN Plus Three Partnership on Connectivity. Wealso agreed that the ASEAN Plus Three Partnership on Connectivity beintegrated into the existing ASEAN Plus Three mechanisms as an emergingpriority area of the revised ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work Plan(2013-2017).
ASEAN Regional Forum
85.We reaffirmed the ARF as the primary forum in enhancing political andsecurity dialogue and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, whilestressing ASEAN’s central role within the ARF process. We reiterated ourcommitment to implement the Ha Noi Plan of Action to Implement the ARFVision Statement and the various work plans under the ARF framework. Weunderlined our Leaders’ direction to call for synergy between the ARFand various ASEAN-led mechanisms.
East Asia Summit
86. We recognise the valuable contribution of the EAS in themaintenance and promotion of peace, security, stability and prosperityin the region. In this regard, we reaffirmed our commitment to furtherpromote the EAS as the leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation onbroad strategic, political and economic issues of common interestsbased on the principles, objectives, and modalities of the EAS asreflected in the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration, 2010 Ha Noi Declaration,and the 2011 Declaration on the Principles for Mutually BeneficialRelations (Bali Principles).
87. Recalling the 2012Phnom Penh Declaration on EAS Development Initiative, we welcomed theprogress made in EAS cooperation especially in the six priority areas,namely energy and environment, education, finance, disaster management,health and ASEAN Connectivity, which contribute to deepening regionaleconomic integration. We looked forward to meeting our counterparts fromother EAS participating countries to further discuss ways and means todeepen EAS dialogue and cooperation in other strategic areas ofcooperation such as maritime security, food and energy security,environment and biodiversity.
88. We discussedASEAN’s common approach with regard to the future direction of the EASas instructed by ASEAN Leaders at the 21st ASEAN Summit bearing in mindthe Leaders-led, open and inclusive nature of the EAS with ASEAN playinga central role while working in close partnership with all EASparticipating countries. We recalled the 2010 Ha Noi Declaration on theCommemoration of the 5th Anniversary of the East Asia Summit, and 2012Chairman’s Statement of the 7th EAS that welcomed the proposal of BruneiDarussalam to conduct a stock-take review and reflection aimed atfurther consolidating and strengthening the EAS on the basis of itsestablished principles, objectives and modalities and to providerecommendations to the 8th EAS.
89. We took note ofthe idea for an Indo-Pacific framework envisaged based on theprinciples contained in the TAC and in line with the 2011 Declaration ofthe East Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually BeneficialRelations (Bali Principles).
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
South China Sea ( East Sea )
90. We discussed the situation and recent developments in the SouthChina Sea ( East Sea ). In this regard, we appreciated the exchangeof views on the issues including initiatives and approaches to enhancetrust, confidence and dialogue, and address incidents in the South ChinaSea ( East Sea ). We also noted suggestions for a hotline ofcommunication, as well as search and rescue of persons and vessels indistress. We further reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability, andmaritime security in the region. We underscored the importance of theDeclaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea ( EastSea ) (DOC), ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea ( EastSea ), and the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on the 10th Anniversaryof the DOC. In this regard, we reaffirmed the collective commitmentsunder the DOC to ensuring the resolution of disputes by peaceful meansin accordance with universally recognised principles of internationallaw, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,without resorting to the threat or use of force, while exercisingself-restraint in the conduct of activities.
91. Welooked forward to continued engagement with China in the full andeffective implementation of the DOC in all its aspects. We wouldcontinue carrying out mutually agreed joint cooperative activities andprojects in accordance with the Guidelines for the Implementation of theDOC. We stressed the need to maintain the positive momentum on dialogueand consultations following the 19th ASEAN-China Senior OfficialsConsultations and 8th ASEAN-China Joint Working Group on theImplementation of the DOC. Taking into account the importance of the10th anniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership in 2013, welook forward to the formal consultations between ASEAN and China at theSOM level on the COC with an aim to reach an early conclusion of a Codeof Conduct in the South China Sea (East Sea), which will serve toenhance peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
Situation in the Middle East
92. We reaffirmed our support for the legitimate rights of thePalestinian people for an independent state of Palestine and atwo-state solution where both countries and peoples can live side byside in peace. We called on all parties to make efforts for theresumption of peace talks and remove obstacles related thereto, inparticular the construction of illegal settlements in the OccupiedPalestinian Territories .
93. We reiterated thatthe stalemate of diplomacy with regard to the Syrian issue must beimmediately resolved. In this regard, we support the ongoing efforts ofthe international community, notably the United Nations, to promote apeaceful and viable solution to the situation in the country.
Developments on the Korean Peninsula
94. We expressed concern over the developments in the KoreanPeninsula . We encouraged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK) to comply fully with its obligations under all relevant UnitedNations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions and to its commitments underthe 19 September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. Wereaffirmed our full support for all efforts to bring about thedenuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner aswell as the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks. We emphasised theimportance of dialogue aimed at promoting mutual understanding andconfidence among all parties concerned with ensuring peace, security andstability on the Korean Peninsula . In this regard, we recommendedthat the ARF, where all six members to the Six-Party Talks are alsoparticipants, could contribute to forging a conducive atmosphere for theresumption of the Six-Party Talks.
Group of Twenty (G20)
95. Acknowledging the importance of the continued participation of theASEAN Chair in the G20 Summits, we looked forward to the G20 St.Petersburg Summit in September 2013 and the development of the ASEANPosition Paper to the G20 Summit which will reflect ASEAN’s views on theG20 agenda, as well as our perspectives on current global and regionalissues.
Post-2015 Development Agenda
96. Wenoted the submission of the report titled A New Global Partnership:Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies Through SustainableDevelopment by the United Nations High Level Panel of Eminent Persons onthe Post 2015 Development Agenda, co-chaired by the President of theRepublic of Indonesia, to the Secretary-General of the UnitedNations.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
97. We acknowledged the important role that the Asia-Pacific EconomicCooperation (APEC) plays in regional economic integration in the AsiaPacific region, in particular in promoting free and open trade andinvestment as well as in strengthening capacity building. In thisregard, we expressed our full support for the APEC 2013 chairmanship ofIndonesia in playing a leading role to further these objectives,through its three priorities of ‘Attaining the Bogor Goals’, ‘AchievingSustainable Growth with Equity’ and ‘Promoting Connectivity’.
47th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting
98. We looked forward to the 47th AMM/PMC/21st ARF/4th EAS-FMM to be held in Myanmar in 2014.”.-VNA
