Chairman’s
Statement Of The 15th Asean-Japan Summit
Phnom Penh, 19
November 20121
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1. The
15th ASEAN-Japan Summit, chaired by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN,
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on
19 November 2012. The Summit was attended by all Heads of State/Government of
ASEAN Member States and H.E. Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan.
2. We
expressed our deepest sympathy and condolences to the people and the Royal
Government of Cambodia and especially to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah
BOROMNEATH NORODOM SIHAMONI, King of Cambodia and Her Majesty Queen Mother
NORODOM MONINEATH SIHANOUK, for the passing away of His Majesty Preah Bat
Samdech Preah NORODOM SIHANOUK, the late King-Father of Cambodia, on 15
October 2012. We
shared our sadness of this great loss with the people of Cambodia during this
period of mourning. Cambodia expressed gratitude to the respective ASEAN
Leaders and the Prime Minister of Japan for their share of condolences to His
Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah NORODOM SIHAMONI, King of Cambodia, Her Majesty
Queen Mother, the Royal Government of Cambodia and the people of Cambodia.
3. We
acknowledged that ASEAN and Japan have grown together hand-inhand for the past
40 years, reaffirming the strong bond that they have established. We reiterated
our determination to strengthen the relationship between ASEAN and Japan in
promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity as enshrined in the Joint
Declaration for Enhancing ASEANJapan Partnership for Prospering Together,
adopted in Bali, on 18 November 2011. We are committed to further strengthening
and deepening our cooperation under the five strategies as identified in the
Joint Declaration.
4. We
took note of the good progress in the implementation of the ASEANJapan Plan of
Action 2011-2015 to Implement the Joint Declaration for Enhancing ASEAN-Japan
Partnership for Prospering Together. We appreciated the efforts to develop more
concrete projects and activities to effectively implement this Plan of Action
in a timely manner and to further support ASEAN integration, narrowing the development
gaps as well as the ASEAN Community building by 2015.
5. The
Prime Minister of Japan welcomed the adoption of the Declaration on Drug-Free
ASEAN 2015 by the ASEAN Leaders at the 20th ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, in
April 2012. The ASEAN Leaders looked forward to enhance cooperation with Japan
to address the trafficking of illegal drugs and narcotics.
6. We
also reaffirmed our commitment to move forward our cooperation in combating
terrorism and transnational crime as they are inextricably linked to the
enhancement of connectivity within the East Asian Region.
7. The
Prime Minister of Japan welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration
at the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, on 18 November 2012, and emphasized the
importance of continuing efforts to realize an ASEAN Community based upon the
adherence to the rule of law, democracy, promotion and protection of human
rights and fundamental freedoms.
8. We
took note of the significant growth in trade and investment between ASEAN and
Japan. Japan remained the second largest trading partner of ASEAN, with trade
volume valued at US$273.34 billion, while foreign direct investment from Japan
was valued at US$15.25 billion in 2011.
9. We
welcomed the endorsement of the ASEAN-Japan 10-year Strategic Economic
Cooperation Roadmap at the Eighteen Consultations between the ASEAN Economic
Ministers (AEM) and the Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of
Japan, held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on 30 August 2012. We expressed our
confidence that this Roadmap, which aims to promote strategic partnership in a
wide range of areas including improvement of business environment, trade and
investment facilitation and liberalization, infrastructure development and
connectivity, would further contribute to advancing our economic cooperation
and help achieve our objective of doubling bilateral trade and investment flows
between ASEAN and Japan by 2022. In this connection, we tasked our officials to
effectively implement this Roadmap with appropriate follow-up mechanism for
further integration of markets and deepening of production networks of ASEAN
and Japan. Cooperation in the areas of small and medium enterprises (SMEs),
industrial human resource development for professionals, intellectual property,
low carbon growth including green technologies, chemical management and
technologies for disaster resiliency should be prioritized, among others, for
sustainable, innovative and equitable growth.
10. We
recognized the significance of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (AJCEP), not only in deepening further economic integration between
ASEAN and Japan, but also in contributing to a more robust regional economic
architecture. We therefore welcomed the latest progress of the negotiations on
Trade in Services and Investment Agreements under AJCEP.
11. In
light of the rapid regional and global developments, we stressed the importance
of the Guiding Principles and Objectives for Negotiating the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which was adopted by the ASEAN
Economic Ministers and their counterparts from ASEAN’s FTA Partners in August
2012. We also welcomed the progress in the preparatory work aiming at the
launching of the RCEP negotiations, which reflects the concrete cooperation
among the participating countries to strengthen regional economic integration.
12. We
also appreciated the efforts to further promote business relations and economic
cooperation between ASEAN and Japan. We welcomed the successful convening of
the ASEAN Roadshow to Japan on 25-28 April 2012 and the 5th Business Dialogue
between the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the Federation of Japanese Chamber
of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) in Bangkok, Thailand, on 25 July
2012. We underlined the importance of improving business environment as
mutually beneficial efforts and expected further interaction with the private
sector. We also underlined the importance of the expansion of product coverage
and membership of the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) for global and
regional economic development and are committed to strengthen their engagement
in order to swiftly and successfully conclude the negotiations.
13. We
highly appreciated the contribution of the ASEAN-Japan Centre to promote trade,
investment and tourism, and its important role in narrowing development gap in
ASEAN. We looked forward to the development of its activities.
14. The
ASEAN Leaders recognized the important contribution of the Japan- ASEAN
Integration Fund (JAIF) to the implementation of various projects and
activities under the ASEAN-Japan cooperation. The ASEAN Leaders also
appreciated Japan’s decision to extend the use of the JAIF to the end of
December 2013 and hoped for the continuation of the assistance.
15. The
ASEAN Leaders underscored the significant contribution of Japan to the
implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity. We welcomed the steady
progress of the implementation of the List of Flagship Projects, composed of 33
projects for enhancing ASEAN Connectivity. We further reaffirmed the importance
of continuous efforts between ASEAN and Japan towards enhancing institutional
connectivity and people-topeople connectivity. We took note of the good
progress in implementing Japan’s Visions: “Formation of the Vital Artery for
East-West and Southern Economic Corridor” and “Maritime Economic Corridor” as
well as the implementation of “soft infrastructure projects on all ASEAN
region” for enhancing ASEAN Connectivity. We also appreciated the good progress
made in the implementation of Japan’s initiative to train 1,000 trainees from East Asia in the field of infrastructure.
made in the implementation of Japan’s initiative to train 1,000 trainees from East Asia in the field of infrastructure.
16. The
ASEAN Leaders looked forward to new initiatives of ASEAN-Japan Transport
Partnership for further development of safe, green and user friendly transport.
They also appreciated Japan’s continued cooperation to enhance connectivity in
the transport sector as well as ongoing efforts for expansion of “Open Skies”
with ASEAN Member States.
17. The
ASEAN Leaders further appreciated Japan’s active contribution to human
resources development in various areas, including the Attachment Programme at
the ASEAN Secretariat for Junior Diplomats from CLMV countries. The ASEAN
Leaders were also pleased to note the good progress in promoting
people-to-people contacts, particularly the successful implementation of the
Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS), which
helped to further enhance mutual understanding and friendship.
18. We
welcomed the progress of the Youth-Exchange Project with Asia- Oceania and
North America entitled “Kizuna (bond) Project.”
19. The
ASEAN leaders welcomed the progress of Japan’s initiative to promote
inter-university exchange through quality-assured collaborative educational
programmes with ASEAN Member States.
20. The
ASEAN Leaders extended appreciation to Japan for its commitment to continue the
ASEAN and Japan High Level Officials Meeting on Caring Societies which has been
regularly convened since 2003. It has been a useful platform for information
sharing, enhancing capacity, and strengthening partnerships in social welfare,
health and labour sectors amongst ASEAN Member States and Japan. We welcomed
the plan to convene the 10th Meeting in October 2012, in Tokyo, which will
carry the theme “Caring Societies for the Socially Vulnerable People Suffering
After Natural Disasters”.
21. The
ASEAN Leaders expressed appreciation to Japan for its continued support to ASEAN
in the area of social security through the ASEANILO/ Japan Project on
Unemployment Insurance and Employment Services, and the ASEAN-Japan Project on
Social Safety Nets. We noted with satisfaction the progress made under this
project during its first year of implementation. We further noted with satisfaction
the plan to kick start the ASEAN-Japan Project on Social Safety Nets in ASEAN
Member States in the second half of 2012. We also noted with satisfaction the
progress made under the on-going ASEAN-ILO/Japan Project on Industrial
Relations including the four Regional Seminars which are combined with national
workshops in selected ASEAN Member States.
22. The
ASEAN Leaders highly appreciated Japan’s continued contribution in the area of
disaster management and welcomed Japan’s concept on strengthening network “from
outer space to rural communities” under the Disaster Management Network for the
ASEAN Region. We welcomed the first anniversary of the opening of the ASEAN
Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster managements (AHA
Centre). The ASEAN Leaders also appreciated Japan’s firm support for the AHA
Centre, namely assistance for ICT equipment, ICT expert, disaster management
expert and emergency supplies stockpiling system. We also welcomed the
successful conclusion of the World Ministerial Conference on Disaster Reduction
held in Tohoku, Japan, on 3-4 July 2012, which aimed at contributing to the
building of resilient societies through sharing experiences and lessons learned
from recent large-scale natural disasters in the world, including the Great
East Japan Earthquake with an emphasis on human security. We also welcomed the
offer made by Japan to host the Third United Nations World Conference on
Disaster Risk Reduction in
2015. We shared the common view of the importance of Disaster Relief Exercise (DiREx) under the framework of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to be held regularly for strengthening the capacity to cope with disasters in the region. In addition to disaster management purposes, we confirmed to conduct further discussions to strengthen our collaboration in the utilization of satellite technologies.
2015. We shared the common view of the importance of Disaster Relief Exercise (DiREx) under the framework of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to be held regularly for strengthening the capacity to cope with disasters in the region. In addition to disaster management purposes, we confirmed to conduct further discussions to strengthen our collaboration in the utilization of satellite technologies.
23. We
also welcomed the close consultation and cooperation between the Asian Disaster
Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre
(ADPC) in Thailand, particularly the joint projects on flood management,
information sharing and capacity building.
24. Realizing
the importance of peace, stability and maritime security, we welcomed the
progress of maritime cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, noting with
appreciation Japan’s proposal last year. We also welcomed the fruitful outcomes
of the first Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) hosted by the Philippines
with close cooperation with Japan in October 2012, aiming at promoting dialogue
among EAS participating countries to common challenges on maritime issues. We
also look forward to the convening of the second EAMF next year.
25. We
emphasized the need to establish greater maritime connectivity and to enhance cooperation
in safety navigation, search and rescue between ASEAN and Japan. A more
connected ASEAN will certainly contribute to the economic growth and
development of the region.
26. The
ASEAN Leaders appreciated Japan’s continued support for ASEAN’s central role in
the evolving regional architecture through the ASEAN-led processes, in
particular the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the East Asia
Summit and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus.
27. We
underlined the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean
Peninsula. In this regard, we reiterated that the complete, verifiable and
irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through the Six Party
Talks is essential not only for enduring peace and stability in the region but
also for the integrity of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. We
called on all parties concerned to comply fully with its international
obligations under the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and to fulfil
commitments under the 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. We also
emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of humanitarian concerns of
the international community, such as the abduction issue.
28. We
underscored the importance of promoting non-proliferation and disarmament of
weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery, strengthening
export control capacity of ASEAN Member States, as well as combating the
illicit transfer and trafficking of WMD related materials.
29. We
expressed our hope that the Nuclear-Weapon States (NWSs) will, as soon as
feasible, sign the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone
(SEANWFZ) Treaty, which will further contribute to the maintenance of regional
peace and security.
30. We
reaffirmed the urgent need for the United Nations Security Council reform in
order to render the body more representative, legitimate, effective and
responsive to the realities of the international community in the 21st century
by ensuring equitable representation of both permanent and nonpermanent
membership. We also reaffirmed our determination to work closely to achieve
this reform.
31. We
appreciated the invaluable contribution of the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E.
Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, in strengthening ASEAN-Japan relationship for the past five
years.
32. The
ASEAN Leaders welcomed the offer of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to host the
ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo, in December 2013, to mark the 40th
Anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations in 2013. We expected to
discuss a mid-to long-term vision of ASEAN-Japan relationship on this occasion.
We also welcomed the successful joint selection of logo and catch phrase for
the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
33. We
further welcomed the progress of the track-two dialogue between ASEAN’s and
Japan’s intellectuals. We also agreed to cooperate and hold commemorative
events in both ASEAN and Japan, and to bring about excitement throughout 2013
and looked forward to the success of the Kickoff-Reception, to be held in
January of next year in Jakarta, to commemorate the 40th Year Anniversary of
the ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations.
34. We
welcomed Cambodia as the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations
from July 2012 to July 2015. We looked forward to enhancing the multi-faceted
cooperation and advancing the ASEAN-Japan strategic partnership to a higher
level.
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