Chairman’s Statement of the 21st ASEAN Summit
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 18 November 2012
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1. The 21st ASEAN Summit, with the theme of “ASEAN: One
Community, One Destiny” held in Phnom Penh, on 18th November 2012, was
chaired by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of
the Kingdom of Cambodia, as Chair of ASEAN, in 2012. The Heads of
State/Government of ASEAN Member-States had substantive, frank and
productive discussions in plenary and retreat sessions.
2. We, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States,
gathered in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for the 21st ASEAN Summit, reaffirmed
our support for the priorities outlined by Cambodia during its
Chairmanship in 2012 to advance our efforts towards the ASEAN Community
by 2015. In this regard, we also agreed to work together based on these
priorities to ensure the successful realisation of community building
and integration goals and establish a solid foundation for ASEAN to move
beyond 2015.
3. We agreed that ASEAN must remain united, cohesive and
resilient and continue to play a central role in the evolving regional
architecture that is conducive to promoting ASEAN credibility, peace,
security, stability and prosperity in the region. We were also committed
to further encourage the participation of our people and all
stakeholders in the ASEAN Community building process.
4. We expressed our deep sympathy and deepest 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 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 at this juncture.
Cambodia expressed gratitude to the respective ASEAN Leaders for
expressing their condolence 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.
5. We agreed to sign, adopt and note the following documents as the outcome documents:
- Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration
- ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD);
- ASEAN Leaders' Statement on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre;
- Concept Paper on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC); and
- Bali Concord III Plan of Action (2013-2017).
ASEAN Community Building
Implementation of the ASEAN Charter and Roadmap for an ASEAN Community.
6. We noted the Report of the Secretary-General of ASEAN on the
progress of the implementation of the ASEAN Charter and Roadmap for an
ASEAN Community which highlighted ASEAN’s progress, opportunities and
challenges in its Community building and integration process. We noted
that various activities have been successfully implemented taking into
account the strategic thrusts provided under the Roadmap for an ASEAN
Community, including the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work
Plan II. We emphasized the importance of regional integration efforts
towards the ASEAN Community building. We acknowledged the progress and
achievements made in the implementation of the ASEAN Community building –
Annual Targets 2012, as well as other new initiatives. In this regard,
we tasked all concerned ASEAN Ministerial Sectoral Bodies under the
three community pillars to accelerate their necessary and immediate
actions to ensure that the Annual Targets 2012 are appropriately and
timely implemented.
7. We noted that close and effective coordination between
various sectoral bodies under the three community pillars continue to be
an important task for ASEAN as it will ensure that the implementation
of activities are responsive to the advancement of the ASEAN Community
building process. In this regard, we were encouraged by the efforts in
ensuring effective coordination work among all the sectoral bodies under
the three Community Councils and stressed the importance of the need to
further coordinate and synergize among those three pillars. We also
commended the ASEAN Secretariat for its efforts in helping to promote
better coordination between the ASEAN Community pillars in shaping the
ASEAN future direction.
8. We further reaffirmed our collective determination to
maintain the central and proactive role of ASEAN as the primary driving
force in its relations and cooperation with external partners in an
evolving regional architecture, such as, the ASEAN Plus One, the ASEAN
Plus Three, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Defence Ministers’
Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) and the East Asia Summit (EAS) in ensuring
ASEAN’s role in maintenance of peace, security, stability and prosperity
in the region as well as promoting ASEAN credibility and development in
the international fora.
9. While expressing our satisfaction on the progress of the
implementation of the ASEAN Community building and integration agenda,
we decided that the date of realisation of the ASEAN Community would be
on 31 December 2015.
ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY (APSC)
10. We were encouraged by the progress and successful achievements
in the implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC)
Blueprint. We took note of the importance of the activities and
initiatives that have been initiated and/or implemented under the APSC
Blueprint, as outlined in the ASEAN Community Building –Annual Targets
2012.
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC)
11. We underscored the importance of the Treaty of Amity and
Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, as the key instrument to govern
inter-state relations, which will contribute to peace, security and
stability in the region. Based on the principles of the TAC, we continue
to promote greater and closer cooperation and understanding among High
Contracting Parties to promote peace and harmony in the region. In this
regard, we welcomed the entry into force of the Third Protocol Amending
the TAC on 8th June 2012, which paved the way for the European Union to
accede to the TAC on 12th July 2012, in Phnom Penh. We also welcomed the
accession to the TAC by the United Kingdom on 12th July 2012, and
Brazil on 17th November 2012 at the sidelines of the 21st ASEAN Summit.
12. We noted the continued interest of other countries, including
Norway and Serbia to accede to TAC, and tasked our relevant Ministers to
further deliberate on their applications to accede to the TAC in
accordance with the agreed principles on accession to TAC.
SEANWFZ Treaty
13. We emphasized the importance of preserving the Southeast Asia
as a nuclear weapon-free zone and free from the threat of nuclear
weapons and weapons of mass destruction (WMD). We also emphasized the
importance of the full implementation of Non-Proliferation and
Disarmament regime in pursuit of peace, security and prosperity in the
region. We looked forward to the signing of the Protocol to the Treaty
on SEANWFZ and its related documents without reservations as early as
possible.
14. We noted with satisfaction the progress in the implementation
of the Plan of Action to Strengthen the Implementation of SEANWFZ Treaty
2007-2012. We recognized that the Plan of Action remained relevant, and
therefore, we welcomed the extension of the Plan of Action to
Strengthen the Implementation of the Treaty on the SEANWFZ to another
five years (2013-2017), with a renewed commitment and a stronger
emphasis on concrete action.
ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation
15. We emphasized the importance of promoting conflict resolution
and conflict management to enhance peace, security and stability in the
region. We, therefore, recalled our decision at the 19th ASEAN Summit in
Bali, Indonesia, on 17 November 2011, to establish the ASEAN Institute
for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR). We welcomed the endorsement of the
Terms of Reference of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation
by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in July 2012 and agreed to
officially launch the Institute on this 18th November 2012, in Phnom
Penh, at the sidelines of our 21st ASEAN Summit. We looked forward to
the full and effective operationalization of the Institute so as to
contribute to the interest of ASEAN in this regard.
ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC)
16. We welcomed Cambodia's proposal to establish an ASEAN Regional
Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) to be based in Cambodia. We therefore agreed
to adopt an ASEAN Leaders' Statement on the Establishment of an ASEAN
Regional Mine Action Centre. We also noted the Concept Paper on the
Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre as a basic
document for the development of the modalities in setting up of the
Centre by the relevant ASEAN Ministers with the view to recommend for
consideration and approval by the ASEAN Leaders in 2013.
ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD)
17. We reiterated the importance of the promotion and protection of
human rights in ASEAN. We welcomed the progress of the work of the
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) as reflected
in the ASEAN Community Building – Annual targets 2012, including the
finalisation of the draft ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) for
adoption by the ASEAN Leaders at the 21st ASEAN Summit. In this regard,
we signed the Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of an ASEAN Human
Rights Declaration affirming our resolve to the full implementation of
the AHRD through broad national, regional and international cooperation
thus contributing to the promotion and protection of human rights in the
region. The adoption of the AHRD marks a new milestone for ASEAN in
the implementation of the ASEAN Charter as well as highlights the strong
commitment of ASEAN in the promotion and protection of human rights in
the region as part of the process towards ASEAN Community by 2015.
Defence and Security Cooperation
18. We underlined the important role of the ASEAN Defence
Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in promoting and addressing defence and
security cooperation issue in the region. In this regard, we welcomed
the outcomes of the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), in
Phnom Penh, on 29 May 2012. We acknowledged the progress and
achievements made on defence and security cooperation that have
contributed significantly to ASEAN Community building efforts.
19. We encouraged continuing close cooperation between the ASEAN
Defence Ministers and their non-ASEAN counterparts, while acknowledging
the significant role of defence cooperation through the ADMM Plus
mechanism. In this regard, we recognised the importance of maintaining
and enhancing the central role of ASEAN in the ADMM Plus process. We
also emphasized the importance of having dialogue in a frank manner
between ADMM and the Plus countries. In this regard, we took note of the
informal meetings between ASEAN Defence Ministers and their Plus
Partners, including the informal meeting between ASEAN Defence Ministers
with the Minister of Defence of the People’s Republic of China, on the
sidelines of the 6th ADMM in Phnom Penh, in May 2012, and the informal
meeting between ASEAN Defence Ministers and the Secretary of Defence of
the United States of America at the sidelines of the ADMM Retreat in
Siem Reap, Cambodia, in November 2012.
20. We welcomed the significant progress of the practical
cooperation implemented in the ADMM-Plus through the Experts’ Working
Groups. In this regard, we reaffirmed the 6th ADMM’s support for the
conduct of an ADMM-Plus HADR/MM Exercise in Brunei in 2013 as a concrete
effort of practical cooperation.
21. We emphasized the important role of the ASEAN Regional Forum
(ARF) in promoting peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific
region through constructive dialogues and consultations among the ARF
participants. We noted that the ARF process has been moving at a pace
comfortable to all based on its established practices and stages, namely
Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and Preventive Diplomacy (PD). We
encouraged the ARF to undertake further necessary measures to ensure
that the CMBs and PD stages are effectively and satisfactorily carried
out, including through the implementation of the ARF Work Plan on
Preventive Diplomacy. In this regard, we encouraged further
contributions of the ARF Experts and Eminent Person (EEPs) in advancing
the ARF process. We reiterated the importance of the ARF Chair in
continuing to play a central role in accordance with the ARF Paper on
the Enhanced Role of the AF Chair. We underlined the importance of
promoting synergy between the ARF and regional mechanisms, including
that of the ADMM Plus and EAS.
Drug-Free ASEAN
22. We recalled that the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Drug-Free
ASEAN 2015 was adopted by the 20th ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, which
highlighted the goal and vision of a drug-free ASEAN called for the
relevant ASEAN Ministers to undertake necessary measures to ensure the
effective and timely implementation of the Declaration. In this regard,
we were encouraged by the progress of the efforts that has been made by
sectoral bodies both at national and regional levels to ensure the
realization of this aim, which is in line with the ASEAN Charter and the
Roadmap for an ASEAN Community 2009-2015.
23. We noted the successful convening of the ASEAN Special
Ministerial Meeting on Drugs held on 31 August 2012, in Bangkok, with
the recommendations to address the illicit production, trafficking and
abuse of drugs in the region. We, therefore, encouraged the relevant
sectoral bodies of ASEAN to continue undertaking necessary action to
ensure the implementation of these recommendations.
ASEAN Security Outlook (ASO)
24. We reaffirmed the importance of strengthening mutual
understanding and transparency among ASEAN Member States which will
contribute to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the
region. In this regard, we looked forward to the first publication of
the ASEAN Security Outlook (ASO) in 2013.
Visa Exemption for ASEAN Nationals
25. In acknowledging that the ease in the movement of people within
the ASEAN region are key elements for an integrated and realisation of
the ASEAN Community, we encouraged the ASEAN Member States to undertake
ratification and implementation of the 2006 ASEAN Framework Agreement
for Visa Exemption for ASEAN Nationals.
26. In this regard, we welcomed the depository of Cambodia’s
Instrument of Acceptance of the ASEAN Framework Agreement with the
Secretary-General of ASEAN on 10th September 2012.
Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crimes
27. We recognized the importance of the need to effectively address
transnational crimes in the region. In this regard, we resolved to
forge closer cooperation on eight priority areas in the Work Programme
to implement the Plan of Action to combat transnational crime such as
terrorism, trafficking in persons, illicit narcotics trafficking, arms
smuggling, money laundering, economic crime, piracy and cyber-crime.
28. We were satisfied with the progress of the regional cooperation
in promoting ASEAN's responses to trafficking in persons, and on the
protection of victims of trafficking in accordance with the ASEAN
Declaration against Trafficking in Persons Particularly Women and
Children. In this regard, we took note of the progress made in
considering the development of a Regional Plan of Action to Combat
Trafficking in Persons and an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons
(ACTIP) which reflects the need to urgently combat trafficking in
persons. In this regard, we encouraged relevant ministerial sectoral
body to expedite their deliberation on these matters.
ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
29. We reaffirm our commitment to promote growth and foster
financial stability in our economies. We agree to take all necessary
actions to strengthen domestic demand, and expand markets in order to
sustain economic growth and create opportunities for jobs, trade and
development. Recognizing the need to further support demand, we ask the
relevant Ministers to consider how policy coordination would enhance
resilience against the current difficulties in global environment.
30. We have progressed in delivering the commitments we made last
year to deepen economic integration under the ASEAN Economic Community
(AEC). We are pleased that the implementation rate of AEC Blueprint has
increased to 74.5 percent. Nonetheless, we recognize the challenges we
all face domestically in implementing the AEC. We agree to intensify
our efforts in those areas under the AEC in order to achieve AEC goals
by 2015. We welcome the prioritization of AEC measures undertaken by the
AEC Council, as well as the recommendations of the AEC Blueprint
Mid-term Review, on taking forward the timely, full and consistent
realization of our AEC commitments.
31. We reiterate our commitment to facilitating trade and
investment and reducing barriers in all forms. We are encouraged by the
progress made under the various initiatives of the ASEAN Trade in Goods
Agreement and we look forward to the full implementation of the 2012
ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature by end of this year. We continue
to uphold our monitoring work on eliminating or reducing the barrier
effects of non-tariff measures and we encourage the officials to
reinforce and deepen work in the improvement of NTM database, private
sector engagement on NTMs and discussion of actual cases of NTMs and to
finalize the Roadmap on ASEAN NTMs.
32. We are committed to strengthening trade facilitation which is a
necessary pre-condition for sustained and deeper economic integration.
We encourage all Member States to take the necessary steps to enable
the ASEAN-wide implementation of Self-Certification Program by 2015. We
acknowledge the progress made in the pilot implementation of the ASEAN
Single Window, but we also recognize that for substantial progress to be
made, Member States should implement their National Single Windows and
rapidly put in place the needed legal and operational architecture to
fully operationalize the ASW. We also urge progress in ratification and
entry into force of various customs and transport protocols and
agreements, particularly Protocol 2 (Designation of Frontier Posts) and
Protocol 7 (Customs Transit System).
33. Recognizing the importance of investment in economic growth and
recovery, we are committed to open, transparent and predictable
business environment for investors. To this end, we stand ready to
fully implement the reduction and elimination of restrictive measures
under the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement. We will continue to
uphold the peer review process in order to enhance the monitoring of
Member States’ commitments in improving their business environment and
implementing domestic reforms to support investment.
34. We resolve to intensify our efforts toward services
liberalization and integration. We welcome the signing of the ASEAN
Agreement on Movement of Natural Persons (MNP) that will facilitate the
movement of ASEAN people engaging in trade in goods, trade in services
and investment in the region. We also welcome the signing of the
Protocol to implement the 7th Package of Commitments on Air Transport
Services and the adoption of the Implementation Framework of the ASEAN
Single Aviation Market (ASAM) which will guide the key work of ASEAN in
aviation sector until and beyond 2015, including air transport services
liberalization. We are pleased with the conclusion of the 8th AFAS
Package. We agree that the current services liberalization framework
under AFAS should be significantly enhanced. We look forward to a
report of this activity at the next Summit in 2013.
35. In view of the renewed financial market tensions, we reiterate
the need to integrate our financial and capital markets. We welcome the
full establishment of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF). The AIF
strongly demonstrates the strength and commitment of ASEAN toward
sustaining growth, facilitating the physical connectivity, and narrowing
the infrastructure development gap in ASEAN. We also welcome on-going
efforts in the region to address tax-related impediments to integration,
competition policies, intellectual property rights and consumer
protection.
36. We are encouraged by the initial work to implement the ASEAN
Framework Agreement for Equitable Economic Development (AFEED),
including the stock-taking exercise of current work program and capacity
building initiatives undertaken for CLMV countries, and the proposal to
establish the ASEAN Forum on Financial Inclusion. We encourage similar
efforts to advance implementation of AFEED by developing strategic
projects with medium-term development goals. We welcome the successful
conduct of the 4th IAI Development Forum, convened at the ASEAN
Secretariat, on 29 October 2012, which serves as a mean to chart
strategies to narrow the development gap in the region.
37. Recognizing the key role that SMEs play in economic
development, we are encouraged by the completion of several initiatives
under the Strategic Action Plan for ASEAN SME Development (2010-2015).
We welcome the on-going efforts to review the Plan with the view toward
developing a comprehensive roadmap that will guide the development of
SMEs across the region. We are committed to pursue SME development as a
priority under the AEC and we urge the Dialogue Partners to continue to
render their assistance to develop SMEs in the region.
38. We recognize that enhancing food security is one of the most
important challenges that the region faces today. We welcome the
signing and entry into force of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice
Reserve (APTERR) as a permanent mechanism to help relief requirements
arising from natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies, and we look
forward to the full implementation of APTERR at the next Summit. We
also welcome the proposed transformation of the ASEAN Plus Three Food
Security Information System (AFSIS) as a regional self-sustained
mechanism to reduce price volatility and promote food security.
39. We note the strengthened efforts in the implementation of the
ASEAN ICT Master Plan (AIM) 2015, particularly the implementation of the
ASEAN Broadband Corridor (ABC) Project to promote greater broadband
penetration, affordability and universal access; harmonisation of radio
frequencies in ASEAN to utilise the benefit of economies of scale and
for better interference management, enhanced transparency measures on
international roaming charges; and the presentation of the ASEAN ICT
Awards to ICT companies to encourage creativity and innovation in the
application of ICT. We welcome the adoption of the Mactan Cebu
Declaration on “Connected ASEAN: Enabling Aspirations” by the ASEAN
Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers, which maps out
the priority actions in the implementation of the AIM 2015,
acknowledging that ICT is an enabler for ASEAN economic and social
development and integration.
40. Monitoring the progress of the AEC remains our priority.
Toward this end, we reiterate the need to strengthen the development of
strong AEC monitoring framework to monitor the AEC outcomes, identify
issues and address implementation gaps. We are encouraged by the work
of the ASEAN Integration Monitoring Office (AIMO) to support the AEC,
and we stand ready to strengthen the capacity and resources of AIMO and
the ASEAN Secretariat.
41. We welcome the initiatives and measures being undertaken to
promote private sector role in regional economic integration. We
reiterate the need for an effective private sector engagement and we
call on the officials to develop new and innovative strategies to
maximize the dynamic contribution of private sector to integration. To
this end, we welcome the holding of the 1st AEC Symposium at the ASEAN
Secretariat last September where representatives from private sector
discussed the impact of AEC on their business operations.
42. We reaffirm our commitment to global and regional economic
partnerships, and we are pleased to note the considerable progress in
our various Free Trade Agreements, including the signing of the Protocol
to Amend the Agreement on Trade in Goods under ASEAN-China FTA and
Third Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-China Framework Agreement. We stand
by the ASEAN Framework for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP) that we adopted in 2011 and we value the substantial work by our
officials. We encourage them to deepen discussions with our partners
and we call on them to commence negotiations towards a successful
conclusion of RCEP.
43. We welcome the outcomes of the seminar on "Realizing a more
Integrated, Competitive, Equitable and Resilient ASEAN Community"
jointly organized by the Royal Government of Cambodia, Economic Research
Institute for East Asia (ERIA) and Harvard University, in Phnom Penh,
in October 2012, which provides useful basis recommendations for ASEAN
in moving toward realization of ASEAN economic integration in 2015.
ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY (ASCC)
Progress of the Implementation of the ASCC Blueprint
44. We noted with the appreciation the progress of the
implementation of the ASCC Blueprint through which 87 projects have been
completed and 72 projects are in various stages of implementation. We
encouraged the relevant sectoral bodies under the ASCC Blueprint to
accelerate their efforts with a view to ensure that ASCC
activities/projects will be implemented timely as it is part of ASEAN’s
efforts on moving forward ASEAN Community building.
Disaster Management
45. We recognized that natural disasters exacerbated by climate
change continue to affect the economic, physical, social and
environmental assets of ASEAN Member States.
46. We noted the entry into force of the ASEAN Agreement on
Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) in December 2009
which has served as a foundation for ASEAN to work collectively to
address disaster issues in the region and has put in place the
operational as well as legal requirements to establish the ASEAN
Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management
(AHA Centre)
47. We emphasized the importance of using existing mechanisms, in
particular the Conference of the Parties (COP) under the AADMER, the
ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) and the AHA Centre, as the
coordinating platform and cooperation arrangement for disaster
management.
48. We were encouraged with the progress of the operationalization
of the AHA Centre since the signing of the Agreement on the
Establishment of the AHA Centre in November 2011. To enable the entry
into force of the Agreement, we urged the relevant ASEAN Member States
to accelerate their internal procedures in finalizing the instrument of
notification as early as possible by the end of 2012.
49. We were encouraged by the active participation of ASEAN Member
States and the generous contribution of Dialogue Partners and other
partner organisations in the course of the operationalisation of the AHA
Centre. We welcomed further contribution for the AHA Centre as well as
for ASEAN Disaster Management and Emergency Relief (ADMER) Fund to
ensure sustainable operation of the AHA Centre and support the
implementation of AADMER.
Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women, Children and other Vulnerable Groups
50. We reiterated our commitment towards gender equality and
women’s advancement in ASEAN. In this regard, we welcomed the First
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women (AMMW) in October 2012, in Vientiane,
Lao PDR, to serve as a platform for the development of strategies to
mainstream gender perspective across all sectors of ASEAN cooperation.
We are pleased with the adoption of the Vientiane Declaration on
Enhancing Gender Perspective and ASEAN Women’s Partnership for
Environmental Sustainability at the First AMMW. We tasked the relevant
ASEAN Sectoral Bodies to effectively implement the commitments reflected
in the Declaration and monitor its progress.
51. We are encouraged by the progress made by the ASEAN Commission
on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children
(ACWC) in finalising its five-year Work Plan (2012-2016) as well as in
enhancing civil society participation in the ASEAN Community building
process. In this context, we welcomed the convening of the Fifth ASEAN
Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and
Children (ACWC) in July 2012 at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
52. We noted with satisfaction that the Mobilization Framework,
which sets fifteen priority areas aiming at promoting disability
inclusive development in ASEAN as a follow-up to the ASEAN Decade of
Persons with Disabilities 2011-2020, proclaimed at the 19th ASEAN
Summit.
53. We applauded the efforts of ASEAN sectoral bodies in promoting
meaningful engagement of civil society and stakeholders in building a
caring and sharing ASEAN Community that is socially responsible and
people-oriented, including the establishment of the ASEAN Forum on Rural
Development and Poverty Eradication as a regular dialogue platform
between the ASEAN governments and non-governmental organisations. In
this regard, We recognised the continued efforts being made by the ASEAN
Ministers’ Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication in
improving the well-being and livelihood of the poor, especially in
rural areas.
54. We also noted the work of the ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on Social
Welfare and Development and the ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour under the
ASEAN Committee to Implement the Declaration on the Protection and
Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW) which involves
government officials, tripartite partners and civil society from ASEAN
Member States.
55. We reiterated our support for the progress of democratization
process in Myanmar. We reaffirmed of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers
Statement in August 2012 on the recent development in the Rakhine State,
Myanmar. In this context, we reiterated our readiness to lend our
support as necessary in addressing the humanitarian challenges in the
Rakhine State, and looking forward to work closely with the Government
of Myanmar to bring normalcy to the region. We also reiterate our
support to working closely with the Government of Myanmar as appropriate
to support the relief and rehabilitation of victims of the incident in
the Rakhine State.
Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers
56. We encouraged the ASEAN Labour Ministers to continue
implementing the Cebu Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the
Rights of Migrant on the Workers by taking a phased approach to the
development of an ASEAN instrument on the protection and promotion of
the rights of migrant workers.
Health
57. 57. We emphasized the importance of promoting health of the
peoples of ASEAN and ensuring the peoples of the region are healthy in
mind and body and living in harmony in a safe environment. In this
context, we encouraged the ASEAN Health Ministers, health subsidiary
bodies, and relevant partners in ASEAN Member States to advance further
cooperation collectively to ensure that peoples in the ASEAN region are
living in a healthy and safe environment.
58. We recognized the threat of emerging infectious diseases in the
region, particularly the new emerging dangerous pathogen EV-71, which
critically affected the daily lives of the peoples, particularly those
of school children. In this regard, we expressed our sympathy for the
loss of lives of loved ones in ASEAN Member States affected by the
EV-71, last July 2012. In this context, we called upon the relevant
Sectoral Ministers to undertake necessary measures at the national and
regional levels to collectively address the health and non-health issues
of this emerging infectious disease. We also encouraged the sharing of
information and best practices between health agencies and bodies of
ASEAN Member States with a view to effectively address this emerging
disease as well as other communicable disease threats in ASEAN
59. We welcomed the convening of the 11th ASEAN Health Ministers
Meeting; the 4th ASEAN-China Health Ministers Meeting; and the 5th ASEAN
Plus Three Health Ministers Meeting last July 2012 in Phuket, Thailand
that emphasized further collaborative efforts of relevant partners in
addressing issues of communicable diseases, emerging infectious
diseases, non-communicable diseases, increased access to health care for
the ASEAN people, and drug resistance. We encouraged the ASEAN Health
Ministers to further task relevant health subsidiary bodies in the
implementation of the prioritized strategic health directions provided.
Social Protection
60. We acknowledged that diverse factors such as globalization,
recurring financial crisis, climate change, intensifying occurrence of
disasters and the threat of food and energy insecurity have exacerbated
the ability of the poor and marginalized population to cope with the
negative impacts and prosper. We agreed that there may be a need for
ASEAN Member States to continue improving the quality, coverage and
sustainability of social protection and increasing the capacity of
social risk management. Noting the cross-cutting nature of this issue,
we encouraged the relevant sectoral bodies and stakeholders, with the
support of the ASEAN Secretariat, to deliberate further on ways and
means to strengthen social protection in the region, taking into account
the different needs of ASEAN Member States.
Civil Service Matters
61. We noted with satisfaction the work being carried out by ASEAN
Conference on Civil Service Matters, including the ASEAN Plus Three
Heads of Civil Service Matters in October 2012 in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
In this regard, we noted the follow-up activties to the Luang Prabang
Joint Declaration on ASEAN Plus Three Civil Service Cooperation,
including the adoption of the ACCSM +3 Work Plan (2012-2015),
particularly its nine pilot projects to facilitate closer cooperation
with the Plus Three Countries on e-governance, human resources
management and development, as well as productivity in the public
sector.
Culture and Information
62. We recognized that both the new and traditional media would
continue to play a significant role in the dissemination of information
to the peoples of ASEAN, subsequently connecting them beyond their
borders and bridging the cultural gap. To support it, we agreed that it
is the imperative of the information sector to ensure that media,
traditional or new, are optimally utilized to connect the different
peoples within ASEAN towards the achievement of one ASEAN Community.
63. We noted Singapore’s role as ASEAN’s City of Culture for
2012-2014 and acknowledged the need to enhance ASEAN cooperation in the
areas of culture and arts focusing on human resources development,
protection and promotion of ASEAN cultural heritage and development of
small and medium-sized cultural enterprises, including creative industry
projects.
Education
64. We noted with satisfaction the successful convening of the
First ASEAN Plus Three Education Ministers Meeting as well as the First
East Asia Summit Education Ministers Meeting in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
We reiterated the need to promote a coordinated, cohesive and coherent
ASEAN’s position in education and enhance cooperation in the sector,
which is regarded as a significant factor on the success of building a
dynamic, prosperous and people-oriented ASEAN Community.
65. We acknowledged that successful education cooperation with the
relevant stakeholders and Dialogue Partners would also create the means
for bridging development gaps, enhancing regional competitiveness,
achieving sustained economic development, and promoting friendship and
mutual understanding among the peoples in the region.
Science and Technology
66. We acknowledged ASEAN’s efforts to operationalize the Krabi
Initiative that aims to provide a framework for ASEAN S&T
cooperation in the context of ASEAN Community building. We expressed our
support to the development of a renewed ASEAN Plan of Action on Science
and Technology (APAST) that is inclusive and focusing on more
people-oriented S&T cooperation framework by engaging more non-state
players such as the private sector, local governments, people,
foundations, and international organizations.
67. We noted with satisfaction the new strategies for partnership
on S&T with dialogue partners, such as the establishment of the
ASEAN-ROK Joint Science and Technology Committee in December 2011 in
Jeju, ROK and the China-ASEAN Science and Technology Partnership
Programme which was launched by the science and technology Ministers of
China and ASEAN in Nanning, China on 22 September 2012.
68. We recognized the importance of encouraging interaction among
young scientists and the gifted in science and their mentors, and in
this regard, we welcomeed the progress of implementation of various
initiatives under the purview of the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Center for
the Gifted in Science (ACGS). We noted the successful conduct of the 1st
APT Junior Science Odyssey on 10-17 June 2012 in Brunei Darussalam and
looked forward to the successful conduct of the 5th APT Teachers’
Workshop and Students’ Camp for the gifted in science in 2013.
Sports
69. Recognizing the sports industry as a strong partner not only in
promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among the citizens of ASEAN
Member States through sports but also in contributing to the
socio-economic development in the region, we welcomed the initiative of
the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS) to mark 2013 as ASEAN
Sports Industry Year. We encouraged the individual ASEAN Member States
to engage the industry in implementing various sports-related
activities.
Transboundary Haze Pollution
70. We noted with concern the significant increase of hot spot
activities in 2012 due to increased forest fires which led to
transboundary haze pollution in the region. We agreed that the relevant
agencies should remain vigilant and enhance their efforts to anticipate,
monitor, and prevent fires and transboundary haze pollution. In this
respect, we noted the usefulness of, and encouraged the development of
the ASEAN-wide Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS), which provides early
warning on potential fire occurrences that would enable preparedness and
preventive actions during dry weather periods.
ASCC Fund
71. We recognized that there are challenges in the existing
resources available to achieve the strategic objectives of the ASCC
Blueprint, a vital component of the ASEAN Road Map to fully realize the
vision of an ASEAN Community in 2015 and beyond. In this regard, we
appreciated the effort by the ASEAN Social Cultural Community (ASCC)
Council to form a Working Group, under the guidance of the Senior
Officials Committee on ASCC (SOCA) and with the support of the ASEAN
Secretariat, to study the feasibility of the establishment of an ASCC
Fund, as proposed by Cambodia.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IAI WORK PLAN II (2009-2015)
72. We emphasized the importance of the realization of regional
integration as the priority agenda for ASEAN Community building. In this
regard, we reiterated that regional integration and narrowing the
development gap should be enhanced in a timely and effective manner. In
this regard, we welcomed the progress of the implementation of the IAI
Work Plan II (2009-2015), including other new initiatives that would
also help the realization of regional integration.
73. We welcomed the support and contribution by the ASEAN Member
States and ASEAN Dialogue Partners and other external parties in the
efforts to contribute to regional integration in ASEAN and looked
forward to their further support and contribution. To ensure the
continuation and efficient implementation of the IAI Work Plan II, we
instructed our Ministers to undertake a Mid-Term Review of this Work
Plan.
ASEAN CONNECTIVITY
74. We welcomed the significant progress in the implementation of
the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, as a priority to promote economic
growth and narrowing development gaps, enhance the competitiveness of
ASEAN and enhance connectivity among ASEAN Member States, and between
Member States and the rest of the world. We attached great importance to
the expeditious achievement of enhanced connectivity through improved
infrastructure development (physical connectivity), effective
institutional arrangement (institutional connectivity) and empowered
people (people-to-people connectivity) at the regional, sub-regional and
national levels. These three-pronged strategies would catalyze the
realization of ASEAN Connectivity by 2015. We also stressed the
importance of enhancing national connectivity as it is an integral part
of regional connectivity. We welcomed the convening of the 3rd ASEAN
Connectivity Symposium held in Phnom Penh, on 7-8 September 2012.
75. We noted that Sub-regional cooperation arrangements of Brunei
Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area
(BIMP-EAGA, IMT-GT, Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), the Ayeyawady-Chao
Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy ( ACMECS) in synergy and
mutually reinforcing with the MPAC. We looked forward to the joint
initiatives within sub-regional projects and within ASEAN Connectivity,
including those which could be funded by the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund
(AIF). We called on the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC)
to intensify its engagement and cooperation with the sub-regional
arrangements. We also appreciated the efforts of the ACCC and the ASEAN
Connectivity National Coordinators (ACNC) in their work to realize
regional connectivity and beyond.
76. We expressed appreciation for the support of ASEAN’s Dialogue
Partners in the ASEAN Plus One process, as well as in the EAS and ASEAN
Plus Three (APT), in the implementation of the MPAC. In this context, we
encouraged the effective implementation of the Declaration of the 6th
EAS on ASEAN Connectivity and the finalization of ASEAN Plus Three
Partnership on Connectivity. We reiterated our decision to the possible
expansion of ASEAN Connectivity beyond the region and that the MPAC
remains the key priority areas of cooperation with our Dialogue
Partners. In this regard, we instructed our relevant Ministers to
undertake necessary measures and to work closely with ASEAN Dialogue
Partners and external parties in order to achieve our vision.
77. We reiterated our support for the establishment of consultative
mechanisms between ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners on a regular basis,
such as those between the ACCC and the Japan Task Force on Connectivity
and the ACCC’s and the Chinese Working Committee of the China-ASEAN
Connectivity Cooperation Committee, to mobilize resources for the
implementation of the MPAC and foster cooperation.
78. We also reiterated the importance of the establishment of ASEAN
Infrastructure Fund (AIF) based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which would
help in mobilizing resources from external parties, including the
private sector for the effective implementation of the MPAC. In this
regard, we encouraged the effective operationalization of the ASEAN
Infrastructure Fund.
ENGAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATION OF THE PEOPLE AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS
79. We reiterated the importance of our engagement with all ASEAN
stakeholders in the ASEAN Community building and integration process. In
this regard, we looked forward to our meeting with representative of
the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), including the informal
meetings with ASEAN’s Youth representatives as well as representatives
from the Civil Society Organization (CSOs).
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
80. After the entry into force of the ASEAN Charter on 15 December
2008, we were encouraged to note that 68 non-ASEAN Ambassadors have
accredited to ASEAN and over 35 ASEAN Committees have been established
in Third Countries/International Organizations around the world. More
accreditations of non-ASEAN Ambassadors to ASEAN reflect that
international community values ASEAN as well progressed politically,
economically and socio-culturally.
81. We noted with satisfaction the progress of relations between
ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners and the United Nations to further
strengthen and deepen cooperation and partnership with a view to making
positive contributions to ASEAN integration, and community building. We
are encouraged to note that ASEAN has established Strategic Partnership
with China, Japan, and ROK; Enhanced Partnership with the US, EU, and
Canada, Comprehensive Partnership with Australia, New Zealand and
Russia; Partnership with India; as well as with the United Nations.
82. We took note with appreciation that ASEAN continues to maintain
the centrality and proactive role of ASEAN as the primary driving force
in its relations and cooperation with its Dialogue Partners and
external parties in the present evolving regional architecture, namely
the ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF),
the East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus
(ADMM Plus) in ensuring the maintenance of peace, security, stability,
and enhancing prosperity in the region.
83. We took note the progress of implementing commemorative
activities to mark Anniversary of our dialogue relations with many of
our Dialogue Partners, including, the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-India
Dialogue Relations, the 35th Anniversary of ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue
Relations, and the 35th Anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations,
and the 15th Anniversary of the ASEAN Plus Three cooperation in 2012. We
looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit
in Japan in 2013 to mark the 40th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan
Dialogue Relations and to celebrate this special event with various
meaningful commemorative activities.
84. We looked forward to the Reports of the ASEAN-India Eminent
Persons Group (EPG), the ASEAN-U.S. Eminent Persons Group (EPG), East
Asia Vision Group II (EAVG II) which will be submitted to the 10th
ASEAN-India Summit, the 4th ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Meeting and the ASEAN
Plus Three Commemorative Summit in Phnom Penh in November 2012
respectively. We expressed confidence that the Reports will provide key
practical recommendations to further strengthening and advancing
dialogue relations.
APPOINTMENT OF NEW SECRETARY GENERAL OF ASEAN
85. We expressed our high appreciation for the important
contribution of H.E. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan in his capacity as
Secretary-General of ASEAN in advancing the work of ASEAN during his
five-year term of 2008-2012. We welcomed the recommendation of the ASEAN
Foreign Ministers and agreed to appoint H.E. Le Luong Minh as a new
Secretary-General of ASEAN from Viet Nam for the next five-year term of
2013-2018.
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES South China Sea
86. We underlined the importance of DOC as a milestone document
which signifies the collective commitment of ASEAN Member States and
China to promote peace, stability and mutual trust in the South China
Sea. We underscored the importance of the ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles
on the South China Sea.
87. We reaffirmed our commitment to the purposes and principles of
the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in
Southeast Asia (TAC), inter alia, which shall serve as the basic norms
governing state-to-state relations.
88. We also reaffirmed our commitment to continue to fully and
effectively implement the DOC; enhance maritime security cooperation; to
encourage the parties concerned to resolve territorial and
jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the
threat or use of force, through consultations and negotiations by
sovereign states directly concerned. We welcomed the progress in the
implementation of the Guidelines to implement the DOC through the agreed
cooperative activities.
89. We underscored the importance of exercising self-restraint by
all parties concerned and not to undertake any activities which may
complicate and escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, and to
handle their differences in a constructive manner.
90. We agreed to work together to enhance favourable conditions for
a peaceful and durable solution of differences and disputes among the
countries concerned, in accordance with the universally recognised
principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS as well as
the provisions and the spirit of the DOC.
Korean Peninsula
91. We reaffirmed our support to the efforts for achieving a
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. We urged
all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint and not to undertake
any steps which could lead to the escalation of tensions in the Korean
Peninsula.
92. We called on all the parties concerned to fully respect the
relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions, in particular, the
UNSC Resolutions 1718 and 1874. We also called for the early resumption
of the Six-Party Talks for the interest of peace, security and
stability in the Korean Peninsula. We further reiterated the call for
all parties concerned to explore all possibilities to engage in peaceful
dialogue which would lead to creating an atmosphere of trust and
confidence among the concerned parties.
Middle East and North Africa
93. We exchanged views on recent developments in Middle East and
North Africa, and expressed support for peaceful solutions and
reconciliations in accordance with the UN Charter and international law
through an inclusive dialogue reflecting the aspirations of the people
in the countries concerned.
94. Following the escalation of conflicts in Gaza Strip, we called
upon all parties to exert their utmost self-restraint. We urged the
United Nations Security Council to take necessary and concrete measures
to bring peace to the region. We called upon all parties to return to
the negotiation table in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in
accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. We
reaffirmed our support for the two-state solution where Palestine and
Israel can live side by side in peace.
95. We followed closely the ongoing crisis in Syria, particularly
the escalation of armed conflicts and civilian casualties. We underlined
the need for the Syrian people to find the best possible peaceful
solution for the country as well as to ensure the protection of the
Syrian people. We were concerned that the prolonged crisis and the
absence of adequate response could create new security challenges in the
region. We called upon all States to take the necessary diplomatic
measures to bring an immediate end to the violence and to restore calm
in Syria. In that regard, we supported initiatives that aim at
facilitating a political settlement in the country.
G-20
96. We emphasized the continued invaluable contribution of the G-20
to global economic recovery and stability. We welcomed the briefing by
Samdech Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia of his
participation at the G-20 Summit in Los Cabos Mexico, in June 2012, as
Chairman of ASEAN, representing ASEAN in the G-20 Summit this year at
the invitation extended by Mexico. We recognized the efforts by Cambodia
and Indonesia to highlight the role of regional initiative to give
valuable contribution in tackling global economic challenges at the G-20
Summit in Mexico. We agreed that ASEAN should continue to be invited to
participate in the G-20 in order to ensure that ASEAN’s voice is
conveyed to the world’s major economies and to promote ASEAN’s
centrality in international fora.
Global Movement of Moderates (GMM)
97. We noted that the ASEAN Concept Paper on Global Movement of
Moderates was adopted by the 20th ASEAN Summit. In this regard, to put
forward concrete implementation of the Concept Paper, we looked forward
to the adoption of the Roadmap to implement the Concept Paper as
proposed by Malaysia.
OTHER MATTERS
ASEAN Global Dialogue
98. We took note of the briefing made by Samdech Techo HUN SEN,
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on the preparations for
organizing the ASEAN Global Dialogue back-to-back with the 7th EAS in
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 20 November 2012. We noted with interest the
objective of the ASEAN Global Dialogue, as a high level forum to bring
together leaders from countries in the region and the heads of key
international organizations such as the World Bank (WB), International
Monetary Fund (IMF), Asia Development Bank (ADB), and World Trade
Organization (WTO), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD) to interact on global challenges particularly, on
financial and economic matters.
99. We looked forward to constructive participation and engagement
in the ASEAN Global Dialogue in Phnom Penh, on 20 November 2012.
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