[Title] ARF HA NOI PLAN OF ACTION II (2020-2025)

We, the Foreign Ministers of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Participants, gathered today at the 27th ARF on 12 September 2020 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam to chart the ARF Ha Noi Plan of Action II 2020-2025.

1. Recalling the ARF Vision Statement (2009) and the Hanoi Plan of Action to implement the ARF Vision Statement (2010) and noting their progress of implementation.

2. Reaffirming the ARF as a central pillar in the evolving regional security architecture. Also reaffirming the commitment of the ARF in fostering constructive dialogue and cooperation on political and security issues of common interest and concern, enhancing mutual understanding and transparency, reconciling differing views to reduce the risk to security, promoting the shaping and sharing of norms and respect for international law, including the UN Charter, as well as promoting confidence building and preventive diplomacy to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

3. Noting the efforts of all ARF Participants on proposing and implementing activities on confidence-building measures and preventive diplomacy (CBMs and PD) and emphasising the importance of furthering this trend in accordance with the ARF Work Plan on Preventive Diplomacy and consistent with the principles in the ARF Concept and Principles of Preventive Diplomacy.

4. Recognising that the ARF principles and guiding approaches, including decision- making by consensus, have enabled the ARF Participants to move the ARF process forward at a pace comfortable to all, through ARF's evolutionary approach of promotion of confidence building measures, development of preventive diplomacy and elaboration of approaches to conflict resolution.

5. Reaffirming ASEAN's role as the primary driving force in the ARF process and that a successful ARF requires the active, full and equal participation and cooperation of all Participants.

6. Recalling the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and its objective to build a united, inclusive and resilient community that is cohesive and responsive in addressing challenges to regional peace and security by the year 2025.

7. Acknowledging that the evolving regional security architecture and growing complexities of security challenges require the ARF to continue positioning and revitalising itself to address these challenges in a holistic and comprehensive manner to maintain its relevance and significance as an action-oriented Forum, and to synergise its work with other ASEAN-led mechanisms for greater concerted efforts and coherence, as well as to promote cooperation with other regional and international bodies.

8. Stressing that this Plan of Action should be implemented in accordance with the principle of consensus, on a voluntary basis, and in conformity with relevant international and national laws and regulations.

We hereby decide on the following guidance for the Forum to develop and implement concrete and practical actions:

1. Areas of Cooperation

1.1. Disaster Relief

Support the work of the ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting (ISM) on Disaster Relief (DR) as an established ARF framework to effectively tackle regional disaster relief issues.

1.1.1. Support and contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme and the operationalisation of the ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN, One Response (OAOR) and the 2018 ARF Statement on Disaster Management Cooperation through concrete, practical and enhanced activities.

1.1.2. Support civil-military coordination that enhances regional capacity and strengthen preparedness and response, to provide effective and timely responses to major natural disasters, including through the holding of regular trainings/activities among ARF Participants and promote participation of military officials in the ARF ISMs on DR.

1.1.3. Support and promote tools such as regional protocols, a standby arrangement system, a model legal arrangement for foreign assistance, common standard operating procedures, best practices, a voluntary registration scheme of civilian and military capabilities, and innovative initiatives that ultimately create an effective regional disaster response framework complementary to internationally established guidelines.

1.1.4. Promote sharing of best practices and lessons learnt with other international bodies dealing with disaster risk reduction and disaster relief, public health emergencies, climate change adaptation such as the United Nations (UN), and other regional mechanisms to encourage complementarity.

1.1.5. Promote cooperation, information sharing and capacity building for an effective regional disaster response.

1.1.6. Utilise, where appropriate, the work of national and regional think tanks as well as ARF Experts and Eminent Persons (EEPs) to assist the work of the ISM on DR to enhance cooperation.

1.1.7. Underline the importance of the ARF General Guidelines for DR Cooperation and ARF Work Plan on DR and enhance their implementation to promote the continuity of works in this area of cooperation.

1.2. Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime

Support the work of the ARF ISM on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) as a framework to address regional terrorism, transnational crime including new and emerging forms of transnational crime and to enhance cooperation and exchange of best practices in the field of law enforcement, and strengthen cooperation, including in the area of border management and illicit drug trafficking, while ensuring respect for international law.

1.2.1. Support the implementation of the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism (ACCT) and the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters among ASEAN Member States.

1.2.2. Encourage ARF Participants to accede, ratify, and implement relevant UN international instruments and conventions and to participate actively in international counter terrorism and transnational crime fora.

1.2.3. Support the implementation of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its annexed Plan of Action.

1.2.4. Strengthen the implementation of legal cooperation among ARF Participants to counter terrorism, and radicalisation to terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism.

1.2.5. Support the implementation of the 2019 ARF Statement on Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism (VECT) and note ASEAN's efforts in implementing the ASEAN Plan of Action (PoA) to Prevent and Counter the Rise of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism (PCRVE) 2018-2025 and its complimentary Work Plan to Implement the ASEAN PoA to PCRVE (or the ‘Bali Work Plan 2019-2025').

1.2.6. Support the development of national, multilateral and regional strategies and national legal frameworks in the field of counter terrorism and transnational crime, including anti-money laundering, and counter financing of terrorism, through information exchange and capacity building.

1.2.7. Encourage cooperation and collaboration to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, radicalisation to terrorism especially online, through exchange of experiences and best practices on de-radicalisation and disengagement, rehabilitation and reintegration programs to prevent and suppress terrorist acts, including addressing the needs and perspectives of women and children associated with foreign terrorist fighters.

1.2.8. Promote and strengthen cooperation through information exchange and capacity building among competent national and regional authorities and law enforcement agencies in charge of countering terrorism and transnational crime, including but not limited to, detecting, preventing and suppressing the flow of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF), especially to address the threats and challenges posed by FTFs who return to home countries or relocate from conflict zones to third countries, bearing in mind the need to maintain a high level of data protection if personal information is to be exchanged.

1.2.9. Support the development of initiatives aimed at addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, and the drivers of Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism (VECT), both internal and external, in a balanced manner, and transnational organised crimes that terrorists and perpetrators of transnational crimes can exploit, and build resilient inclusive communities able to resist terrorist and violent extremism conducive to terrorism.

1.2.10. Promote information sharing on terrorism and transnational organised crimes, including operational methods, movements, terrorist financing and other relevant illicit activities such as money laundering, smuggling and misuse of weapons and explosives, as well as Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) materials.

1.2.11. Promote information sharing, capacity building activities and comparative study on the selection process, training and equipment of the Participants' anti-terrorist forces.

1.2.12. Strengthen regional counter-terrorism preparedness and cooperation against CBR threats, including through the Network of ASEAN CBR Defence Experts.

1.2.13. Enhance cooperation among law enforcement agencies, when appropriate, to counter the production and trafficking of illicit drugs, and their precursors, associated crimes, and strengthen the prevention of the abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances as well as to promote the implementation of the 2017 ARF Statement on Enhancing Cooperation in Addressing and Countering the Drug Problem.

1.2.14. Support the implementation of the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP) in line with its complementary ASEAN Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (APA).

1.2.15. Recognise the benefits of practical cooperation and sharing of information, intelligence and expertise, including best practices in addressing trafficking in persons, and people smuggling and support increasing links between the ARF and other related regional and international consultative processes in this regard.

1.2.16. Promote technical support and cooperation among ARF Participants through transfer of skills, knowledge and technology to enhance technical capabilities of all ARF Participants in conformity with international commitments and national laws.

1.2.17. Encourage networking among regional law enforcement and military agencies, where appropriate, as well as continue to use and improve existing platforms to build regional capacity to respond to terrorism and transnational crime threats.

1.2.18. Enhance cooperation on border management through dialogue, sharing of best practices and capacity building among relevant law enforcement and border control agencies to better address terrorism and transnational crimes.

1.2.19. Develop programs and activities aimed at the promotion of a culture of peace and tolerance, respect for diversity and inter-faith, intra-faith and intercultural dialogue in the region.

1.2.20. Utilise, where appropriate, the work of national and regional think tanks as well as ARF EEPs to assist the work of the ISM on CTTC to enhance cooperation.

1.2.21. Underline the importance of the ARF Work Plan on CTTC and enhance its implementation to ensure the continuity of works in this area of cooperation.

1.3. Maritime Security

Support the work of the ARF ISM on Maritime Security (MS) as an established regional framework that addresses maritime security issues.

1.3.1. Promote compliance and adherence to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other relevant international legal instruments and regional arrangements.

1.3.2. Forge close cooperation toward promoting freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, enhancing maritime security and safety of navigation, including through the implementation of standards, best practices, and in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, and the relevant Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and instruments and conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), taking into account and without duplicating existing regional mechanisms and frameworks.

1.3.3. Promote cooperation on maritime issues, including maritime security and safety and search and rescue, maritime domain awareness (MDA), maritime risks arising from the use of ICTs and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing through activities such as information sharing and technological cooperation in line with national and international law.

1.3.4. Promote regional maritime security capacity building, including through concrete activities, where appropriate, such as information sharing, exchanges of officials, and holding maritime security related table-top and joint training exercises among maritime law enforcement agencies and/or competent maritime authorities of the respective ARF Participants, at the same time, continue to promote the implementation of the 2016 ARF Statement on Enhancing Cooperation among Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies.

1.3.5. Promote and strengthen networking with other maritime-related fora, as part of a comprehensive and mutually beneficial approach to maritime cooperation.

1.3.6. Forge closer cooperation in combating crimes at sea such as piracy and armed robbery against ships, hijacking, smuggling, illicit drug trafficking and trafficking in persons, and illegal trade in marine wildlife, in accordance with national and international law through concrete and practical activities.

1.3.7. Promote shared awareness and exchange of information and best practices on ensuring maritime security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, sustainable development of marine environment, in accordance with international law.

1.3.8. Promote maritime confidence building measures and cooperation based on international and regional legal frameworks, arrangements and cooperation including the 1982 UNCLOS.

1.3.9. Promote closer maritime cooperation, including through information sharing, capacity building and training in the protection and preservation of the marine environment, including the sustainable use of marine resources, the protection and restoration of biodiversity, the prevention, reduction and management of marine debris including plastics as well as other types of sea-based and land-based pollution, promote scientific collaboration to strengthen scientific and technological knowledge with regard to marine debris, and the prevention of accidental/deliberate releases of chemical, biological and radiological substances on mutually agreed terms.

1.3.10. Promote the sustainable development of coastal communities, including through raising the awareness of maritime issues including the impacts of climate change and promoting the sustainable management of marine resources in the region.

1.3.11. Utilise, where appropriate, the work of national and regional think tanks and ARF EEPs to assist the work of the ISM on MS to enhance efforts in regional maritime security.

1.3.12. Underline the importance of the ARF Work Plan on MS and enhance the implementation to ensure the continuity of works in this area of cooperation.

1.4. Non-Proliferation and Disarmament

Support the work of the ARF ISM on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (NPD) as a framework to address issues of non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful uses of nuclear technology towards the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

1.4.1. Consider to develop initiatives with a view to contributing to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

1.4.2. Promote ARF contributions to the development of peaceful uses of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) technology, including in the energy, health, agriculture and manufacturing sectors through sharing of national experiences and best practices. Enhance assistance through capacity building in cooperation with relevant international and regional organisations, especially the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) including on the relevant nationally applicable internationally agreed standards and guidelines on non-proliferation, safeguards, safety and security in accordance with their respective international legal commitments.

1.4.3. Promote the sharing of national experiences and assisting in capacity building on nuclear security through regional Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres or Centres of Excellence, where appropriate. Explore the feasibility of further cooperation mechanism among ARF Participants in enhancing nuclear security through existing platforms and resources.

1.4.4. Where appropriate and consistent with national policies, support the compliance with and implementation by ARF Participants of international treaties on non-proliferation and disarmament, Conventions on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism to which they are parties.

1.4.5. Encourage nuclear weapon States and States parties to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) to work constructively with a view to ensuring the early accession of the nuclear weapon States to the Protocol to the Treaty.

1.4.6. Strengthen cooperation by encouraging compliance with and adherence to, as well as promoting exchange of views on universalisation, implementation, and strengthening of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and enhancing support for the OPCW.

1.4.7. Encourage the implementation of UNSCR 1540 in the work of ISM on NPD as well as the implementation of the subsequent relevant UNSCRs.

1.4.8. Support regional and national efforts toward the effective implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.

1.4.9. Promote the exchange of views, sharing of best practices and experiences, as well as cooperate to develop capacity in export controls to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, where appropriate.

1.4.10. Promote cooperation on information sharing and experience, best practices, capacity building activities, and exploring the possibility of developing early warning capacity on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear safety, security and risk reduction among ARF Participants.

1.4.11. Promote the exchange of views on space security, in particular the prevention of an arms race in outer space as well as relevant transparency and confidence-building measures to ensure the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.

1.4.12. Utilise, where appropriate, the work of national, regional think tanks, including Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP) as well as the ARF EEPs to assist the work of the ISM on NPD to enhance cooperation.

1.4.13. Underline the importance of the ARF Work Plan on NPD and enhance the implementation to promote the continuity of works in this area of cooperation.

1.5. Security of and in the Use of Information and Communications Technologies

Support the work of the ARF ISM on Security of and in the Use of ICTs and the ARF Open Ended Study Group on Confidence Building Measures to Reduce the Risk of Conflicts Stemming from the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in promoting and developing an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment to prevent conflicts and crises by developing trust, confidence and cooperation among ARF Participants. This can be achieved through confidence building measures, information sharing, capacity building and voluntary and non-binding norms of responsible State behaviour as well as through the work and consensus reports of the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security and the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security.

1.5.1. Encourage voluntary sharing of information and exchange of best practices and strategies to address emerging threats stemming from the use of ICTs. Improve cooperation, including to develop capacity necessary to respond to criminal and terrorist use of ICTs and for the implementation of confidence building measures.

1.5.2. Promote mutual trust and develop and implement confidence building measures to enhance the understanding of the ARF in the ICT environment through the convening of practical activities to reduce the risk of misperception, miscalculation and escalation of tension leading to conflict.

1.5.3. Promote activities to raise awareness on threats to the security of and in the use of ICTs and on the methods for countering such threats.

1.5.4. Continue discussion on the terminology related to security of and in the use of ICTs to promote understanding of different national practices and usage.

1.5.5. Promote cooperation through information sharing, best practices, study visits and capacity building among national authorities in charge of the security of and in the use of ICTs.

1.5.6. Promote cooperation to protect ICT-enabled critical infrastructure with a view to enhancing security of and in the use of ICTs in the region.

1.5.7. Promote cooperation in awareness raising and information sharing on emergency responses to security incidents in the use of ICTs.

1.5.8. Encourage participation and update on a regular basis the ARF Points of Contact Directory on Security of and in the Use of ICTs.

1.5.9. Utilise, where appropriate, the work of national and regional think tanks as well as ARF EEPs to assist the work of the ISM on Security of and in the Use of ICTs to enhance cooperation.

1.5.10. Underline the importance of the ARF Work Plan on Security of and in the Use of ICTs and enhance its implementation to ensure the continuity of work in this area of cooperation.

1.6. Defence Cooperation

Promoting defence and security dialogue as well as practical cooperation to enhance regional peace, security and stability.

1.6.1. Strengthen the effectiveness of the Defence Officials Dialogue (DOD) by developing a Terms of Reference (TOR) of the DOD.

1.6.2. Promote the alignment of the ARF Security Policy Conference (ASPC) with ARF's activities to ensure practical and effective defence participation in the ARF process. Strengthen the role of the ASPC in fostering dialogue and cooperation on defence-related matters in the region with the support of the DOD.

1.6.3. Expand the capacity of the ARF Heads of Defence Universities, Colleges, and Institutions Meeting (ARF HDUCIM) to exchange best practices in defence academic development, in order to foster dialogue and mutual understanding.

1.6.4. Enhance complementarity and synergy between ARF and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-plus) to avoid duplication of effort.

1.6.5. Promote joint training, planning and experience sharing activities, including, where appropriate, conducting desk-top and scenario- based planning exercises, joint exercise, workshops, and seminars for ARF defence officials on areas of common interest with the consent of ARF Participants.

1.6.6. Encourage the effective implementation of the Joint Statement on Promoting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda at the ASEAN Regional Forum, including to encourage the adoption of national policies, national action plans, and efforts of regional frameworks aimed at raising public awareness of women's rights and the importance of their role and participation in peace processes, the resolution and prevention of armed conflict, and peacebuilding.

1.7. Peacekeeping Operations

Promote and contribute to the UN peacekeeping and post-conflict peace building efforts, in accordance with the UN peacekeeping guiding principles and the capacity of respective ARF Participants.

1.7.1. Support the convening of ARF Peacekeeping Experts' Meeting on a regular basis.

1.7.2. Promote networking among ARF Participants' peacekeeping centres to encourage cooperation among them in such areas as trainings and seminars.

1.7.3. Promote the implementation of the UN's Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative through sharing of best practices among ARF Participants.

1.7.4. Promote women empowerment in peace and security processes by providing more training, increasing deployment and meaningful participation of women at all levels, and incorporating the WPS agenda into the relevant planning and implementation of peacekeeping operations.

1.7.5. Compile a list of peacekeeping best practices and lessons learned including inputs from the UN and other regional organisations inter alia, in the area of joint capacity building and training, safety and security of peacekeepers, protection of civilians, the use of new technology, performance and accountability, etc. for the reference of ARF Participants.

1.7.6. Update on a regular basis the list of ARF peacekeeping contact points to facilitate information sharing.

1.7.7. Promote practical cooperation in peacekeeping among ARF Participants, including enhancing peacekeepers' capabilities in responding to public health emergencies, especially by developing proper medical training programs, as well as training under the UN Triangular Partnership Project (TPP) for engineering and medical personnel.

2. Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and Preventive Diplomacy (PD)

2.1. Continue the current practice of initiating and implementing CBMs by at least one ASEAN and one non-ASEAN ARF Participant.

2.2. Compile best practices on confidence-building measures, preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution for further development by the ARF.

2.3. Improve the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information and analyses of regional security concerns.

2.4. Encourage ARF Participants to arrive at mutually agreed CBMs and support the promotion of their implementation to enhance peace, stability, economic growth and prosperity in the region.

2.5. Encourage ARF Participants to come up with initiatives to develop concrete and effective ARF responses to emerging challenges.

2.6. Encourage greater participation of ARF defence officials in ARF activities in order to promote understanding of regional defence policies and security perceptions.

2.7. Increase exchanges and cooperation among defence officials and military training institutions in order to promote trust and mutual understanding.

2.8. Encourage ARF Participants to propose concrete activities such as workshops, seminars, and the compilation and sharing of best practices on PD to enhance capacity and capabilities.

2.9. Utilise, where appropriate, the work of national and regional think tanks and as well as ARF EEPs to assist the work of the ARF Inter-sessional Support Group Meeting (ISG) on CBMs and PD.

3. Institutional Enhancement

3.1. Role of the ARF Chair

3.1.1. Promote the role of the ARF Chair in fostering confidence building among ARF Participants by facilitating dialogue and information exchange.

3.1.2. Enhance the role of the ARF Chair in ensuring the effective and substantive contribution of the ARF Participants to ARF activities and improving the efficiency of its work processes.

3.1.3. Promote the role of the ARF Chair with the possibility of assistance from the Secretary-General of ASEAN as a point of first contact in cases of emergency or crisis.

3.2. Friends of the ARF Chair

Activate and exercise the Friends of the ARF Chair mechanism as and when needed.

3.3. ARF Unit

3.3.1. Strengthen the expertise and personnel capacity of the ARF Unit to assist the ARF Chair in efficiently facilitating the work of the ARF.

3.3.2. Consider elevating the ARF Unit into a division of the ASEAN Secretariat through the increase of the number of officials working in the ARF Unit.

3.3.3. Encourage all ARF Participants to contribute funding, personnel, and expertise assistance to the ARF Unit on a project-by-project basis or through more comprehensive means.

3.3.4. Hold regular discussions to review the capacity of the ARF Unit and where appropriate, seek out additional resources from ARF Participants, and plan appropriate resource assistance to the ARF Unit.

3.3.5. Support the officials from the ARF Unit to update the directory list of ARF Focal Points and EEPs regularly.

3.4. ARF Experts and Eminent Persons Group (EEPs)

3.4.1. Utilise the ARF EEPs as an expert consultative resource in strengthening the ARF process.

3.4.2. Consider expanding the functions of the ARF EEPs to increase its relevance and to align its mission with that of the ARF.

3.5. ARF Fund

3.5.1. Encourage commitments from ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners to fund ARF activities through their respective ASEAN assistance programs.

3.5.2. Encourage ARF Participants to contribute to the ARF Fund and propose concrete activities or projects to further enhance the ARF's capacity.

3.5.3. Review the TOR of the ARF Fund to ensure effective utilisation of the Fund.

3.6. ARF partnerships and networks

3.6.1. Improve the networking of established regional security centres, think tanks, and the ARF Unit.

3.6.2. Encourage the development of an ARF consultation process with accredited and mutually acceptable Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on regional security matters.

3.6.3. Support the work of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) as the ASEAN institution for research activities on peace, conflict management and conflict resolution in the region.

3.7. Regional and international security bodies

3.7.1. Develop concrete and mutually beneficial cooperation programmes, as appropriate, with relevant regional and international security bodies, including those of the UN system.

3.8. Track II organisations

3.8.1. Encourage joint research projects pertinent to new and emerging traditional and non-traditional security challenges as well as defence issues in the region with government-affiliated policy and strategic research institutes.

3.8.2. Encourage the development of modality/guidelines for regular consultation with Track II organisations.

3.8.3. Encourage the development of an appropriate procedure that allows Track II participants to meaningfully contribute to the ARF, through the implementation of existing procedures to consider recommendations from ASEAN-Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN- ISIS), and CSCAP.

3.8.4. Encourage Track II organisations to enhance ARF's public profile and visibility.

4. Review and Implementation

4.1. The implementation of the POA will be monitored by the ARF ISG on CBMs and PD and annually reported to the ARF Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) and the ARF Ministers for evaluation and review to ensure that all its activities are responsive to the needs and priorities of the ARF. The ARF Unit will assist the ARF Chair in recording the implementation, based on input received from ARF Participants.

4.2. End of term reviews should be undertaken by the ARF SOM and reported to the Ministers. These reviews should be carried out by the ARF Chair with the assistance of the ARF Unit in the year 2025.

4.3. Co-Chairs of ARF ISMs will facilitate the development and implementation of action lines under the respective areas of cooperation and to review and brief the progress to the ARF ISG on CBMs and PD. The Co-Chairs of the ARF ISG on CBMs and PD will then brief the ARF SOM.

4.4. The progress report of this Plan of Action will be prepared by the ARF Unit and submitted to the ARF Ministers for consideration.

4.5. The implementation of the POA should be maintained as one of the agenda items of the ARF ISG on CBMs and PD.

4.6. Any amendment to the POA should be made with the consent of all ARF Participants and adopted by Ministers.