1. The 20th ASEAN Summit, with the theme of “ASEAN: One Community, One Destiny” held in Phnom Penh, on 3-4 April 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 20th ASEAN Summit, supported the priorities outlined by Cambodia during its Chairmanship in 2012. We also agreed to work together based on the priorities to accelerate the building of the ASEAN Community by 2015 and to ensure the achievements of the ASEAN Community beyond 2015.
3. We expressed our deep sympathy and condolences to the Government of the Philippines and her peoples for the loss of lives and damage to the social, economic and environmental assets caused by the earthquake on 6 February 2012.
4. Inspired by, and united under this year’s theme of “ASEAN: One Community, One Destiny,” we affirmed our strong commitment to intensify our work toward an integrated, connected, people-oriented and rules-based region as well as a prosperous ASEAN. We will continue to encourage the participation of our people and all stakeholders of ASEAN in the community building process, based on the Roadmap for an ASEAN Community, 2009-2015.
5. We agreed and adopted the following documents:
- Phnom Penh Declaration on ASEAN: One Community, One Destiny;
- Phnom Penh Agenda on ASEAN Community Building;
- ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Drug-Free ASEAN 2015; and
- ASEAN Concept Paper on Global Movement of the Moderates (GMM).
ASEAN: ONE COMMUNITY, ONE DESTINY
6. We recognized that more efforts are needed to promote further growth and improve equitable distribution of the fruits of growth at both the national and regional levels among the ASEAN Member-States. We further noted that narrowing the development gap is not only a precondition for ensuring ASEAN’s competitiveness and reducing poverty of our people but also for assisting ASEAN to achieve real regional integration and promote its centrality in the broader regional and world affairs.
7. We underlined that regional and global challenges go beyond national boundaries and would require a more cooperative and comprehensive approach, particularly through regional cooperation. We reaffirmed that ASEAN will be able to forge regional consensus on the resolution of outstanding issues and that this belief is based on the experience of more than four decades which has proved that ASEAN has the ability to strengthen peace, stability and security in the region, achieve inclusive economic growth, and become an increasingly “people-oriented” community. This is consistent with our chosen theme “ASEAN: One Community, One Destiny,” for ASEAN in 2012, which highlights the collective determination and close cooperation of the ASEAN people to work in chorus to build the ASEAN Community as a cohesive family, harmonious in political, security, economic and socio-cultural spheres.
CELEBRATION OF THE 45th ANNIVERSARY OF ASEAN
8. We, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member-States, on the sidelines of the 20th ASEAN Summit, celebrated the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN, in Phnom Penh, on 3rd April 2012. We noted that ASEAN has come a long way in overcoming many challenges and has achieved much based on ASEAN’s fundamental principles, such as mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations.
9. We committed to build upon those achievements in working towards an ASEAN Community by 2015 and to ensure that the regional architecture and environment remain conducive to development.
10. We, therefore, agreed to issue the Statement by the ASEAN Chairman on the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN, on 3 April 2012, to mark milestone achievements in ASEAN community building and integration efforts toward the ASEAN Community by 2015.
PROGRESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ASEAN CHARTER AND ROADMAP FOR AN ASEAN COMMUNITY
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ASEAN CHARTER
12. We took note with satisfaction the progress of implementation of the ASEAN Charter, particularly on the development and adoption of various rules and procedures for its operationalization. To this end, we welcomed the signing of the Instrument of Incorporation of the Rules for Reference of Non-Compliance to the ASEAN Summit to the Protocol to the ASEAN Charter on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms by our Foreign Ministers on 2 April 2012. We are pleased to note that this signing marks the completion of the process of developing the legal instruments identified under the Protocol to the ASEAN Charter on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms, and look forward to the early ratification of the Protocol by all ASEAN Member-States.
13. We commended the work of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) to ASEAN that has continued to play an essential role in ensuring the effective coordination and implementation of ASEAN’s cooperation and integration agenda as well as in enhancing the partnership with Dialogue Partners and other External Parties. In this regard, we called on the CPR to continue working closely with other ASEAN Bodies to ensure the success of realizing the ASEAN Community by 2015.
14. We noted the briefing made by the Secretary-General of ASEAN on his Report, “ASEAN’s Challenge: Some Reflections and Recommendations on Strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat,” which he had conveyed to the ASEAN Coordinating Council on 12 December 2011, and informed Samdech Techo Prime Minister HUN SEN, the Chair of ASEAN, on 3 January 2012. We commended the work of the Secretary-General in this regard and welcomed his recommendations on the strengthening of the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta to support the ASEAN Member-States to achieve the ASEAN Community by 2015 and respond to global challenges.
15. We further tasked the Senior Officials and the CPR, with the guidance of the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC), to liaise with the Secretary-General of ASEAN in efforts to strengthen the ASEAN Secretariat.
16. We noted that in the 15 years of its establishment, the ASEAN Foundation has played a significant role in promoting greater ASEAN awareness and identity among the people of ASEAN as part of the ASEAN Community building process. We tasked our relevant Ministers to consider the long-term financial sustainability of the Foundation to ensure that the Foundation can undertake further activities based on its mandate to promote ASEAN process toward a Community by 2015.
17. We welcomed the signing of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Hosting and Granting Privileges and Immunities to the ASEAN Secretariat, which is a key legal instrument to support the functioning and operation of ASEAN in Indonesia as the host of the ASEAN Secretariat. The Agreement will also set out privileges and immunities, facilities and exemptions to be granted by Indonesia to ASEAN, as well as the staff of the ASEAN Secretariat for the effective and independent exercise of their tasks and duties.
ASEAN COMMUNITY BUILDING
18. We noted the Annual Report of the Secretary-General of ASEAN on the work of ASEAN which highlighted ASEAN’s progress, opportunities and challenges in its Community building and integration process since the 19th ASEAN Summit in Bali, Indonesia, on 17 November 2011.
19. We welcomed the development of a list of yearly targeted achievements of the implementation of the Community Blueprints, namely the ASEAN Community Building –Annual Targets 2012, as well as new initiatives and cooperation towards the ASEAN Community in 2015 which have been, and will be, integrated into national policy and programmes. In this regard, as ASEAN is moving closer to 2015 as the target year of ASEAN Community, we encouraged all concerned ASEAN Ministerial Sectoral Bodies under the three community pillars to undertake the necessary and immediate actions to ensure that all the Annual Targets 2012 are fully implemented and timely completed.
20. We reaffirmed our collective determination to maintain the centrality and proactive role of ASEAN as the primary driving force in its relations and cooperation with its external partners in an evolving regional architecture, such as the ASEAN Plus Three, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus in ensuring the maintenance of peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region.
ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY (APSC)
20. We noted the progress and successful implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint. We highlighted the importance of the activities that will be implemented and completed under the APSC Blueprint, as outlined in the Annual Targets 2012.
21. We emphasized the significant role of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, with its 28 High Contracting Parties, as the key instrument governing inter-state relations to contribute to peace and security in the region. We recalled the signing of the Third Protocol Amending the TAC in 2010, and encouraged those countries that have not ratified the Third Protocol, to do so as soon as possible. We also noted that Brazil has signed the Declaration on Accession to the TAC in Bali, in November 2011, and look forward to its accession to the Treaty. We also welcomed the UK’s interest to accede to the TAC. In this regard, we instructed the ASEAN Foreign Ministers to deliberate on further necessary procedures to be taken to ensure that the UK and the EU can accede to the TAC in 2012.
22. We noted with appreciation the conclusion of negotiations between the States Parties to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty and the five Nuclear Weapon States. We also looked forward to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the States Parties to the SEANWFZ Treaty, and the signing of the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty by the five Nuclear Weapon States in July 2012.
23. We also recalled our decisions to promote information sharing and transparency on nuclear related issues in the region. In this regard, we agreed to develop a network amongst nuclear regulatory bodies in Southeast Asia which would enable regulators to exchange nuclear related information and experiences on best practices, enhance cooperation and develop capacities on nuclear safety, security and safeguards. We hereby tasked the SEANWFZ Commission to develop a Terms of Reference for such a network, which may be called ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM) at the 21st ASEAN Summit.
24. We recalled our decision at the 19th ASEAN Summit in Bali, Indonesia, on 17 November 2011, on the establishment of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR). To this end, we noted with satisfaction the work in coming up with modalities for the operationalization of the AIPR, and encouraged our officials to work toward the official launching of the AIPR in 2012.
25. We reaffirmed our commitment to work at the regional and international levels in addressing maritime issues and look forward to the convening of the Third Meeting of the ASEAN Maritime Forum and the expanded ASEAN Maritime Meetinglater this year, with the participation of representatives from the countries in the East Asia region.
26. We emphasized the important role of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM Plus in political and security cooperation in the region. We welcomed the results of the 6th Meeting of the ARF Experts/Eminent Persons (ARF EEP) in Bangkok, Thailand, on 2-3 February 2012, which provided a useful foundation for assisting the ARF process, especially in the implementation of the ARF Work Plan on Preventive Diplomacy, which was endorsed by the 18th ARF in Bali, Indonesia, in 2011. We look forward to the publication of the ARF Security Outlook 2012 that would promote confidence-building in the Asia-Pacific region.
27. We look forward to the convening of the 6th ADMM, in Phnom Penh, in May 2012, which would further enhance defence cooperation to address security concerns in the areas of trans-boundary security related issues, disaster management and peacekeeping operations, among others.
28. We recalled the Joint Declaration for a Drug-Free ASEAN signed by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers in 1998 and the agreement of the 33rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting for a Drug-Free ASEAN by 2015. As a reflection of ASEAN’s continued commitment, we agreed to adopt the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Drug-Free ASEAN 2015 in Phnom Penh, and tasked our relevant Ministers to ensure the realization of this aim, which is in line with the ASEAN Charter.
29. We noted that ASEAN has become increasing a region for the irregular movement of people looking for better economic opportunities. As this would have an impact on our regional security and social development, we called upon all relevant ASEAN Ministerial Sectoral Bodies to undertake concerted efforts to address this issue, including the prevention of trafficking of persons and the protection and rehabilitation of victims, and at the same time to work toward establishing an ASEAN instrument to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers.
30. We recalled the establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) to deal with disaster management. In this regard, we welcomed the outcome of the First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) held in Jakarta, on 15-16 March 2012, to put in place the necessary mechanisms to operationalize the AHA Centre.
31. We encouraged the ASEAN Member-States to contribute to the AHA Centre Fund on an annual and equal basis, as well as to the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Fund on a voluntary basis. We also welcomed the contribution and support from ASEAN Dialogue Partners and other partners to ensure effective operationalization of the AHA Centre and for the long-term sustainability of the Centre.
32. We recognized the importance of using AADMER and its existing mechanisms, notably the COP, the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) and the AHA Centre, as the coordinating platform and cooperation arrangement for disaster management in the region.
33. We underlined the importance in promoting mutual understanding and transparency through information sharing between and among the ASEAN Member-States, thus promoting peace, security and stability in the region. In this regard, we look forward to the first publication of the ASEAN Security Outlook (ASO) in 2012 to promote greater transparency, confidence and understanding of regional defence policies and security perceptions in Southeast Asia.
34. We reaffirmed our strong commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in the region and noted with appreciation the work of AICHR, including in drafting the ASEAN Human Right Declaration (AHRD) to be adopted at the 21st ASEAN Summit, in Phnom Penh, in November 2012.
35. In acknowledging that the free flow of workers and ease in the movement of people within the ASEAN region are key elements for an integrated and connected ASEAN Community, we call for the full ratification and implementation of the ASEAN Framework Agreement for Visa Exemption for ASEAN Nationals.
ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (AEC)
36. We welcomed the report of the ASEAN Economic Community Council on the implementation of the AEC Blueprint, which underlines the key achievements to-date and challenges facing ASEAN leading up to 2015. The overall implementation rate of the AEC Blueprint for the period 2008 to 2011 is now stands at 67.9%. We also took note of the progress report of the Mid-Term Review of the AEC Blueprint that highlights the progress, challenges, and steps to move forward in terms of implementation.
37. We re-iterated our commitment to exert maximum effort and ensure timely implementation of the AEC Blueprint measures towards establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015. This would include commitment to undertake the much needed reforms that are impeding the implementation of intra- and extra-ASEAN agreements, as well as strengthening our respective national coordination to effectively implement our AEC Blueprint commitments across various ministries and agencies .
38. We commended the latest achievements as reflected in the signing of a number of important agreements by our Ministers. These include the signing of the Protocol to Implement the 7th Package of Commitments on Air Transport Services under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) by the ASEAN Transport Ministers, and the new ASEAN Agreement on Customs by the ASEAN Finance Ministers.
38. We affirmed that the facilitation of the movement of goods across ASEAN borders continue to be a priority on the AEC agenda. We welcomed the continuing efforts on the establishment of ASEAN Single Window, implementation of Self-Certification Pilot Project, and adoption of the 2012 ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN). We strived to put in place a robust mechanism for ensuring that any non-tariff measures imposed at the border and behind the border will not impede the free flow of goods brought about by merchandise trade liberalisation in the region. We also looked forward to the endorsement and finalization of Protocol 2 on Designation of Frontier Posts and Protocol 7 on Customs Transit System for the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit.
40. We also welcomed the signing of Protocol 6 on Railways Border and Interchange Stations under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT) and the adoption of the Implementation Framework of ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM) by the ASEAN Transport Ministers as another milestone in facilitating freer flow of goods and people in ASEAN.
41. We welcomed the entry into force of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA),which contains enhanced investment provisions on liberalization, protection, facilitation and promotion that are at par with international best practices and in line with our objective to inspire more confidence among investors and businessmen in ASEAN. We looked forward to intensified programmes and projects to promote and facilitate investment and the elimination of the remaining investment barriers to achieve a free and open regime by 2015.
42. We affirmed our commitment to work towards free flow of services by 2015 which is an essential element of the ASEAN Economic Community. We tasked all concerned Ministries and Agencies to support the work towards greater flow of services by 2015 as mandated in the AEC Blueprint.
43. We affirmed our commitment to work towards free flow of services by 2015 which is an essential element of the ASEAN Economic Community. We tasked all concerned Ministries and Agencies to support the work towards greater flow of services by 2015 as mandated in the AEC Blueprint.
44. We welcomed Indonesia’s initiative to convene a Forum to discuss best practices in financial inclusion and international remittances in Jakarta this year to support the implementation of the ASEAN Framework for Equitable Economic Development (AFEED). Noting the cross-sectoral nature of the AFEED, we tasked the AEC Council to oversee the implementation of AFEED and to develop a work plan to concretise AFEED activities.
45. We noted that the global economy continues to recover but at different rates and in different regions, resulting in rising inflationary pressure on our economy and rapid inflow of capital into our region. In view of this development, we emphasised the importance of complementing domestic macroeconomic policy prescriptions with regional macroeconomic coordination and financial cooperation, and accordingly tasked relevant Ministers to continue the coordination and cooperation efforts.
46. In light of the current global development on food security, we welcomed the signing of ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR), which now becomes a permanent mechanism to help meet relief requirements resulting from national disasters and humanitarian emergencies; endorsement of the ASEAN Plus Three Comprehensive Strategy on Food Security and Bio-energy Development (APTCS-FSBD); and, the endorsement of the Proposal for Post-2012 ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) which aims to establish the AFSIS Network Centres and ensure sustainable regional self-sustained food security information system.
47. We welcomed the endorsement of the ASEAN Minerals Cooperation Action Plan (AMCAP) 2011-2015 with “Dynamic Mineral Sector Initiatives for a Prosperous ASEAN” as its theme. The AMCAP 2011-2015 would focus on promoting information sharing, facilitating trade and investment, promoting environmentally and socially sustainable mineral development, and strengthening institutional and human capacities in the ASEAN minerals sector.
48. ASEAN continued to maintain its strong trade relations with its Dialogue Partners, in particular with its trading partners in the East Asian Summit region (EAS) amidst the financial/economic crisis .
49. We expressed confidence that the full realization of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA) for ASEAN 6 (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) and their respective FTA partner on 1 January 2012, as well as the entry into force of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) for Indonesia on 10 January 2012, would augur well for further bolstering intra-regional trade and investment in the East Asian region. We urged our officials to look into how ASEAN’s FTAs could be further enhanced to encourage businesses in the region to take full advantage of the opportunities and improve the utilization of these FTAs.
50. We were pleased to note the progress made in the implementation of the ASEAN Framework on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that we adopted last year. We also welcomed the decision to establish as soon as possible the Working Groups on Trade in Goods, Trade in Services and Investment to facilitate the scoping exercise in time for the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive RCEP agreement by the end of this year. We underscored the importance of maintaining ASEAN centrality and inclusiveness of the RCEP, and looked forward to the launch of the RCEP negotiation at our next Summit.
Macroeconomic Coordination and Financial Cooperation
51. We hailed the outcomes of the ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting and their commitment to maintain growth momentum and financial stability in the region in the face of increased global uncertainties. We endorsed the Ministers’ decision to continue intensifying efforts to build stronger and integrated financial markets under the Roadmap for Monetary and Financial Integration of ASEAN (RIA-Fin), including initiatives on financial services liberalization, capital market development and capital account liberalization.
52. We also welcomed the signing of the ASEAN Agreement on Customs which will enhance the delivery of customs services in the region, and also welcomed the operationalization of the Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility (CGIF), and the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) this year. At the same time, we encouraged the Ministers to further enhance the effectiveness of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMI) for greater financial stability in the region.
53. We were pleased to note the progress achieved in the implementation of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2011-2015. We also welcomed the endorsement of the ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy 2012-2015 developed based on the implementation of the Visit ASEAN Campaign and previous ASEAN tourism marketing activities.
ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY (ASCC)
54. We recognized 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. We noted with satisfaction the plan to convene a regional multi-stakeholder workshop this year to provide a platform for the relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies to share information and experiences regarding the attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), with special focus on the unachievable goals, and the possible scenarios and priorities beyond 2015.
55. We reiterated our commitment towards gender equality and women’s advancement in ASEAN and welcomed the convening of 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.
56. 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 finalizing its first five-year Work Plan (2012-2016) as well as in enhancing civil society participation in the ASEAN community-building process. We noted with satisfaction that the Mobilization Framework, which sets fifteen priority areas aiming at promoting disability inclusive development in ASEAN, and currently being finalized as a follow-up to the proclamation of the ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2011-2020, made at the 19th ASEAN Summit.
57. We welcomed the convening of the 22nd ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM) in May 2012, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. We requested the ASEAN Labour Ministers to continue the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, including the continued efforts to conclude the development of an ASEAN instrument to safeguard the rights of migrant workers in the region.
58. We welcomed the endorsement by the ASCC Ministers to include the new elements on sports under human development in the ASCC Blueprint, such as, placing sports matters as the 8th element under Human Development; the adoption of the title and strategic objective of the element on sports; and adoption of the actions under the elements on sports.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IAI WORK PLAN II (2009-2015)
59. We recognized that regional integration and narrowing the development gap are priorities in the
60. ASEAN Community building process and, in this regard, we welcomed the progress of the implementation of the IAI Work Plan II (2009-2015). We welcomed the support and assistance 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.
61. We also welcomed the efforts by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) in the promotion of regional integration with its recommendations on the role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the region.
ASEAN CONNECTIVITY
62. We were encouraged by the significant progress made in the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) towards the ASEAN Community building and regional integration. We welcomed the deliberations to expand ASEAN Connectivity to the Plus One, the Plus Three and the East Asia Summit countries. In this regard, we appreciated the efforts of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) and the ASEAN Connectivity National Coordinators (ACNC) in their work to realize regional connectivity and beyond.
63. We welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) which would assume a catalytic role in mobilising resources for the effective implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, with the participation of external partners, including the private sector. We looked forward to the early operationalization of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund to be based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
64. We noted the work done in ensuring that the ASEAN Connectivity is reaching out to all relevant stakeholders via symposia and workshops. In this regard, we welcomed the convening of the third ASEAN Connectivity Symposium with the theme of “Realizing ASEAN Connectivity for ASEAN Community Building” in Phnom Penh, in September 2012. We also noted the plans to organise an ASEAN Workshop on Cross-Border Management and a Workshop on ASEAN Plus Three Partnership on Connectivity in Thailand, in June 2012.
ENGAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATION OF THE PEOPLE AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS
65. We recognized the important roles of all ASEAN stakeholders in the ASEAN Community building process. In this regard, we welcomed the initiatives to promote ASEAN awareness among the ASEAN peoples. We are pleased with our meetings with representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), our informal meetings with ASEAN’s Youth representatives as well as representatives from the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the sidelines of the 20th ASEAN Summit, and look forward to further engagements with them on the road toward the ASEAN Community.
ASEAN EXTERNAL RELATIONS
66. We noted with satisfaction the conduct of ASEAN’s external relations, particularly after the entry into force of the ASEAN Charter on 15 December 2008, which is marked by the accreditation of 63 non-ASEAN Ambassadors to ASEAN and the establishment of 30 ASEAN Committees in Third Countries around the globe.
67. We noted the expansion of the East Asia Summit (EAS) to include the participation of the Russian Federation and the United States of America, and noted that the two countries’ role and engagement is expected to contribute constructively to the on-going dynamism of the region, as well as in enhancing ASEAN’s role in the global affairs.
68. We also noted with appreciation the progress made in the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) cooperation process, taking into account the relevant documents agreed between ASEAN and the Plus Three Countries (China, Japan and Republic of Korea). We reaffirmed the role of the ASEAN Plus Three as the main vehicle in advancing ASEAN Community building and East Asia Community building. We look forward to the East Asia community building in the future. In this regard, we commended the work of the East Asia Vision Group II (EAVG II) and look forward to the submission of their final report with recommendations to the 15th APT Summit in November 2012.
69. We look forward to the implementation of a series of activities throughout 2012 to mark the 15th Anniversary of APT cooperation. We emphasized the importance of the need to further advance cooperation within the APT framework and tasked our Ministers to continue promoting our cooperation in order to realize our vision of an East Asia Community. We stressed the importance of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) signed in October 2011 and look forward to its full implementation. We are also pleased to note the development of APT Memorandum of Cooperation on Tourism to be concluded in 2012.
70. We welcomed the launching of the ASEAN-China Centre in Beijing and encouraged the Centre to add vigour to the comprehensive cooperation between ASEAN and China by serving as a one-stop information hub that provides information on products, trade and investment potentials, tourism, and services related to education and culture of the ASEAN Member-States and China.
71. We welcomed the convening of the 2nd ASEAN-EU Business Summit in Phnom Penh, on 1 April 2012, in conjunction with the 20th ASEAN Summit, to address critical issues related to ASEAN-EU trade relations and to identify business and investment opportunities in the two regions.
72. We look forward to the convening of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations in New Delhi, in December 2012. We also look forward to the recommendations on future direction of the ASEAN-India partnership to be submitted by the ASEAN-India Eminent Persons Group to the 10th ASEAN-India Summit in November 2012.
73. We welcomed the announcement of Japan to launch the Kizuna youth exchange programme between Japan and the Asian/Oceania region. We noted that the project is part of Japan’s reconstruction plan, which aims at promoting global understanding of Japan’s revival in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake.
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
Myanmar
74. We welcomed the significant positive developments in Myanmar throughout 2011 and underscored the importance of maintaining a strong momentum in this regard, particularly on the bold steps undertaken by the Government of Myanmar to enhance socio-economic development, improve the livelihoods of the people, promote good governance and democratic practices, strengthen promotion and protection of human rights, and achieve peace and national reconciliation.
75. We welcomed the successful holding of the by-elections in Myanmar on 1st April 2012, which was conducted in a free and fair manner.
76. We expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar for inviting a large number of election observers from ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners as well as from regional and international organizations.
77. We recognized that the holding of the by- elections was a significant step towards further democratization in Myanmar. We reaffirmed our full support for the Myanmar Government’s on-going efforts in democratization and political reconciliation, and reiterated our call for the international community to recognize and support these developments in Myanmar.
78. We welcomed the invitation extended by the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to host a Special Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in Nay Pyi Taw at a date convenient to all ASEAN Member States.
South China Sea
79. We reaffirmed the importance of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) as a milestone document signed between ASEAN and China embodying the collective commitment to promoting peace, stability, and mutual trust in the South China Sea and to ensuring the peaceful resolution of disputes in this area, as well as to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
80. We reaffirmed our strong commitment to work closely with China to ensure the effective and full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in accordance with the Guidelines for the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) adopted during the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference +1 Session with China in Bali, in July 2011.
81. We welcomed China’s initiative to set up ASEAN –China Maritime Cooperation fund of RMB 3 billion announced by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during the ASEAN-China Commemorative Summit in Bali, Last November 2011, to finance maritime cooperation between ASEAN and China, inter alia, cooperation projects within the DOC framework.
82. We looked forward to the convening of the 5th ASEAN-China Senior Officials on DOC and the 8th Meeting of the ASEAN-China Joint working Group later this year to sustain the momentum gained after the adoption of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
83. We also looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN-China Joint Workshop to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the DOC, in Cambodia, in the fourth quarter of 2012.
84. We welcomed China’s readiness and willingness to consider engaging in the discussion with ASEAN Member States on a code of conduct in the South China Sea. In this regard, we tasked our Senior Officials, through its working group, to work with China on this matter so as to achieve its realization.
Korean Peninsula
85. We reaffirmed our support to the efforts for achieving a denuclearisation 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.
86. We call on all parties concerned to fully respect the UN Security Council Resolutions No 1718 (2006) and No 1874 (2009). We 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.
G-20
87. We noted that the G-20 Summit will be held in Mexico, in June 2012. We are pleased with the invitation extended by Mexico to Samdech Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as Chairman of ASEAN, representing ASEAN to participate in the G-20 Summit this year. In this regard, we noted the ASEAN Position Paper for the G-20 Summit, which has reflected ASEAN’s views on regional and global issues, particularly the world economy and finance.
Global Movement of Moderates (GMM)
88. Recognizing that moderation is an important ASEAN value and it has been successfully practiced in ASEAN since its formation in 1967, we adopted the ASEAN Concept Paper on the Global Movement of Moderates. In this regard, we look forward to concrete activities and programmes to assist in promoting this idea and ensuring its success at the national, regional and global levels.
ASEAN Global Dialogue
89. We took note of the briefing made by Samdech Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on Cambodia’s intention to organize the ASEAN Global Dialogue back-to-back with the 7th EAS in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November 2012. We noted with interest the objective of the ASEAN Global Dialogue, a forum to bring together leaders from countries in the region and the heads of key international organizations, such as the UN Secretary-General, the World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and World Trade Organization (WTO), and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to discuss the global challenges facing the world today,.
90. We look forward to constructive participation and engagement in the ASEAN Global Dialogue in Phnom Penh, in November 2012.
