Chair's Statement of the 18th ASEAN Summit - "The World and Japan" Database

"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)

Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Chair's Statement of the 18th ASEAN Summit

[Place] Jakarta

[Date] 7-8 May 2011

[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

[Notes]

[Full text]

1. The 18th ASEAN Summit, with the theme "ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations," held in Jakarta on 7-8 May 2011, was chaired by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as the Chair of ASEAN in 2011. The Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States had substantive, frank and productive discussion in a plenary session and retreat session, under a new arrangement of ASEAN Summit programmes and agenda.

2. We the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States, gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the 18th ASEAN Summit, supported the three priorities outlined by Indonesia during its chairmanship in 2011, namely: to ensure significant progress in achieving the ASEAN Community; to ensure that the regional architecture and regional environment remain ASEAN-centered and conducive to development; and to commence deliberations on an ASEAN vision beyond 2015 namely "ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations". We also agreed to work together based on those priorities to accelerate the undertakings towards the ASEAN Community in 2015 and to achieve a common platform for ASEAN beyond 2015 in Southeast Asia.

3. Inspired by and united under One Vision, One Identity, and One Caring and Sharing Community, we continue to be committed to intensify our work towards a people-oriented, people-centered and rules-based ASEAN. We will continue to encourage the participation of the peoples and other stakeholders of ASEAN in the community building process on the basis of the three pillars, namely political-security, economic and socio-cultural.

4. We agreed and adopted three joint statements as follows:

- ASEAN Leaders' Joint Statement on the ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations;

- ASEAN Leaders’ Joint Statement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation; and

- ASEAN Leaders' Joint Statement in Enhancing Cooperation against Trafficking in Persons in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN COMMUNITY-BUILDING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ASEAN CHARTER

5. Encouraged by the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN Charter and Roadmap for an ASEAN Community, we provided guidance and reiterated our firm commitment to advance the ASEAN Community building process through concrete, practical and meaningful actions. We therefore underlined the need for concerted and synergized efforts in the implementation of the three Community Blueprints and decisions of this Summit.

6. We deemed it of great importance that the three Community Blueprints be integrated into national policies and programmes. We, in this connection, recommended developing yearly targeted achievements of the implementation of Community Blueprints as well as new possible cooperation towards the ASEAN Community in 2015. We tasked the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) and the three Community Councils to follow up all necessary actions in developing the annual targeted achievements as well as in reviewing the Community Blueprints with the aim of ensuring that all the activities are responsive to the needs and priorities of ASEAN. As there are many cross-cutting issues that cut across all three pillars of the ASEAN Community, we underscored the importance of effective coordination on cross-cutting issues and tasked the ACC and the Secretary-General of ASEAN to monitor and encourage such coordination.

ASEAN POLITICAL SECURITY COMMUNITY (APSC)

Good Governance

7. We emphasized the importance of promoting good governance and transparency within the ASEAN Community and tasked our Ministers to explore and consider appropriate initiatives to take these principles forward.

Conflict Resolution and Conflict Management

8. Observing current geopolitical developments in the region and in the world, we pointed out the need for ASEAN to enhance its capacity to ensure greater peace, security and stability in the region, including on conflict management and resolution.

9. As a step towards that goal, we agreed to commence the process towards establishing an ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, as stipulated in the APSC Blueprint. The institute may, inter alia, undertake relevant researches and studies, and provide counsel and recommendations to ASEAN governments on the promotion of peace and reconciliation. We therefore agreed to task our Foreign Ministers to work on the modalities towards the establishment of the institute and submit their recommendations to the 19th ASEAN Summit in Bali for its consideration.

Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC)

10. The TAC has had a significant role as the key code of conduct governing inter-state relations in the region. Further upholding of the TAC would foster cooperation and understanding among High Contracting Parties and ensure the preservation of peace and harmony in the region. We welcomed the accession of non-ASEAN Member States to the TAC, looked forward to the accession of the EU to the TAC and took note of the continued interest of other non-ASEAN Member States to accede to the TAC. We looked forward to the effective implementation of the TAC and to review the implementation of the TAC with the view to enhancing its effectiveness.

Peacekeeping and Post-Conflict Peace Building Missions

11. We encouraged the establishment of a network among existing peacekeeping centres in ASEAN Member States to conduct joint planning, training, and sharing of experiences with a view to establishing an ASEAN arrangement for the maintenance of peace and stability. We agreed that this effort would strengthen the vital role of ASEAN Member States in supporting the effective peacekeeping and peace-building efforts of the UN. We are encouraged that the AMM and the ADMM is undertaking concrete steps to realize this objective.

ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)

12. We recognized the importance of the ARF in promoting dialogue on security issues, cooperation on issues of mutual interest and confidence-building measures and pursuing efforts towards preventive diplomacy in the region and as playing a central role in the regional security architecture. We looked forward to closer cooperation and development of synergies between the ARF and other ASEAN-centered arrangements in the region such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus).

ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus

13. We welcomed progress made in the defence dialogue and cooperation under the ADMM framework to promote peace and stability, and noted with satisfaction the progress in implementing the outcomes of the 1st ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus in October 2010 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam.

14. We encouraged the ADMM to enhance dialogue on how they can effectively support efforts in building confidence in the region. There would thus be significant value-added to ADMM efforts at interoperability in this area, given their existing efforts at enhancing interoperability in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. We looked forward to the convening of the fifth ADMM in Jakarta this May, as well as the Three-Year Work Plan (2011-2013) to be adopted at the ADMM.

Maritime Issues

15. Maritime-related issues have become more prominent, due to the increasing interdependency of the global economy as well as the threat of sea piracy and armed robbery at sea. In this regard, we affirmed our commitment to addressing maritime issues comprehensively, particularly the issues that need our immediate attention, including, peaceful, safe, free and lawful navigation, protection of marine environment and biodiversity resources, and cooperation on search and rescue at sea.

16. We underlined the need to empower and utilize the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) as a forum for discussing ways of ensuring the safety and security of our seas for the welfare of the peoples of ASEAN, as well as to provide solutions to problems arising from maritime-related issues. With the successful convening of the 1st AMF last year in Indonesia, we looked forward to the convening of the 2nd AMF in Thailand later this year.

17. We also underlined the importance of enhancing our capacity to address the issue of maritime security, in particular to combat sea piracy and armed robbery at sea. In this regard, we emphasized the need for us to work together on the issue of sea piracy and armed robbery in accordance with the UNCLOS 1982.

Transnational Crimes (TNC)

18. We acknowledged with satisfaction ASEAN cooperation on counter-terrorism. We welcomed the imminent entry into force later this month of the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism (ACCT) and ratification of the ACCT by all ASEAN Member States. We reemphasized the importance of working towards acceding and ratifying the relevant international instruments on counter terrorism. We agreed to continue promoting the effective implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Plan of Action on Counter Terrorism and to develop initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of terrorism and conditions that are conducive to terrorism and to promote cooperation on de-radicalization and interfaith dialogues. We expressed the view that these efforts would also contribute to the implementation of the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.

19. We expressed concern at the increasing cases of trafficking in persons and people smuggling in the region and tasked our Ministers in charge of Transnational Crimes to accelerate the consideration of an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons. We stressed that victims of trafficking, mainly vulnerable women and children, have a fundamental right to be protected in accordance with the international law and relevant international conventions. We acknowledged with appreciation the work of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, which specified concrete actions to mitigate the problems of irregular movement of people, in particular people smuggling and trafficking in persons. We agreed to enhance further cooperation within existing frameworks and instruments which are consistent with national laws and regulations.

20. We recognized the need for greater regional coordination on anti-drug efforts given the cross-border and transnational nature of illegal drug activities. In order to meet the vision of a Drug-Free ASEAN by 2015, we highlighted the need to fully and effectively implement the ASEAN Work Plan on Combating Illicit Drug Production, Trafficking, and Use for 2009-2015 through the conduct of specific programs and activities.

Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ)

21. We agreed to continue pursuing international efforts to achieve a nuclear-weapons-free world; therefore, we intend to foster cooperation among the Nuclear Weapon Free Zones (NWFZs) to fully implement the principles and objectives of the treaties. We reiterated the importance of the early implementation of the Plan of Action on the implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty, including through the continued efforts to consult nuclear weapons states on outstanding issues with a view to getting their signing of to the SEANWFZ Protocol.

22. We welcomed all efforts at regional and international levels to promote nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We reaffirmed the need to advance towards the priority goal of nuclear disarmament and the achievement of the total elimination and legally binding prohibition of nuclear weapons. In this regard, we stressed that the establishment of NWFZs is a major contribution to non-proliferation efforts and encouraged dialogue and appropriate interaction between the SEANWFZ and other NWFZ in order to share experiences and best practices that would help contribute to attaining the above goals

Regional Cooperation on Nuclear Safety

23. We expressed sympathy and solidarity with Japan over the Fukushima incident and noted the potential trans-boundary impact of accidents at nuclear installations. We agreed that ASEAN should engage as appropriate in information-sharing and promote transparency on relevant nuclear related issues in the region. ASEAN should also promote and uphold IAEA standards of safety and security in the development of civilian nuclear energy.

24. While pledging to support the IAEA's efforts to strengthen the global nuclear safety framework, we agreed to develop a coordinated ASEAN approach that would contribute to global undertakings to improve nuclear safety, in cooperation with the IAEA and other relevant partners as well as with other regional arrangements such as the Asian Nuclear Safety Network (ANSN).

ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)

25. We welcomed the progress of the work of AICHR as the overarching body of ASEAN for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the ASEAN Charter, namely the implementation of AICHR's priority program 2010-2011, the Guidelines of Operations of AICHR, and the progress in the drafting of the Terms of Reference of AICHR Drafting Group for ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. We also looked forward to the finalization of a Five-Year Work Plan of the AICHR.

Biennial Review of the APSC Blueprint

26. We emphasized the importance of better coordination among different sectoral bodies under the APSC and commended the report of the Chairman of the APSC Council to the 18th ASEAN Summit. We also noted that the APSC Blueprint stipulates a biennial review and evaluation to ensure that all the activities are relevant, responsive and meaningful to the attainment of the goals and objectives of the ASEAN Political-Security Community. We noted that to this end, the Coordinating Conference for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (ASCCO) was instructed by the APSC Council to undertake necessary steps to conduct such review and evaluation, in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat and the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) to ASEAN.

ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (AEC)

27. We welcomed the report of the ASEAN Economic Community Council on the implementation of the AEC Blueprint, which is expected to complete the second phase of implementation (covering the period 2010-2011) this year.

28. We reiterated our commitment to exert maximum effort and ensure timely implementation of the AEC Blueprint measures. This would include addressing regulatory issues in implementing intra-and extra-ASEAN commitments, as well as strengthening our respective national coordination to effectively implement our AEC commitments across various ministries and agencies.

29. We took note of the commencement of the Mid-Term Review of the AEC Blueprint that will assess the effectiveness and contribution of the implementation of the AEC Blueprint to economic growth, employment, competitiveness, and social welfare within ASEAN.

30. We recognised the importance of enhancing the regional monitoring capacity to ensure the timely implementation of our economic integration initiatives. We welcomed the setting up of the ASEAN Integration Monitoring Office (AIMO) to support the ASEAN Secretariat in monitoring the progress of the AEC.

31. Recognizing the various characteristics of ASEAN Member States and the importance of an appropriate scoring mechanism reflective of the achievements made by ASEAN towards the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, we look forward to the completion of a comprehensive scoring system.

Services and Investment

32. We noted the greater mobility of skilled labor facilitated through Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) and reaffirmed our commitment to the full implementation of all ASEAN MRAs. We also welcomed the substantial progress made in the liberalization of trade in services under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS). We looked forward to the implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) at the earliest possible time.

Food, Energy, and Water Security

33. We have discussed the challenges of food and energy security as well as the volatility of food and energy prices, especially with regard to short and longer-term responses. We agree to enhance existing ASEAN priorities based on programs that increase productivity and production, coordinate in policies regarding pricing, stocks, export and import as well as alleviate the impact on the poor. We instructed Ministers to follow up and prioritize the existing programs based on these principles, and to also propose new ideas and concrete actions by the next Summit.

34. Being cognizant of the recent sharp increase in food prices, we agreed to prioritize research and development as well as encouraging greater investment in food industry towards a comprehensive implementation of the ASEAN Integrated Food Security Framework.

35. While eagerly anticipating the signing of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) later this year, we requested relevant Ministers to look at the possibility of incorporating commodities other than rice within the APTERR mechanism. We were of the opinion that APTERR should not only be limited to secure stock in case of emergency but also to support countries in vulnerable position as a result of food price volatility and surge in food demand. We also underscored the importance of a coordinated food policy in the region, which shall cover among others trade information, stocks and demand, prices, and logistics.

36. While recognizing the continued progress in implementing the ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation 2010-2015, we accepted that more concrete and action-oriented programs are necessary to boost energy efficiency and conservation in the region. We stressed again our determination to reduce dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, and to find viable renewable sources of energy.

37. Recalling the commitment to reduce green house gas emission, we encouraged all stakeholders in the region to embrace smart energy management in their economic activities. We also tasked our relevant Ministers to expedite the realization of ASEAN Power Grid and to find affordable and stable sources of energy in rural areas.

Equitable Economic Development

38. Mindful of the fact that no segment of the society should be left out from the benefits of ASEAN's economic integration, more emphasis should be given on realizing ASEAN as a region of equitable economic development. We welcomed the discussions that have been initiated among Ministers on ways to further enhance, in parallel, the Third Pillar of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint; that is, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) development and the narrowing of development gaps amongst and with ASEAN Member States.

39. For ASEAN SMEs to benefit from economic integration in 2015, we must enable them to compete in the free market system. In this regard, ASEAN SMEs must have better access to technology, market, and especially financing, through financial inclusion programme.

40. Building on this, we task our Ministers to enhance its existing work programme with stronger commitment and develop a Framework/Guiding Principles for Equitable Economic Development, which should include new elements of high-impact targets and quick wins, and goes beyond 2015. We resolved to intensify our efforts at implementing initiatives under IAI, including by engaging Dialogue Partners and Development Partners in our efforts to bridge the development gap. We welcomed the successful outcome of the 3rd IAI Development Cooperation Forum (IDCF-3).

Macroeconomic Coordination and Financial Cooperation

41. We noted that the global economy continues to recover but at different paces. We further noted that the region has continued to lead the recovery but there are downside risks of rising inflationary pressure and rapid inflow of capital. In view of this development, we emphasised the importance of complementing the domestic macroeconomic policy with regional macroeconomic coordination and financial cooperation, and accordingly tasked relevant Ministers to continue such efforts. We look forward to the full of operation of the ASEAN Plus Three Macro Economic Regional Surveillance Office (AMRO) in Singapore, which is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening macro economic coordination and promoting financial cooperation at the regional level. We were pleased with the entry into force of the Chiang-Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM) Agreement on 24 March 2010.

42. We reaffirmed our commitment to freer flow of capital with the endorsement of the implementation plan to promote the development of an integrated ASEAN capital market.

Evolving Regional Economic Architecture

43. We took note of the progress on the work of the four ASEAN Plus Working Groups that were tasked to look into the recommendations in the Studies on the East Asia Free Trade Area (EAFTA) and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA) in parallel. To ensure and strengthen ASEAN centrality in its objectives to promote partnership with wider region, we tasked the officials to intensify efforts to accelerate the process of consolidating ASEAN's Plus One FTAs by identifying the gaps and making a recommendation for a possible modality, using the ASEAN Plus One FTAs as the building blocks and the basis for the evolving ASEAN-centred regional architecture.

ASEAN Strategic Transportation Plan (ASTP)

44. We welcomed the adoption of the Brunei Action Plan (BAP)/ASEAN Strategic Transport Plan (ASTP) 2011–2015 by the ASEAN Transport Ministers to provide the main reference guiding ASEAN transport cooperation and integration over the next five years. The BAP identifies strategic actions to be implemented to support the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015 as well as the new priority of enhancing regional connectivity identified in the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC).

ASEAN Tourism

45. We noted with pleasure the development of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2011-2015, which is the successor of the Roadmap for the Integration of the Tourism Sector 2005-2010 that will promote the region as a single tourist destination, develop a set of ASEAN tourism standards with a certification process, enable tourism professionals to work in any of the ASEAN Member States and facilitate visitors to travel throughout ASEAN with a single visa.

World Trade Organizatio

46. We upheld the primacy of the multilateral trading system, embodied in the WTO, where a stable, transparent, inclusive, and rules-based structure has facilitated global trade and served ASEAN well in our own efforts towards regional economic integration. We reaffirm, as a priority, our commitment to support and strengthen this valuable system which has helped to maintain trade flows, monitor the global trading environment, and keep protectionism in check during the recent global financial crisis. We see the Doha Development Agenda as an indispensable part of the necessary improvement of the multilateral trading system, representing gains for the entire WTO membership. We call on all Members to work constructively towards a balanced conclusion of the Round as a priority and shoulder common responsibility to the multilateral trading system.

47. We reiterated our support for the accession of Lao PDR to WTO at the earliest time possible.

ASEAN Economic Initiatives

48. We were pleased that encouraging progress had been made towards achieving the AEC by 2015. We welcomed, among others, the substantial progress made in the liberalization of trade in services under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), and ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). We looked forward to the implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) by this year. We also noted the greater mobility of skilled labor facilitated through Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) and reaffirmed our commitment for the full implementation of all ASEAN MRAs.

49. We continued to support the studies being undertaken to take forward broader regional integration by considering the recommendations of both East Asia Free Trade Agreement (EAFTA) and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership for East Asia (CEPEA). We underlined the need to maintain ASEAN centrality in its objectives to promote partnership with the wider region.

ASEAN Single Window

50. We reaffirmed our commitment to enhance trade facilitation by promoting trade efficiency and competitiveness through the full implementation of National Single Window across all ASEAN countries as a prerequisite to establishing ASEAN Single Window that would be one of the key elements to achieving the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015. We reaffirmed our commitments to fully operationalize National Single Window no later than 2012 and to accelerate the establishment of ASEAN Single Window.

ASEAN Economic Vision Beyond 2015

51. While initiatives and actions are taken to ensure the realization of ASEAN integration by 2015, we should not lose sight of what we envision of ASEAN beyond 2015. It is especially crucial at this juncture to think of what ASEAN will be after 2015.

52. Our work these days and our expectations of how things will evolve may inspire us to think of ASEAN beyond 2015 which is competitive, fairly equal, inclusive, green, sustainable and resilient. Noting that there remain different levels of development among and within Member States, and the consolidation of regional economic integration will continue internally and with ASEAN's strategic partners, we may think of adopting multi-track and multi-speed approaches to deepening economic integration among ASEAN Member States and its Dialogue Partners. We may instruct Ministers to develop such an idea and report back to us when we meet in November this year.

ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY

Engagement and Participation of the People

53. The development of a sense of ownership of and belonging to ASEAN among the region's peoples is a necessity. We encourage the increased constructive participation of civil society, including the youth, in the ASEAN community-building. We therefore pledged to continue and develop regular interaction with the people with the aim of developing a people-oriented organization. We reiterated our determination to promote constructive dialogue and stronger partnership with civil society in various sectors of cooperation.

54. We noted the need to launch more endeavours to promote interaction between ASEAN and the people, which will bring ASEAN closer to the people and vice versa. We further encouraged the organization of activities that not only raise public awareness of ASEAN, but, more importantly, engage and empower the people. We took note of the initiatives of the Secretary-General to offer flagship projects to the Chair.

55. We welcomed Indonesia's invitation for ASEAN Member States to participate in the ASEAN Fair, to be held in Bali in conjunction with the 19th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, in November 2011. The Fair will bring together many elements of society in various activities that demonstrate the nature of ASEAN as being of the people, by the people and for the people.

56. We acknowledged the importance of the participation of civil society in the attainment of the ASEAN Community by 2015. We pledged to promote constructive dialogue and establish stronger partnership and active collaboration with civil society in various sectors of cooperation. We welcomed the initiative of civil societies in ASEAN that made a robust contribution to ASEAN Community building and noted the successful convening of the 7th ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People's Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia on 3- 5 May 2011.

Disaster Management

57. Aware of the urgency to improve regional coordination in disaster preparedness and response, we agreed to strengthen the existing arrangements such as the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre). We agreed to reinforce the role of the Secretary-General of ASEAN as ASEAN's humanitarian assistance coordinator and to encourage greater civilian-military coordination on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

58. The soft launch of the AHA Centre on 27 January 2011 showcased the realization of ASEAN efforts at effective response to and management of disasters. We further tasked our relevant Ministers to expedite the full operation of the AHA Centre and emphasized the importance of concerted efforts by all stakeholders as well as support from partners and donors to achieve this goal. We reaffirmed our commitment to ensure the effective operation of the AHA Centre. We cited the contributions and commitment of ASEAN external partners to ensure the effective implementation of the Centre which would be complemented by the activities of the WFP Humanitarian Response Depot in Subang and Thailand's offer to develop Utapao airport facilities to support rapid deployment of assets in the event of a disaster in the region. By enhancing our collective efforts, we moved closer to achieving our goal of building disaster-resilient societies and towards a safer community by the year 2015.

59. We welcomed the successful holding of the ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster Relief Exercise (ARF DiREx) 2011 in Manado, Indonesia on 14-19 March 2011 and concluded that the Exercise had promoted contributed to cooperation and coordination between civilian and military authorities on disaster management in the Asia Pacific region. We noted the willingness of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) in Thailand to work with partners to do a regional stock take of HADR facilities and capabilities in the region.

60. Following the Special ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting in April 2011, we emphasized the need to further strengthen existing disaster management cooperation under the various regional mechanisms, including ASEAN Plus Three, EAS, ARF, and ADMM Plus, as well as periodic holding of Disaster Relief Exercises. In addition, we underlined the need to strengthen such cooperation through sharing of exercises and lessons-learned as well as conducting training and capacity building programs for disaster preparedness, emergency response, relief, and reconstruction efforts.

Migrant Workers

61. We reaffirmed our commitment to implement the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers adopted in Cebu at the 12th ASEAN Summit in 2007.

62. We reiterated our commitment to develop an ASEAN instrument on the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers, consistent with ASEAN's vision of a caring and sharing community. In this connection, we tasked the ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM) to expedite the completion of this instrument based on the spirit of the Cebu Declaration. We also requested the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council, as agreed by the Summit, to exercise its mandate in ensuring the accomplishment of this task accordingly by the ALMM as one of the Sectoral Ministerial Bodies under its purview. We also look forward to the development of a proposal on the convening of a workshop on this matter.

63. We tasked the Secretary General, in cooperation with the ASCC, to report the progress of the implementation of the Declaration to the 19th ASEAN Summit.

ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC)

64. We welcomed the convening of the First Meeting of the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) in Jakarta as another milestone in ASEAN's commitment to promote and protect the rights of women and children in the region. We looked forward to the ACWC undertaking concrete measures to safeguard the interest and rights as well as provide equal opportunities, and raise the quality of life and the standard of living of women and children.

Youth

65. We underscored the important roles of the youth as the next generation of leaders in our region and as the custodians of the future of ASEAN. We pledged to ensure that they would have a decent life in the future. We also agreed to engage youth in the building of the ASEAN Community by 2015, and noted the proposal to task relevant sectoral bodies under the ASCC Council to submit recommendations which would allow the region's youth to have a more prominent and constructive role in this process. Hence, we encouraged all stakeholders to create and implement more inclusive programs for youth.

66. Since these efforts require adequate support, we welcomed the initiative to establish an ASEAN Youth Program Fund to foster stronger cooperation and engagement by all stakeholders in the enhancement of the capabilities of the youth in the region.

Health

67. We affirmed our determination to enhance regional preparedness and capacity through integrated approaches to assess, prevent, and respond to widespread communicable and infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS. Due to the threat of increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in our region, we underlined the need to provide more affordable and universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support. We welcomed planned activities of the ASEAN Task Force on AIDS (ATFOA) for the Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN Declaration on HIV and AIDS during the 19th ASEAN Summit, namely the launching of the ASEAN Regional Report on HIV/AIDS (2010) which includes the AIDS Work Programme IV (2011-2015) and the Renewal of the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS to the 2011 Declaration on HIV/AIDS.

68. We also emphasized the need for all stakeholders in our region to take measures to prevent spread of communicable and infectious diseases in the region. We also recognized the need to provide more attention to those already infected by HIV/AIDS and other diseases, and to ensure that they have access and affordable health care and management.

69. We underlined that these groups should not be marginalized and be provided equal with opportunities to live a normal life. We agreed that further collaboration with partners and donors were necessary for our region's capability to become more capable of dealing with this problem.

70. We welcomed the Government of Indonesia's contribution for the official launch of ASEAN Dengue Day at regional level on 15 June 2011 with the theme "Dengue is Everybody's Concern, Causing Socio-Economic Burden but its Preventable". We looked forward and supported activities that would be held alongside the launch, including the ASEAN Dengue Conference and ASEAN Logo Competition for ASEAN Dengue Day.

Persons with Disabilities

71. We reaffirmed the possibility to promote a people-oriented ASEAN where all of the society, including persons with disabilities, could participate in and benefit fully from the process of ASEAN integration. We also underlined the importance of enhancing the role, opportunities and participation of persons with disabilities in contributing to the development of the region. Therefore, we welcomed the initiative to draft the Bali Declaration on the Enhancement of the Role and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN Community as well as the Proclamation of the ASEAN Decade for Persons with Disabilities 2011-2020. We tasked our relevant Ministers to complete the said Declaration for adoption at the 19th ASEAN Summit.

Education

72. We cited the importance of education as a foundation for a useful and meaningful life. We acknowledged and lauded the concerted efforts by our Ministers to ensure the integration of education priorities into ASEAN's development agenda and to improve the well-being and livelihood of the peoples of ASEAN as well as enhance awareness of ASEAN through education.

73. We welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN 5-Year Work Plan on Education (2011-2015) to facilitate the implementation of relevant actions of the ASCC Blueprint and the Cha-am Hua Hin Declaration on Strengthening Cooperation on Education to Achieve an ASEAN Caring and Sharing Community. We also welcomed the progress of the work of the ASEAN University Network (AUN) in promoting student mobility and building a network among universities in ASEAN Member States, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. We further encourage the teaching of ASEAN Studies in primary, secondary, and higher education levels as stipulated in the ASCC Blueprint and the Work Plan on Education.

74. We tasked the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Education to develop a framework of a transfer of credits among university students in ASEAN Member States in order to strengthen people-to-people contact.

Community & Harmony in ASEAN through Tertiary Education Relations (CHARTER)

75. In line with ASEAN's community building efforts, we endorsed the concept of a Community and Harmony in ASEAN through Tertiary Education Relations (CHARTER) programme to enhance exchanges between universities and institutions of higher learning in ASEAN. We agreed that the programme would help develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging to ASEAN among our youth through the promotion of cross-cultural understanding. In this regard, we tasked our Education Ministers to explore the programme further with a view to its early implementation.

Climate Change

76. We reaffirmed our strong commitment to intensify efforts in addressing climate change at national, regional and global levels. We agreed that ASEAN should be actively involved in contributing to global efforts to achieve a balanced, comprehensive, and legally-binding instrument under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed upon through the two-track approaches as mandated by the Bali Action Plan.

77. We underlined the importance of the ASEAN Climate Change Initiative (ACCI) in providing a consultative platform to strengthen regional coordination and cooperation in addressing climate change. We encouraged ASEAN Member States to enhance their implementation of ACCI by engaging relevant stakeholders in ASEAN Member States in this effort.

Environmentally-Sustainable Cities

78. We encouraged efforts to meet the social and economic needs of the peoples of the region to improve their living standards. We welcomed the initiative to have the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award, in order to increase people's awareness of the importance of living in a more environmentally sustainable way. We encouraged more cities in our region to participate actively in the Award. This will be part of our collaborative efforts at achieving a more environmentally sustainable region by 2015.

Culture

79. We acknowledged the importance of the conservation and preservation of ASEAN cultural heritage in enhancing mutual awareness and understanding among our peoples. We welcomed the initiative to develop a draft ASEAN Declaration on Shared ASEAN Cultural Identity: Towards Strengthening the ASEAN Community. We tasked our relevant Ministers to ensure the finalisation of the said draft as an outcome document of the 19th ASEAN Summit. We also take note the suggestion of having an ASEAN television, channel or network in each ASEAN Member States as part of ASEAN's endeavour to enhance mutual awareness and understanding among our peoples.

Sports

80. We endorsed the establishment of an ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports designed to enhance cooperation in sport and sports-related activities, to promote a healthier lifestyle among citizens of ASEAN Member States, encourage more interaction among peoples of ASEAN, as well as contributing to ASEAN integration and community building.

ASEAN's bid to host World Cup 2030

81. We welcomed the initiative of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers, working together with the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), on ASEAN's bid to host FIFA World Cup in 2030, including undertaking a comprehensive study as suggested by the AFF. We would systematically and procedurally explore possibilities in this major initiative.

NARROWING THE DEVELOPMENT GAP

82. We reaffirmed the importance of narrowing the development gap between Member States to accelerate ASEAN integration in order to achieve the goal of a more balanced, inclusive and sustained ASEAN Community. We resolved to intensify our efforts at implementing the Strategic Framework and the IAI Work Plan II (2009-2015) in full and in a timely manner.

83. We called on Dialogue Partners and Development Partners to continue their support and assistance for ASEAN's efforts to bridge the development gap. We welcomed the successful outcome of the 3rd IAI Development Cooperation Forum (IDCF-3).

ASEAN CONNECTIVITY

84. We reaffirmed our commitment to promote ASEAN Connectivity that would benefit all Member States through enhanced trade, investment, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and development which would complement ongoing regional efforts to realize a people-oriented ASEAN Community by 2015. Through an enhanced connectivity between the mainland and archipelagic states in ASEAN, the production and distribution networks in the region would be deepened and enlarged, and become more entrenched in the East Asia and global economy.

85. We welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) and the ASEAN Connectivity National Coordinators (NC) and tasked both mechanisms to expedite the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity. We commended the strong support and commitment ASEAN Dialogue Partners and other external partners, including other stakeholders for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity.

86. We welcomed the report of the "First Meeting of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC)" held recently in Jakarta, and commended the work of the Committee. We call on the relevant sectoral bodies of the three Community Councils to coordinate and to extend cooperation and support to the ACCC.

87. We tasked our Finance Ministers to expedite the establishment and the guidelines on the use of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) which would play a catalyst role in resource mobilization with the help of external partners.

88. We noted with appreciation the development of sub-regional interconnectivity among ASEAN Members States, namely: Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), and Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) as fundamental building blocks for the ASEAN interconnectivity as a whole.

89. We recognized the role of governments in encouraging low-cost airlines as well as national airlines to operate more flights and flight routes within the ASEAN region in order to promote closer people-to-people connectivity.

90. We agreed to explore the development of an ASEAN Business Travel Card that would help facilitate the movement of business peoples in the region and thereby promote people-to-people connectivity as called for in the Master Plan.

91. We acknowledged that ASEAN Connectivity is the first step in the development of enhanced connectivity between ASEAN and Northeast Asia, South Asia and beyond which remains our long-term goal. We thus noted the possibility of having a "connectivity master plan plus" which would explore connectivity beyond ASEAN, focusing on Northeast Asia, South Asia and other regions.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ASEAN CHARTER

Remaining Legal Instruments under the ASEAN Charter

92. We welcomed the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN Charter, particularly the finalization of the draft legal instruments that would enable ASEAN to function as a rules-based organization. We looked forward to the conclusion of the remaining legal instruments of the ASEAN Charter and the consideration of the establishment of an ASEAN legal committee that would address any possible legal issues in the future.

ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)

93. We renewed our commitment to building a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN and to increase our peoples' sense of involvement in the work of ASEAN through their greater people's participation in our community-building process. We were pleased with the outcome of our Meeting with Representatives from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Jakarta on 7th May. We tasked the ASEAN Secretariat to coordinate with AIPA in developing appropriate modalities for future cooperation between ASEAN Government and legislatures.

Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR)

94. We welcomed the increasing role and contribution of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), including its effort to promote closer cooperation and coordination across the three pillars and sectoral bodies of ASEAN in accordance with the ASEAN Charter. We took note of the efforts of the CPR to facilitate closer cooperation with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and other external partners thereby helping the ASEAN Community building process.

ASEAN Secretariat

95. We stressed the need to enhance the capacity of the ASEAN Secretariat with necessary resources so it would be able to cope with the external dynamics and to support enhanced ASEAN integration, as well as ASEAN's greater role in the region and in the global community.

ASEAN Foundation

96. We have high expectations that the ASEAN Foundation, under the newly appointed Executive Director, will promote greater awareness of the ASEAN identity, people-to-people interaction, and close collaboration among the business sector, civil society, academia and other stakeholders in ASEAN.

REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE

97. We underlined the need to maintain ASEAN Centrality in regional architecture building and institutional building within ASEAN – with its three pillars and its Blueprints, the ASEAN Charter, and the strengthening of the ASEAN Secretariat – as fundamentals upon which to build a strong ASEAN Community that would be the core building block in the evolving regional architecture.

98. We reiterated the mutually reinforcing roles of ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three, the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) and other forums in the region in the promotion of East Asian cooperation and dialogue towards the building of a community in the wider region. We also reaffirmed that each partners have their respective niche in addressing the many challenges confronting the region and in this regard, ASEAN should tap on their individual strengths.

99. We looked forward to the participation of the Russian Federation and the United States in the 6th EAS in Bali. Both countries' role and engagement should contribute constructively to the ongoing dynamism of the region, as well as in enhancing ASEAN's role to the changing global landscape.

100. We pledged to nurture the evolution of the regional architecture toward a dynamic equilibrium by enhancing and synergizing the role of ASEAN Community in the region, through constructive partnerships between ASEAN and its external partners with the objective of achieving common stability, common security and common prosperity.

ASEAN Centrality

101. We emphasized the importance of ASEAN's centrality in the evolving regional architecture in cooperation with external partners, and reaffirmed basic principles and modalities and commitment of the EAS as outlined in the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the East Asia Summit. We stressed the need to ensure ASEAN Centrality by building on existing ASEAN-led mechanisms, as well as through existing ASEAN cooperation with individual participating countries of the EAS.

East Asia Summit (EAS)

102. We had in-depth discussions on the development of the EAS and emphasized the importance of strengthening commitment to the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of the East Asia Summit which contains the principles of the EAS as a Leaders-led as a forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia.

103. With the inclusion of the Russian Federation and the United States, we agreed to ensure that the EAS, with an enlarged participation, can contribute to the maintenance and promotion of a stable and peaceful regional environment.

104. In responding to emerging multi-dimensional challenges in the region, we agreed to ensure that the EAS serves as an effective forum for deliberations on traditional and non-traditional security threats. We further stressed the need to deliberate on strategic geo-political issues of common interest, while continuing deliberations on the 5 (five) existing EAS priority areas as well as ASEAN Connectivity.

105. We agreed to reaffirm, among EAS participating countries, the shared norms and principles, such as those enshrined in the UN Charter, the TAC, and ASEAN Charter, which are all aimed at maintaining peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the region and beyond.

106. We endorsed decisions that would be followed up at the 6th East Asia Summit in November 2011 namely:

a. To continue, consolidate, and enhance existing EAS cooperation on the issues of energy, finance, disaster management, education and avian flu prevention, which would be transformed to global health and foreign policy, and to discuss connectivity and the CEPEA at the upcoming EAS;

b. To continue the practice of EAS consideration of various specific regional and international developments, as reflected in the Chairman's Statement outcome, as appropriate;

c. To safeguard and manifest ASEAN centrality in the EAS by carrying out the decisions made on existing ASEAN-led mechanisms;

d. To reaffirm among the EAS participating countries common global norms and principles such as those enshrined in the UN Charter, TAC, the ASEAN Charter, ARF and in various arrangements between non-ASEAN participating countries which are all aimed at maintaining peace, stability and economic prosperity in the region and beyond;

e. To set in motion EAS deliberations and cooperation on a set of traditional and non-traditional security issues, based on the existing ASEAN body of work;

f. We agreed to maintain the momentum of the EAS during the period between the regular leaders' level meeting by strengthening the EAS Foreign Ministers' process;

g. To strengthen the resources available to the ASEAN Secretariat in supporting the EAS.

107. Accordingly, we intend to issue a declaration at the 6th EAS encapsulating essential elements and common principles that should imbue the conduct of EAS participating countries.

108. We tasked our Ministers to prepare a draft declaration on the selected principles to be issued at the 6th EAS.

ASEAN'S EXTERNAL RELATIONS

109. We were encouraged by the progress of ASEAN external cooperation with Dialogue Partners and agreed that ASEAN-led mechanisms/processes (ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, EAS, ARF, ADMM Plus) are all elements of the regional architecture in East Asia. Therefore, we must ensure their mutually reinforcing roles and complementarities. We agreed to fully utilize the existing ASEAN cooperation with the Dialogue Partners to promote and support the ASEAN Community.

110. We commended the proactive participation and constructive contribution of external partners in dealing with emerging challenges facing the region. We agreed to optimize the contribution of our dialogue partners to our community building ventures, such as ASEAN Connectivity, disaster management, maritime security and others.

111. We noted the importance of ASEAN energy cooperation to ensure greater security and sustainability of energy through diversification, development and conservation of resources, the efficient use of energy, as well as the wider application of environmentally-sound technologies. We underlined the need to intensify our cooperation on the development of renewable and alternative energy, including hydropower and bio-fuels in order to achieve a sustainable environment.

112. We looked forward to the signing of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) by this year, to help ensure the stability of food supply for our people, in the event of a food shortage or crisis. We also emphasized the need to implement the ASEAN Integrated Food Security Framework and the Strategic Plan of Action on Food Security in the ASEAN Region.

113. We reaffirmed our commitment to elevate ASEAN-UN cooperation to a comprehensive partnership. Furthermore, we encourage collaboration between ASEAN and the UN to increase ASEAN's capacity to respond to key global issues of common interest. We cited great potential for strengthening cooperation in the area of multi-dimensional peacekeeping and post-conflict peace-building. We look forward to issue a Declaration on ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership at the 19th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

114. We further agreed to fully capitalize on the momentum provided in 2011 to elevate our cooperation with Japan and commend the efforts to develop in a new ASEAN-Japan Declaration and Plan of Action.

115. We commended the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation for their initiatives to launch activities in conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations and the 15th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Russian Federation Dialogue Relations in 2011 respectively. We expressed support for the deliberations on an ASEAN-China Leaders Joint Statement to be issued at the ASEAN-China Summit that would commemorate 20 years of dialogue relations. We tasked the Ministers to continue finalizing the relevant documents to be adopted at the 19th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Bali.

116. We looked forward to the finalization of the ASEAN-US Plan of Action 2011-2015, which would expand and deepen cooperation beyond the existing areas of our partnership.

ASEAN-EU Business Summit

117. We commend the convening of the First ASEAN-EU Business Summit on 5th of May 2011 in Jakarta, attended by the President of Indonesia, ASEAN Economic Ministers, EU Trade Commissioner, ASEAN Secretary General and the business communities of the two regions. This Summit provided a solid foundation for strengthening cooperation and partnerships between the two regions.

ASEAN COMMUNITY IN A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF NATIONS

118. We recalled ASEAN basic provisions on global visions and commitments, ASEAN joint statements on various global issues, and ASEAN collaboration with various international and regional organizations, in underscoring the foundation and future direction for an outward looking ASEAN Community that could play a pivotal role in the international fora, and advance ASEAN's common interest.

119. We agreed to develop an ASEAN common platform on global issues, and to enhance ASEAN's capacity to respond to key global issues, that aims to promote greater coordination, coherence and cohesiveness on positions and efforts undertaken by ASEAN to address global challenges of the 21st century. To help better prepare ASEAN for this undertaking, we also agreed that ASEAN should make a detailed and comprehensive study and assessment of the key medium to long-term global trends and expected transformations in the global architecture.

120. We decided to issue at the 19th ASEAN Summit a declaration on ASEAN Community in A Global Community of Nations to further promote a common platform on global issues. We tasked our Foreign Minister to work on such a declaration.

121. For that purpose we issued the ASEAN Leaders' Joint Statement on the ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations, stating our agreement to have a common platform on global issues to be optimally attained by 2022.

GLOBAL MOVEMENT OF MODERATES

122. We welcome the initiative to establish the Global Movement of Moderates as one of ASEAN's positive contributions in shaping global developments. We task the ASEAN Secretariat to produce a concept paper on how ASEAN can promote this idea at the global level.

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

Myanmar

123. We reiterated our support to the steady progress and political developments in Myanmar following the holding of General Elections and the formation of a new parliamentary government in accordance with the Seven-Step Roadmap to Democracy. We considered the proposal of Myanmar to host the ASEAN Summits in 2014, based on its firm commitment to the principles of ASEAN.

Current Situation in the Cambodia-Thailand Border

124. We emphasized the underlying norm and principle of ASEAN that differences between ASEAN Member States should be amicably resolved in the spirit of ASEAN Solidarity, in accordance with the principles contained in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and the ASEAN Charter.

125. We welcomed Cambodia's and Thailand's commitment to peacefully resolve their differences through political dialogue and negotiations with a view to achieving mutually acceptable solution through the fullest utilization of their existing bilateral mechanism, with appropriate engagement of Indonesia, current Chair of ASEAN. In this regard, we appreciate that Cambodia and Thailand have agreed on the text of the Terms of Reference (TOR) on the Indonesian Observers Team (IOT) in the affected areas following the incidents in February 2011 and encourage the attainment of an environment conducive to their assignment. We also expressed our appreciation and support for the continuing effort of Indonesia, current Chair of ASEAN, to facilitate the process through its appropriate engagement which would help advance our collective efforts to attain the ASEAN Community.

South China Sea

126. We reaffirmed the importance of the Declaration on the Conduct of the 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 in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

127. We stressed that continuing the positive engagement of ASEAN-China is essential in moving forward the DOC issue. We stressed the need to further intensify the efforts of both ASEAN and China to ensure the effective and full implementation of the DOC and move forward the eventual conclusion of a Regional Code of Conduct (COC).

128. We welcomed the convening of the 6th ASEAN-China Joint Working Group on the DOC on 18-20 April 2011 in Medan, Indonesia. In this connection, we encouraged the continued constructive consultations between ASEAN and China, including the early convening of the ASEAN-China SOM on the DOC. We therefore reaffirm the principle of ASEAN, on the basis of unity and solidarity, to coordinate and to endeavour to develop common positions in its dialogues with its Dialogue Partners.

129. We resolved to take advantage of the momentum of the anniversary of the 20 years of ASEAN-China relations in 2011 and 10 years of the adoption of the DOC in 2012 to finalize the Guidelines on the implementation of the DOC and initiate discussions on a regional COC.

Korean Peninsula

130. We expressed concern at the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Considering the ramifications toward the Asia-Pacific region, we resolved to continue supporting the Six-party Talks, by helping create conditions conducive to the resumption of the Talks. This can be achieved particularly by optimizing the use of the ASEAN Regional Forum. We encourage ASEAN Foreign Ministers to continue exploring ways and means to enhance ASEAN's potential contribution to the resolution of the conflict.

Middle East

131. We reviewed with concern the developments in the domestic political crises in some countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

132. We expressed hope that the political unrest occurring in some parts of the region would be resolved by peaceful means. We noted with satisfaction that, amidst the unrest, ASEAN Member States, through their respective embassies in the affected countries, have lent support to one another in assisting their nationals to reach safety.

Palestine

133. We welcomed recent developments in Palestine, particularly the reconciliation between Palestine factions which was facilitated by Egypt. This reconciliation is fundamental in the struggle of the Palestinian people in attaining an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

G-20

134. We welcomed the results of the G-20 Summit in Seoul, particularly the adoption of the agenda for development, as provided in the "Seoul Development Consensus", as an integral part of the G20 Framework for Strong, Sustainable and Balanced Growth. We cited the agenda as in accordance with the developing countries' interests and conducive to comprehensive and balanced ideas on the development of the global economic and financial architecture. We reiterated our support for the continuance of discussions on the issues of financial safety net, the reform of international financial institutions, the commitment to free and fair trade and resisting protectionism.

135. We underscored the need to reform the global economic architecture to meet global challenges such as supporting and stabilizing the global economy and addressing the impact of commodities and energy price volatility. In line with the ASEAN theme for 2011, we further underlined the importance of ASEAN playing a more active role in reform of the global economic governance. We stressed the need for the ASEAN Chair to be invited to participate in the G-20 Summits on a regular basis.

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

136. We affirmed ASEAN's commitment to fully address socio-economic disparities and poverty that persist across ASEAN Member States by developing and implementing an ASEAN Roadmap towards realizing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We renewed our commitment in the Joint Declaration on the Attainment of the Millennium Development Goals in ASEAN, underscoring the importance of better coordination and participation of all key stakeholders, including public and private sectors, civil societies and UN specialized agencies, in implementing the MDGs. We called upon ASEAN Member States to further strengthen our efforts at poverty alleviation towards narrowing the development gap within ASEAN.

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

137. We affirmed our confidence in the relevance of the Non Aligned Movement's principles and role in the pursuit of the interests of developing countries in multilateral fora and in the solution of global challenges. We expressed our support for Indonesia's hosting of the 118th meeting of Foreign Ministers of Non-Aligned Countries in Bali, May 2011, and the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement.

OTHER ISSUES

Timor-Leste's Formal Request to be a Full Member of ASEAN

138. We came to an understanding that the discussion on Timor-Leste's formal request to be a member of ASEAN needs further consideration. In this context, we tasked the Foreign Ministers, in their capacity as the ASEAN Coordinating Council, to look at this issue very closely and provide recommendations for the Leaders' consideration at a later stage with a view to a decision later in 2011.

The Ottawa Convention to Ban Anti-Personnel Landmines

139. We welcomed the convening of the 11th Meeting of Parties to the Ottawa Convention to Ban Anti-Personnel Landmines in Phnom Penh from 28th November to 2nd December 2011 and encouraged ASEAN Member States to send the representatives to participate in the meeting in order to show solidarity and commitment to peace and security in our region and the world.