[Title] Chair's Statement of the 19th ASEAN Summit
1. The 19th ASEAN Summit, under the Chairmanship's theme of “ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations,” held in Bali on 17 November 2011, was chaired by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as the Chair of ASEAN in 2011. The Summit was attended by the Heads of State/Government of all ASEAN Member States and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.
2. We, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States, had extensive, open and fruitful discussions on the three priorities of ASEAN 2011, namely: to ensure significant progress in achieving the ASEAN Community; to ensure that the regional architecture and regional environment remain conducive to development; and to enhance ASEAN's role in the global community.
3. We expressed our deep sympathy and condolences to the Governments and peoples of Southeast Asian countries for the loss of lives and damage to social, economic as well as environmental assets caused by floods from heavy incessant rains over the past months, which affected among others, Cambodia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. In this regard, we emphasized the importance of strong cooperation and coordination amongst ASEAN Member States in enhancing regional capacity on disaster management. We therefore adopted the ASEAN Leader's Statement on Cooperation in Flood Prevention, Mitigation, Relief, Recovery and Rehabilitation.
4. We agreed to accelerate and ensure significant progress in achieving the ASEAN Community; to ensure that the regional architecture and regional environment remain conducive to development; and to enhance ASEAN's role in the global community by adopting and signing the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations.
5. We agreed, adopted and noted other landmark and significant outcome documents under the three pillars of ASEAN Community as follows:
- ASEAN Framework for Equitable Economic Development: Guiding Principles for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth;
- ASEAN Framework for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership;
- ASEAN Declaration of Commitment: Getting to Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination, Zero AIDS-Related Deaths;
- Bali Declaration on the Enhancement of the Role and Participation of Persons with Disabilities;
- ASEAN Leaders' Statement on Climate Change to the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-17 UNFCCC) and the 7th Session of the Conference of Parties serving as the Meeting of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP7 Kyoto Protocol);
- Report on the Progress of the List Annual Targets for 2011;
- Term of Reference of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women (AMMW).
ASEAN COMMUNITY BUILDING
6. We welcome the annual report of the Secretary-General of ASEAN on the work of ASEAN which highlights ASEAN's progress, opportunities and challenges in its Community building and integration process from the 17th ASEAN Summit in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, October 2010, to the 19th ASEAN Summit in Bali, Indonesia, November 2011.
7. We welcome the development of a list of yearly targeted achievements of the implementation of the Community Blueprints, namely the ASEAN Community Building – Annual Targets 2011, as well as new initiatives and cooperation towards the ASEAN Community in 2015 which have been and will be integrated into national policy and programmes.
8. We observed that ASEAN needs to strengthen its effective synergy and coordination across all three pillars of the ASEAN Community to ensure that all activities are responsive to the needs and priorities of ASEAN and its Community building and integration. We acknowledge with appreciation the effort of the ASEAN Community Councils to promote and strengthen coordination of all its sectoral bodies and the efforts of the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) to promote coherence of all three pillars of the ASEAN Community. We also commend the role of the Secretary-General of ASEAN in helping to promote better coordination.
ASEAN POLITICAL SECURITY COMMUNITY (APSC)
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC)
9. The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) has had a significant role as the key code of conduct governing inter-state relations in the region. We welcome that throughout the year, in facing challenges, ASEAN has continued to uphold the principles of the TAC to foster cooperation and understanding among High Contracting Parties and ensure the preservation of peace and harmony in the region.
10. We welcome the accession of Canada to the Third Protocol of the TAC during the 44th AMM/PMC/18th ARF in Bali, July 2011. We are encouraged by the continued interest of other non-ASEAN Member States to accede to the TAC as a positive signal and commitment to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN and to maintain peace and security in the region. In this connection, we welcome the signing of the Declaration of Accession to the TAC by the Minister for External Relations of Brazil in Bali and look forward to Brazil's Accession to the Treaty upon completion of its domestic procedures. We expressed the hope that Brazil's accession to the Treaty would significantly enhance the latter's cooperation with ASEAN, particularly in the promotion of peace, security and prosperity in the region. We also look forward to the ratification of the Third Protocol Amending the TAC by all High Contracting Parties so that the European Union (EU) can also accede to the TAC.
Good Governance
11. We welcome the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions (ASEANSAI) by the Heads of Supreme Audit Institutions of ASEAN Member States. We commend their intention to enhance the quality and professionalism of public audit officials, as well as promote good governance and rule of law in the region. We further encouraged ASEANSAI to actively contribute to promoting good governance and transparency within the ASEAN Community with reference to the ASEAN Roadmap for the ASEAN Community.
Conflict Resolution and Conflict Management
12. We welcome the recommendations from our Foreign Ministers on the establishment of an ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) and decided to adopt the modality with a view to officially launch the establishment of the AIPR as an ASEAN entity associated with ASEAN during Cambodia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2012. We therefore task our Foreign Ministers to implement the set of recommendations on the establishment of an AIPR, including the finalization of its Terms of Reference.
13. We further tasked our Foreign Ministers to explore ways of linking the AIPR in a network with other institutes and entities in the region as well as other regions and at the international level, which have similar objectives aimed at promoting a culture of peace.
Maritime Cooperation
14. We reaffirm our commitment to work together in addressing maritime issues comprehensively within the framework of the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) and other existing ASEAN mechanisms for the benefit of our ASEAN region.
15. We welcome the initiative to have cooperation in information-sharing among ASEAN Member States. We also acknowledge the importance of promoting and harmonizing cooperation in maritime environment protection including illegal activities related to the marine environment. We call for continuing efforts and cooperation in combating sea piracy and armed robbery at sea, as well as eliminating illegal logging, smuggling of goods and people smuggling of migrants, illicit trafficking of drugs and all crimes conducted at sea.
16. We therefore welcome the results of the 2nd ASEAN Maritime Forum in Pattaya, Thailand, 17-19 August 2011. We note with interest the proposal of convening an expanded AMF, back-to-back with future meetings of the AMF, to include countries in the wider East Asia region. Bearing in mind the dynamic nature of maritime cooperation, we are in full agreement to maintain ASEAN's centrality in light of new proposals and initiatives related to maritime cooperation in the region and beyond.
17. We further task the AMF to start developing approaches and cooperative measures on maritime cooperation. We, to this end, commit to create a mind-set for an effective cooperation on maritime-related issues as well as for providing recommendations and solutions to current and emerging challenges.
Transnational Crime (TNC)
18. We underline the need to deepen our cooperation to further implement the Work Programme to Implement the ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat Transnational Crime and to respond effectively to all forms of transnational crimes and transboundary challenges.
19. We encourage the follow-up of the ASEAN Leaders' Joint Statement in Enhancing Cooperation against Trafficking in Persons in Southeast Asia and request relevant agencies to accelerate the development of an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP) or other legal instruments in this regard.
20. We welcome the outcomes of the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crimes (AMMTC) and its related Meetings as well as efforts to enhance ASEAN cooperation in combating various transnational crimes. The entry into force of the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism this year is an important achievement for ASEAN in strengthening its commitment to combat terrorism in the region.
Peacekeeping and Post-Conflict Peace Building
21. We emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in capacity building and strengthening networks and training in the areas of conflict prevention, conflict management, conflict resolution, peacekeeping and post-conflict peace building within ASEAN as well as in connecting such efforts with similar regional and global efforts.
22. We acknowledge that peacekeeping has become multidimensional in nature, consisting of military, police, and civilian components, carrying out a wide range of mandated tasks, including inter alia, peace agreement observations, mediation, conflict resolution and post-conflict peace-building. We further acknowledge the importance for ASEAN Member States to adapt to this development and create synergies with other regional and global institutions with a view to strengthen its networks and capacities in support of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. We underscore that this effort would elevate the vital role of ASEAN Member States to contribute and support UN peacekeeping operations, based on their respective readiness.
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
23. We welcome the results of the 18th ARF in Bali, 23 July 2011, which reiterates the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as the primary forum to discuss political and security issues in the Asia Pacific region. We are committed to enhance the role of the ARF to remain relevant as one central pillar in the regional architecture. We stress that the ARF, as demonstrated during the last 18th ARF in Bali, July 2011, has the potential to contribute and further create a conducive condition for dialogue, consultation and cooperation in the region.
24. We are looking forward to the implementation of the new ARF Preventive Diplomacy Work Plan which marks the shift of phase from confidence building measures to preventive diplomacy. Therefore, we underscored the importance of the establishment of appropriate preventive diplomacy mechanisms in the region and the enhancement of the capacity and capabilities in this matter.
25. We tasked our relevant Ministers to continue pursuing synergy and effective coordination with the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus and other ASEAN-initiated arrangements in the region.
ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus
26. We welcome the outcomes of the 5th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Jakarta, 19 May 2011, and the results of the ADMM Retreat in Bali, 24 October 2011, as part of ASEAN's Community building process and the further enhancement of defense initiatives and cooperation in ASEAN and beyond. We are encouraged with the follow-up of the adoption of the ADMM Three-Year Work Programme 2011-2013, the Concept Paper on the Establishment of an ASEAN Peacekeeping Centres Network and the Concept Paper on Establishing an ASEAN Industry Defense Collaboration. We instruct our Defense Ministers to follow up and implement the adopted Work Programme and Concept Papers, and report the progress to the next Summit.
27. We noted the positive progress of the work within the ADMM-Plus, particularly on the establishment of the five Experts' Working Group (EWGs) on maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, military medicine, and peacekeeping operations, as well as the speedy convening of the inaugural EWGs meetings. We emphasized the importance of the ADMM-Plus as an important platform to foster constructive engagement between ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners on strategic, defence and security issues affecting the region. We also underlined the role of the ADMM-Plus EWGs as platforms for practical cooperation between ASEAN and the Plus countries to strengthen the region's capacity and effectiveness in addressing common security challenges.
ASEAN Security Outlook (ASO)
28. We welcome the adoption of the standardized format of the ASEAN Security Outlook (ASO) to promote greater transparency, confidence and understanding of the regional defense policies and security perceptions in Southeast Asia. We therefore encourage the substantive contribution from all ASEAN Member States to the ASO and look forward to its first publication next year.
South East Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ)
29. We welcome the conclusion of negotiations with the Nuclear Weapon States (NWSs) to enable the NWSs to accede to the SEANWFZ Protocol. The NWSs and ASEAN agreed to take the necessary steps to enable the signing of the Protocol and its entry into force at the earliest opportunity.
30. We further welcome the adoption by consensus of the biennial SEANWFZ Resolution in the First Committee of the 66th United Nations General Assembly. We are highly encouraged that all NWSs, for the first time and unprecedentedly, not only supported, but also co-sponsored the resolution. We shall continue this constructive collaboration and maintain the positive momentum for the creation of a world that is free of nuclear weapons.
ASEAN Cooperation on Preserving Southeast Asia as a Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone and Free of all other Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
31. As one of the purposes of ASEAN is to preserve Southeast Asia as a Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone and free of all other weapons of mass destruction, we task our Foreign Ministers to deepen cooperation for total elimination of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. In accordance with the constitutional process of every ASEAN Member State, we encourage the universalization of chemical weapons convention and biological weapons convention in our region.
32. We commit to continue supporting international efforts to achieve a nuclear-weapons-free world. We support efforts at regional and international levels to promote nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We reaffirm 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.
ASEAN Inter-governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)
33. We welcome the progress of the work of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) as the overarching institution in the promotion and protection of human rights in the region. The first annual report of AICHR reflects that this Commission has evolved since its establishment. We further welcome the commencement of the drafting of an ASEAN Human Rights Declaration as a reflection of ASEAN's progress in respecting fundamental rights, the promotion and protection of human rights and the promotion of social justice. We look forward to the early adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. In this regard, we noted the task given by the Foreign Ministers to AICHR to finalize the drafting of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, including through the extension of the mandate of its drafting group and to submit its progress at the AMM Retreat in January 2012.
34. Bearing in mind that human rights is a cross-cutting issue as well as cross pillars that is being dealt with in several sectoral bodies, we encourage AICHR to strengthen its capacity and to engage with relevant stakeholders in the region in developing cooperation in the field of human rights. We appreciate AICHR's efforts to finalize the Five Year Work Plan and to fully implement the future programmes and activities under its Work Plan.
ASEAN Legal and Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM)
35. We noted the progress made by ALAWMM in implementing various programmes to promote greater legal understanding and cooperation among ASEAN Member States which have been agreed upon at previous ALAWMMs. We agreed to entrust ALAWMM to develop programmes to strengthen the rule of law, legal cooperation, and legal infrastructures in cooperation with other sectoral bodies and relevant entities. We further tasked the ALAWMM to enhance cooperation on the issue of extradition as envisaged by the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint. We look forward to further progress and developments in the near future, and therefore support the Chairmanship of Indonesia in the 9th ALAWMM in 2013.
ASEAN Visa Cooperation
36. We reaffirmed our commitment to continue and accelerate the easing of visa requirements for ASEAN nationals through the full implementation of the 2006 ASEAN Framework Agreement for Visa Exemption. We noted the importance of the initiative to develop an ASEAN common visa for non-ASEAN nationals in the future to our ASEAN Community building process, as well as to ASEAN's greater integration and contribution to the global community. Therefore, we tasked the relevant Ministers to undertake a comprehensive study to identify the necessary time line towards the establishment of an ASEAN common visa for submission to the 23rd ASEAN Summit for its consideration.
Civil Service Matters
37. We noted the finalization of the ASEAN Plus Three Conference on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) Work Plan (2012-2015) and the Rules of Procedure for the ACCSM+3 Joint Technical Working Group following the adoption of the Luang Prabang Joint Declaration on ASEAN Plus Three Civil Service Cooperation by the ASEAN+3 Heads of Civil Service last year.
Biennial Review of the APSC Blueprint
38. We are pleased with the outcomes of the biennial review of the APSC Blueprint and welcome the progress achieved for the timely establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015. We also recognize the need to accelerate further the implementation of the remaining action plans of the political-security community blueprints and task the relevant ministerial bodies to work closely under the coordination of the ASEAN Political Security Community Council. We task the Chairs of related sectoral bodies to ensure the collaborative implementation of the APSC Blueprint.
ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
39. We welcome the deliberation of the bi-annual report on the achievement made in the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint namely the AEC Scorecard. The evaluation results shall remain as a main guide in tracking progress in realizing an ASEAN Economic Community. In this regard, we further urge the development of the mentioned evaluation taking into account the real conditions of advancement based on different economic conditions in each ASEAN Member State.
40. We were pleased to note that the ASEAN Economic Ministers have continued an extensive public-private partnership this year, notably with the convening the ASEAN-EU Business Summit, and ASEAN Business and Investment Summit respectively, as sideline events of the 18th and 19th ASEAN Summit. We look forward to the continued efforts in advancing public-private partnership among ASEAN Member States and with non-ASEAN countries to enable all stakeholders to enjoy the full benefits of the ASEAN Economic Community.
ASEAN Framework for Equitable Economic Development
41. We underscored that all segments of society should benefit from ASEAN's economic integration. To this end, we have elaborated on the third pillar of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint by issuing the ASEAN Framework for Equitable Economic Development as a means to direct our efforts. We are committed to ensure that equitable development helps set our agenda so that our population benefits from the economic integration and cooperation. We recognize that equitable development is one key element of our vision for ASEAN beyond 2015.
42. We reaffirmed our commitment to the ongoing efforts of supporting equitable development including the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI), ASEAN Policy Blueprint for SME Development (APBSD) and ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development, ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework, ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) and Sub-Regional Cooperation arrangements within ASEAN.
43. We agreed to enhance ASEAN cooperation to support and promote equitable development. We tasked our Ministers to explore new and innovative initiatives that will boost access to finance and the financial security of our people throughout the region and enhance economic activities by:
- Convening an ASEAN forum to develop best practices and exchange of information among ASEAN Member States on financial inclusion. This initiative will be launched through a dedicated conference in 2012. This will start the process of developing ASEAN best practices and consideration in the development of a concrete financial inclusion programme that would support ASEAN Member States in strengthening or establishing national plans for access to finance.
- Improving regional cooperation and commitment to improve flows of remittances. In this regard, we task the relevant Ministers to convene a dedicated forum to discuss best practices in this area including through the consideration of the General Principles of International Remittance Services, and report the progress to the 21st ASEAN Summit.
44. We therefore welcome Singapore's extension of its contributions to the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) from 2012 to 2015, with a fourth pledge totaling $50 million, to assist in the achievement of the ASEAN Community in 2015.
ASEAN Framework for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
45. Recognizing the benefits of sound and sustainable economic relations with partner countries, we reinforced our commitment to maintain the centrality and proactive role of ASEAN in relation to external parties. We welcome the ASEAN Framework for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that establishes an ASEAN-led process by setting out principles under which ASEAN will broaden and deepen its engagement with FTA/CEP partners and subsequently with other external economic partners towards a regional comprehensive economic partnership agreement. This agreement includes trade in goods, trade in services, and investment as well as other areas related to trade, investment and economic cooperation. We envisage that this partnership agreement will provide a framework under which ASEAN and its external partners can address trade and investment issues that may emerge in the future.
46. We tasked relevant Ministers to develop a work plan to realize the goals set out in the ASEAN Framework for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. To support these efforts, we agreed to the establishment of three Working Groups in the areas of Trade in Goods, Trade in Services and Investment to define the specific principles and a template under which ASEAN will engage with partners. The Working Group on Trade in Goods will follow up on the outcome of the ASEAN Plus Working Groups on Rules of Origin, Tariff Nomenclature and Customs Procedures. Other working groups can be established based on the specific requirements as decided by the Ministers. The existing ASEAN Plus Working Group on Economic Cooperation will support the work of these groups by defining how economic cooperation will ensure that all ASEAN Member States benefit from economic partnership in the areas of engagement. The ASEAN Economic Community Council shall report the progress of this endeavor at the 20th ASEAN Summit.
ASEAN Single Window
47. We welcome the exercise of the ASEAN Single Window pilot project in the third quarter of 2011. We believe it to be a breakthrough in realizing our commitment to enhance regional trade facilitation by promoting trade efficiency and competitiveness. We reaffirm our commitment to fully implement the National Single Window no later than 2012 and to accelerate the establishment of an ASEAN Single Window.
ASEAN Economic Initiatives
48. We look forward to an early conclusion of the 8th ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) Package commitment, and to a substantive outcome of the development of the ASEAN Agreement on Movement of Natural Persons in facilitating movement of peoples engaged in trade in goods, services, and investment. We also welcome the decision to develop a plan to expedite full implementation of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs).
49. Creating a beneficial investment area is a profound objective of ASEAN's economic integration. We are therefore pleased with the timely finalization of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA). We also welcome the decision of the ASEAN Economic Ministers to intensify their engagement with the private sector and academicians. We are of the view that this kind of engagement will prove beneficial to expand ASEAN's economic integration to all stakeholders.
50. We welcome the convening of the first ASEAN Investment Forum (AIF) attended by delegations of the ASEAN Heads of Investment Agencies in Bali on 16 November 2011, which was very useful for exchange of ideas and experiences on the implementation of the recent concept and practice of investment. AIF is an important step in enhancing the institutional aspect of Investment Agency in ASEAN within the ASEAN Economic Community 2015.
51. We appreciate the report of the Government of Indonesia-ERIA-Harvard Symposium on “Moving the ASEAN Community Forward into 2015 and Beyond”, which provides creative ideas for a competitive, dynamic, inclusive, sustainable, and globally engaged ASEAN beyond 2015. The “Jakarta Framework” which was presented to the Chairman of ASEAN will add value to the discussion to establish the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 and beyond.
52. We welcomed the Statement of the ERIA's 4th Governing Board Meeting issued on 3rd June 2011 and its work plan identifying its direction to undertake research and policy recommendation to establish a dynamic, resilient, competitive and sustainable regional community, and commend ERIA for its intensified contribution to the acceleration of regional integration in ASEAN and East Asia. Encourage ERIA to continuously provide support to the Summit activities of ASEAN and East Asia through its expertise on regional issues.
ASEAN Mekong Basin Development Cooperation (AMBDC)
53. We highly appreciate the convening of the 13th AMBDC Ministerial Meeting in Manado, Indonesia, as a forum to promote sustainable development of the Mekong basin region. We have always valued sub-regional cooperation as building blocks for further regional integration. We noted the recommendations made to align the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link (SKRL) project with activities of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and task the relevant Ministerial Bodies to re-double efforts in the implementation of activities under the AMBDC projects.
ASEAN Strategic Transport Plan (ASTP)
54. We were delighted to note the progress in implementing the Brunei Action Plan/ASEAN Strategic Transport Plan (2011–2015) by the relevant sectoral bodies in strengthening the competitiveness of the ASEAN Economic Community as well as expediting the realization of the ASEAN Connectivity.
ASEAN Tourism
55. We appreciate the effort of the tourism sector to implement the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2011-2015, including the reform of its working groups in order to organize the strategic directions in developing experiential and innovative regional products and creative marketing and investment strategies, increasing the quality of human resources, services and facilities in the region as well as enhancing and accelerating travel facilitation and ASEAN Connectivity.
Food, Water and Energy Security
56. We reflected how our present and future activities will impact the interests and quality of life of our children. Along this line, we reemphasized that food, water and energy security shall remain critical to the welfare of our people and to our policies in maintaining a resilient and competitive region.
57. We believe that at this juncture, ASEAN must continue playing an active role in laying down the path for long term programmes in securing access of our peoples to food and water. As such, we call for enhanced research and development in the agriculture sector, a more coordinated food policy in the region, and greater investment in the agriculture sector.
58. We are committed to make food security one of our highest priorities in our development programmes. We are of the view that agricultural policies need to be reevaluated both at the national, regional and global level. There is an urgent need to increase efforts at the national, regional and international level in mainstreaming food security and sustainable agriculture development as an integral part of the national, regional and global development agenda. We further commit to take measures in order to capitalize limited natural resources.
59. We therefore welcome the adoption of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) at the ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry in Jakarta last October. We look forward to the entry into force of the APTERR Agreement at the earliest possible time, and task our relevant Ministers to study the possibility of APTERR incorporating commodities other than rice to secure the alarming risk of food price volatility.
60. We agreed to reinforce our collective efforts to promote sustainable usage and management of water resources in the region. We acknowledged further the importance of promoting sustainability of water resources in the region to ensure the interest of the people of ASEAN, including people living along the Mekong River and the riparian countries.
61. We are conscious, with respect to the energy sector, of the region's high dependence on fossil fuels and the volatility of fuel prices in the world market. We underscored our determination to maintain high economic growth, to find viable alternative and renewable energy resources as well as to increase energy efficiency and conservation. We also noted with pleasure the adoption of the ASEAN Plus Three Comprehensive Strategy on Food Security and Bio Energy Development that includes the Strategic Plan of Action on Food and Energy Security (SPA-FES) 2011-2015. This initiative further highlights the commitment of ASEAN Plus Three to prioritize synergies in both food and energy sectors.
62. We stressed again our determination to ensure electricity access to all of our people as this initiative provides valuable incentives for economic activities throughout the region. Apart from expediting the realization of an ASEAN Power Grid, we must continue to find stable and reliable sources of energy for rural areas. To this end, we seek to strengthen collaboration with our Dialogue Partners. We also recognized the importance of engaging the private sector and other interested stakeholders. We therefore welcome the current development of ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2010-2015 and look forward to an enhanced cooperation in the energy sector beyond 2015.
63. We commended ERIA's contribution to the strengthening of energy cooperation in the region through research studies and policy recommendations in key areas such as energy outlook, emergency response, enhancing the efficient and clean use of existing fossil fuel, promoting biofuels and other renewable energy, improving electricity infrastructure, improving nuclear power safety cooperation and the consideration of developing smart communities.
64. Energy security is one of the challenges of our time that needs to be addressed through the promotion of clean energy and suitable energy policy to enable ASEAN Member States to increase their efficiencies and promote economic growth. We, therefore, must gradually depart from the utilization of fossil fuels as primary energy sources to new energy sources and supplies that are clean and renewable. In this regard, we need to construct stronger and comprehensive cooperation on the transformation of the current energy system toward the path of a more secure, reliable and environmentally sustainable mechanism. This process requires the role of renewable and sustainable energy sources as ASEAN's potential asset in the future.
Macroeconomic Coordination and Financial Cooperation
65. We were pleased with the performance of the region's economy, due to strong domestic demand, coupled with sound macroeconomic management. We were concerned at the current fragility of the global economy, due in particular to continued uncertainty in Europe and a slow recovery in the United States, but expressed confidence in our ability and the ability of the ASEAN-led process to weather the current situation. We noted with satisfaction the role of the private sector in maintaining the growth of our economies through their expanded private investment. We recognized that the surge in capital flows, inflationary pressures, and commodity price volatility has the potential to destabilize our economies. Against these challenges, we are determined to expand the appropriate macroeconomic policy and macro-prudential measures as well as strengthen coordinated responses.
66. We welcome the progress towards integrating our financial market by 2015. We were also pleased with the progress reached in the development of an ASEAN Investment Fund (AIF). We were of the view that ASEAN should continue its involvement and contribution to attain a sustainable and balanced growth in Asia. To this end, we look forward to the full operation of the Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility (CGIF) as a promising mechanism for private sectors to secure long-term funding through local bond markets. We were also pleased to learn about the continued contribution of the Asian Bond Market Initiative (ABMI) in supporting investment and stabilizing the capital market.
67. We endorse our Ministers' decision to continue enlisting private knowledge and expertise in the region to help realizing financial integration. Along this line, we are encouraged with an enhanced collaboration between our financial officials and ASEAN+3 Research Group. We also acknowledge the vital role played by ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) in assisting the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM) analyze the regional economy and detect risks. In this respect, we look forward to a stronger collaboration between the CMIM, ASEAN+3 Research Group, and other relevant parties to have an early warning system, detect and prevent future crisis. We noted further the importance of improving cooperation in international remittance to reduce cost of transfer of money among ASEAN Member States.
Review of AEC Blueprint and AEC Scorecard
68. We appreciate ERIA's support for its undertaking of the midterm review of the AEC Blueprint and the improvement of the AEC Scorecard Monitoring System and Mechanism to facilitate the timely establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.
ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY
Disaster Management
69. We welcome with satisfaction the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) by our Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the 19th ASEAN Summit. We further welcome the official launch of the AHA Centre on 17 November 2011 as a mechanism in facilitating cooperation and coordination among the ASEAN Member States and with relevant United Nations agencies and international organizations to promote regional collaboration.
70. We appreciate the contribution by the Indonesian Government as well as our Dialogue Partners, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States of America, and welcome the incoming support from the European Union and other dialogue and external partners in the establishment of the AHA Centre. We encourage the commitment and contribution from ASEAN Member States as well as our Dialogue Partners to ensure the full operationalisation and to strengthen the capacity of the AHA Centre. We tasked the relevant Ministers to convene the First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) as soon as possible to discuss among others the operationalisation of AHA Centre and address any operational and financial gaps.
71. We emphasized the need to intensify disaster management cooperation amongst the ASEAN Member States and to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and the United Nations as well as inter-regional disaster management cooperation between ASEAN and other regional organizations. We therefore agreed to enhance the role of the Secretary-General of ASEAN as the Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator.
72. We encourage cross sectoral coordination and multi-stakeholder participation, including greater civil-military coordination in emergency response operation. We also encourage the various sectors and mechanisms related to disaster management in ASEAN, including those under ASEAN + 1, ASEAN + 3, East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum, to synchronise their policies using AADMER as the common platform to ensure the principles of ASEAN Centrality.
Migrant Workers
73. We noted with satisfaction the progress of the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, including the development of the draft ASEAN Instrument on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers.
74. We tasked the ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting to continue their work to implement the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, including to take a phased approach in the development of an ASEAN Instrument on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers in the region, starting by focusing on issues which are comfortable to all ASEAN Member States, in line with the existing national laws and/or policies, and in accordance with the Cebu Declaration.
Rural Development and Poverty Eradication
75. We welcome the results of the 7th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (7th AMRDPE) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, 2 November 2011. We note with satisfaction the continued efforts made in addressing the priorities of the ASEAN Framework Action Plan on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (2004-2010). We welcome the adoption of the ASEAN Framework Action Plan on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (2011-2015) by the Ministers as a reaffirmation of ASEAN's commitment to eradicating poverty and developing a progressive, prosperous, and self-reliant rural and urban communities, as well as engaging stakeholders through the establishment of an ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication.
Environment and Climate Change
76. We adopted the ASEAN Leaders' Statement on Climate Change to the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (COP17) and the 7th Session of the Conference of Parties serving as the Meeting of Parties (CMP7) to the Kyoto Protocol as our common position towards COP17 and CMP7 which will be held in Durban, South Africa, on 28 November - 9 December 2011. We reiterated our strong commitment to actively engage in addressing climate change issues both in mitigation and adaptation at the global level to ensure fair, effective and equitable outcome for a new climate change regime.
77. We are of the view that an agreement on a 10-Year Framework of Programmes to promote sustainable consumption and production would be a useful contribution to Rio + 20 to support sustainable development and poverty eradication and help developing countries with financial and technical support, appropriate technology transfer, capacity building and market access.
Environmentally-Sustainable Cities
78. We look forward to the convening of the 2nd ASEAN Environmentally Sustainability City Award 2011 in Bali, 23 November 2011, simultaneously with the 9th Meeting of Conference of the Parties (COP) of Vienna Convention and the 23rd Meeting of the Parties (MOP) to the Montreal Protocol. We congratulate the ten selected cities that have been nominated for the Award, as well as the additional six cities, on a competitive basis using the agreed criteria for Environmentally Sustainable City to receive a “Certificate of Recognition”. We recommend that the said event be held periodically as the means to recognize cities with adequate air, land and water quality in the region.
Education
79. We reiterated our calls to have the teaching of ASEAN studies at all levels, exchange of students programme, and the development of a framework of a transfer of credits among universities in ASEAN Member States.
80. We praised the implementation of the ASEAN Credit Transfer System (ACTS) among participating universities by the ASEAN University Network (AUN) as an effort to encourage greater mobility and exchanges among students in the region.
81. We noted progress made in developing source materials on ASEAN for reference by schools, as well as the development of the AUN ASEAN Studies Course for Undergraduates. We also noted with satisfaction the collaboration of 5 (five) open universities in ASEAN to develop ASEAN perspectives on various issues and to strengthen the partnership among ASEAN universities through the establishment of a “Master Degree Programme of ASEAN Studies” that will support the ASEAN integration and the ASEAN Community building.
Women, Children and Other Vulnerable Groups
82. We welcome the Preliminary Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Women in Bogor, Indonesia, on 6 October 2011. We approved the establishment of an ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women (AMMW) and also welcome the adoption of the Terms of Reference of AMMW by Ministers in charge of women to further strengthen ASEAN cooperation on women's empowerment and gender mainstreaming.
83. We also welcome the adoption of the ASEAN Committee on Women's Work Plan (2011-2015) that gives emphasis on mainstreaming gender perspective in ASEAN cooperation across sectors such as environment, labour, health, and education. We also welcome the adoption of the ASEAN Strategic Framework on Social Welfare and Development (2011-2015) aimed at safeguarding the welfare and rights of older people, persons with disabilities, children and families.
84. We welcome the finalization of the Rules of Procedures (ROP) of the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) and look forward to the progress of the ACWC work in finalizing its 5-year Work Plan.
Youth
85. We commend the level of engagement among youths in the region through the numerous youth exchange programmes within ASEAN and with ASEAN's Dialogue Partners, and the continuous effort to facilitate regular engagement and dialogue between ASEAN youths and officials through ASEAN activities and projects, focusing on entrepreneurship, leadership development, education and volunteerism. In this regard, we welcome the initiative to establish the ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme by the ASEAN Senior Officials on Youth (SOMY).
Health and Communicable Diseases
86. We adopted the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment: Getting To Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination, Zero AIDS-Related Deaths and noted the launching of the ASEAN Regional Report on HIV/AIDS (2010) during the commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN Declaration on HIV and AIDS. We underlined the importance of effective and comprehensive response to prevent and reduce the number of new HIV infections and provide appropriate treatment, care and support to key affected population and other vulnerable groups.
87. We welcome the official launch of 15 June as ASEAN Dengue Day at the regional level and the convening of the ASEAN Dengue Day Conference in Jakarta on 13-14 June 2011 to increase public awareness of dengue infection. We also commended the “Jakarta Call for Action on the Control and Prevention of Dengue” declared during the launching of ASEAN Dengue Day in preventing dengue transmission in the region. We tasked the relevant Ministers to enhance regional preparedness and capacity in ensuring the continuous effort towards the prevention and control of dengue as well as other communicable diseases in ASEAN.
Persons with Disabilities
88. We adopted the Bali Declaration on the Enhancement of the Role and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the ASEAN Community. We also agree to proclaim the ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities 2011-2020 to ensure effective participation of persons with disabilities in all relevant activities and mainstream disability perspectives in regional policies and programmes. We recognize the potential contribution of persons with disabilities and their significant participation in building the ASEAN Community by 2015.
Science & Technology
89. We welcome the adoption of the Krabi Initiative by the 6th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science & Technology (IAMMST-6) in Krabi, Thailand. We noted that the Krabi Initiative shall put equal importance to ‘Innovation' as it does on Science and Technology cooperation. In this regard, we express our support to the efforts of the Ministers in applying Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for a Competitive, Sustainable and Inclusive ASEAN.
Sports and ASEAN's Bid to Host World Cup 2030
90. We noted the progress of the establishment of the ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Body on Sports to enhance cooperation in sports and sports-related activities in order to promote a healthier lifestyle for citizens of ASEAN Member States. We look forward to the convening of the inaugural Senior Officials Meeting on Sports on 30 November 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia and the inaugural ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports which will be held in December 2011 in Yogyakarta and the convening of the 26th SEA Games in Palembang and Jakarta, Indonesia, as well as the 6th ASEAN Para-Games in Solo, Indonesia.
91. We tasked the relevant Ministers to take the necessary follow-up actions in preparation for our bid to possibly host of the FIFA the World Cup in 2030 and to coordinate with relevant regional organizations and other relevant ASEAN Ministries towards this end.
Cultural Identity
92. We welcome the signing of the Declaration on ASEAN Unity in Cultural Diversity: Towards Strengthening ASEAN Community by the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA). We reaffirm our commitment to consolidate ASEAN unity and to promote an ASEAN sense of belonging. We also underlined the importance of recognizing, respecting, protecting and promoting the existing cultural diversity in the region.
93. We expressed support for an ASEAN television channel or network in each ASEAN Member State to enhance media cooperation through the use of appropriate media channels and to promote the teaching of ASEAN languages in the soon-to-be-established center for languages in Indonesia.
ASEAN CONNECTIVITY
94. We welcome the official launching of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund that will be utilized to leverage the financing of connectivity projects under the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC). We tasked our Finance Ministers to expedite the establishment and the guidelines on the use of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and expedite the effective utilization of the Fund which would play a catalystic role in mobilizing resource from external partners.
95. We noted the significant interest of our dialogue and external partners to support the implementation of the MPAC and tasked the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) to further promote effective cooperation with these partners to implement the Master Plan. We commended the work of the ACCC and tasked it to work closely with the National Coordinator, relevant sectoral bodies and sub-regional organizations to elaborate the Master Plan into concrete activities and to mobilize support from external partners of ASEAN, including international and regional organizations and the private sector.
96. We welcome the status of implementation of the priority projects of the Master Plan, including the agreement to start the imminent commencement of the feasibility study on the ASEAN Ro-Ro Network supported by Japan. We also welcome the convening of the ASEAN Connectivity Symposium in Bali on 8-9 November 2011 which was brought together 200 ASEAN Stakeholders including ASEAN private sector and external partners to discuss, support and implement the Master Plan. We tasked the ACCC to undertake more specific and targeted outreach and advocacy activities on connectivity within and outside ASEAN and to continue their engagements with ASEAN Dialogue and External Partners, including other potential external parties for resource mobilization, and support the implementation of the Master Plan.
97. We recognized the importance of the MPAC in narrowing the development gap within and among ASEAN Member States and lessening the impact of trade liberalization. The development of ASEAN's production and distribution networks in the region should also support the strengthening of the 3rd pillar of the ASEAN Economic Community, which is Equitable Economic Development.
98. We recognized that the advancement of ASEAN Connectivity will bring about complementary progress in various sectors in ASEAN, mainly tourism, transportation and telecommunication. We actively encourage the expedient progress of the MPAC in order to attain the synergetic effect of a Connected ASEAN.
99. We further welcome the establishment of the ASEAN Connectivity National Coordinators (NC) and task them to work closely with ACCC to expedite the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity at the national level. We commended the strong support of ASEAN Dialogue Partners, other external parties and stakeholders on projects to develop physical, institutional and people-to-people connectivity in the region. In this regard, we call on the relevant sectoral bodies to continue their support and facilitate the process of developing ASEAN Connectivity.
100. We also recognized the significance of the ASEAN Sub-regional cooperation, such as Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), and Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) in contributing to the development of ASEAN connectivity as a whole. We reaffirmed our commitment to implement initiatives on connectivity in the framework of ASEAN sub-regional cooperation.
101. We reemphasized the importance to explore the development of an ASEAN Business Travel Card that would help facilitate the movement of business people in the region and thereby promote people-to-people connectivity as called for in the Master Plan.
NARROWING THE DEVELOPMENT GAP
102. We have envisioned a better ASEAN that personifies a more balanced, inclusive and sustained ASEAN Community. In this regard, we continue our commitment to narrow the development gaps between ASEAN Member States through initiatives such as the IAI Work Plan II (2009-2015) that covers the three pillars of the ASEAN Community blueprints along with enhanced coordination with other sub-regional framework, such as BIMP-EAGA, IMT-GT and, AMBDC, as well as the implementation of the MPAC. We would put special effort to ensure that the implementation stage of this Work Plan addresses the concerns of the LDCs in ASEAN. We highly valued the continued participation of external parties, especially our Dialogue Partners, in such undertakings.
103. We welcome the effort by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) to develop strong and sustainable SME in the region. This includes, in particular, developing an ASEAN SME Policy Index to allow a comparative independent evaluation of SME's progress against a set of policy dimensions which will help to identify the way forward and to further strengthen SME's capacity to participate actively in the regional production network.
ENGAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATION OF THE PEOPLE
104. We welcome the initiative by Indonesia and ASEAN Member States to promote ASEAN awareness among the peoples of ASEAN. We are pleased with our meetings with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) representatives, and the revival of our informal meetings with ASEAN's Youth representatives as well as representatives from the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) during the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, May 2011. We are also encouraged with the convening of the 7th ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People's Forum in Jakarta, May 2011. We reiterate our commitment to continue promoting constructive dialogue and stronger partnership with them.
105. To further encourage and enhance people's engagement and participation, a number of activities both at the national and regional level has been initiated, including the ASEAN Fair, ASEAN Plus Culinary Festival, ASEAN Plus Youth Cultural Exchange Festival, ASEAN Film Festival, ASEAN Primary School Sports Olympiad (APSSO) and the Masters Programme on ASEAN Studies.
106. We noted the recommendation that ASEAN Member States shall actualize the initiated concepts to enhance public awareness and promote participation of the civil society in the ASEAN Community building.
107. We appreciated the participation of all ASEAN Member States in the inaugural commencement of the ASEAN Fair. We encourage further the convening of the ASEAN Fair as an annual event in order to sustain our effort in bringing together various elements of society in multiple activities to demonstrate the nature of ASEAN as being of the people, by the people and for the people.
108. We welcome the convening of the First ASEAN City Mayors Forum in Surabaya, 24-25 October 2011, to promote roles and contributions of ASEAN cities towards the establishment of ASEAN Community 2015. We noted the Surabaya Communiqué as the outcome document that reflects the commitment of mayors of ASEAN cities in strengthening regional ties of solidarity, creating ASEAN as a dynamic region, encouraging capacity building, and developing networks of cooperation between ASEAN cities as well with cities of Dialogue Partners. Therefore, we task related Ministers and the Secretary-General of ASEAN to facilitate further the formalization of the ASEAN City Mayors Forum.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ASEAN CHARTER
Remaining Legal Instruments under the ASEAN Charter
109. We welcome the adoption of the Rules of Procedure for Conclusion of International Agreements by ASEAN. We also noted with appreciation the finalization of the draft of the Rules of Procedure for the Interpretation of the ASEAN Charter and the Rules for Reference of Non-Compliance to the ASEAN Summit. Those Rules will provide stronger framework for the implementation of the ASEAN Charter and strengthen ASEAN as a rule-based organization. Furthermore, we look forward to 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)
110. We reaffirmed 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 participation in our community-building process. We welcome the outcomes of the 32nd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from 18-24 September 2011 and Indonesia's Chairmanship in AIPA in 2012. We task the ASEAN Secretariat to coordinate with AIPA in developing appropriate modalities for future cooperation between ASEAN and AIPA.
Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR)
111. We commend the work of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN that has played an essential role to ensure the effective implementation of cooperation with Dialogue and other External Partners of ASEAN. We take note of the regular meetings organized by the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN in Jakarta with the Ambassadors of Dialogue Partners in this regard.
112. We further task the CPR to continue working in line with its mandate to help attain the goals and objectives of the establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015. We also wish to see the CPR work closely, as appropriate, with relevant bodies and the Secretary-General of ASEAN, to enhance coordination and to support the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta in carrying out its growing tasks to implement the outcomes and decisions of the ASEAN Leaders.
ASEAN Secretariat 113. We welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General of ASEAN to strengthen the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta in order to enable it to function effectively in line with the growing tasks to help establish the ASEAN Community by 2015 and attain the goals and objectives of the establishment of the ASEAN Community. We further task the Secretary-General to work with the CPR in continuing the efforts to strengthen the ASEAN Secretariat.
ASEAN Foundation
114. We noted that in its 14th year of establishment, the ASEAN Foundation has contributed to promote greater ASEAN awareness and identity among the peoples of ASEAN as part of the ASEAN Community building process. We also welcome the initiative on promoting people-to-people contact including through cooperation in the field of education and human resources development such as the cooperation on higher education with Dialogue Partners of ASEAN.
ASEAN IN THE WIDER REGION and ASEAN EXTERNAL RELATIONS
115. We underscored that a stable and peaceful regional environment is essential for the pursuit of economic development and social progress in South East Asia and the wider region. ASEAN has been instrumental in maintaining such an environment by, among others, advancing the ZOPFAN, TAC, and SEANWFZ. Therefore, we stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability among ASEAN Member States and, externally, for ASEAN to play an increasing role in creating such a condition in the wider region.
116. We reiterated the growing significance of ASEAN-led processes such as the ASEAN Plus One, the ASEAN Plus Three, the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum. Such processes have created great dynamism of cooperation in various fields and reinforced ASEAN Community building process towards its attainment in 2015.
117. We noted with interest the development and encouraged further the enhancement of ASEAN relations with external parties, particularly with its Dialogue Partners, Sectoral Partners and other international and regional organizations. Likewise, we also noted the necessity to promote cooperation with Development Partners in addressing common challenges .
118. We discussed the preparations for the 14th ASEAN-China Summit, the 14th ASEAN - Japan Summit, the 14th ASEAN-ROK Summit, the 14th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the 9th ASEAN-India Summit, the 3rd ASEAN- USA Leaders' Meeting, the 4th ASEAN-UN Summit, and the 6th East Asia Summit, to be convened in Bali, Indonesia on 18-19 November 2011. We welcome the participation of the President of the United States of America and the representative of the President of the Russian Federation at the 6th East Asia Summit and looked forward to their active participation which would add value to the EAS's contribution to peace and prosperity of the region.
ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation (APT)
119. We acknowledged the progress made by the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation and in the implementation of the 2nd Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation and the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work Plan (2007-2017). We reaffirmed that the ASEAN Plus Three process would continue as a main vehicle towards the long-term goal of building an East Asian community with ASEAN as the driving force. We further reaffirmed the importance of the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation in maintaining and enhancing peace and stability as indispensable conditions for economic development in the region and agreed to deepen political and security cooperation among ASEAN Plus Three countries.
120. We welcome the recent significant developments within the framework of ASEAN Plus Three cooperation in various fields, such as the operationalisation of the ASEAN Plus Three Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) in May 2011 and the establishment of the East Asia Vision Group (EAVG) II. We noted the signing of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Agreement in October 2011 and look forward to the ASEAN Plus Three Memorandum of Cooperation on Tourism in January 2012 in Indonesia.
East Asia Summit (EAS)
121. We reaffirm our commitment to the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of the EAS which contains the principles of the EAS as a Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim to promote peace, stability and economic prosperity and integration in East Asia. We further reaffirm ASEAN's central role in the EAS, and ASEAN's commitment to work in close partnership with all EAS participating countries, to ensure that an expanded EAS would continue to be an important component of the evolving regional architecture.
122. We welcome the progress of and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the framework of the EAS, especially in the five priority areas, namely finance, energy, education, global health and communicable diseases, disaster management as well as ASEAN Connectivity, and the deepening regional economic integration based on the ASEAN Framework for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
123. We emphasized, in light of recent developments, the necessity to double our efforts in disaster management in order to respond more effectively, in practical terms, to any future natural disasters, especially in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, to maximize life-saving efforts. We discussed ways for the EAS to help promote a conducive environment for peace and prosperity in the region, including by setting in motion EAS deliberations and cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security issues building on the ASEAN body of work, inter alia, in the fields of maritime security, trans-national crimes, terrorism, piracy, as well as non-proliferation and disarmament.
124. We agree to adopt the Declaration of the East Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations at the 6th East Asia Summit to be convened in Bali, Indonesia on 19 November 2011. The Declaration contains principles derived from common global norms and principles which are aimed at maintaining peace, stability and economic prosperity in the region and beyond.
125. We also agree to adopt the Declaration of the 6th East Asia Summit on ASEAN Connectivity which would make ASEAN Connectivity a key area of cooperation in the EAS, together with the existing priority areas.
ASEAN-China
126. We are pleased with the implementation of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Plan of Action (PoA) for 2011-2015 through various programmes of activities, and the successful implementation of activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. We discussed the preparation for the 14th ASEAN-China Summit which is also the ASEAN-China Commemorative Summit to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations on 18 November 2011. To this end, we also deliberated on the draft ASEAN-China Leaders' Joint Statement to be adopted at the Commemorative Summit.
127. We welcome the official launching of the ASEAN-China Center at the margins of the Summit and expressed our commitment to utilize the Centre to enhance ASEAN-China cooperation, particularly in the promotion of trade, investment, education, culture, and tourism.
ASEAN-India
128. We were pleased with the implementation of the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity and its Plan of Action for 2010-2015 and looked forward to the further implementation of the documents into tangible projects and activities.
129. We look forward to the convening of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-India dialogue relations in New Delhi in December 2012 and endorse a series of activities to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations that would strengthen the dialogue partnership and cooperation between ASEAN and India. In this regard, we took note of the progress report of the ASEAN-India Eminent Persons Group and also looked forward to its recommendations on future direction of the ASEAN-India partnership to be submitted to the 10th ASEAN-India Summit.
ASEAN-Japan
130. We agreed to adopt the ASEAN-Japan Joint Declaration for Enhancing ASEAN-Japan Strategic Partnership for Prospering Together and ASEAN-Japan Plan of Action 2011-2015 and expressed our commitment to effectively implement the Declaration and its Plan of Action.
131. We reaffirmed our commitments to implement the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP). We appreciate Japan's assistance to the Initiative for ASEAN Integration and other Sub-Regional Growth Areas. We further welcome Japan's strong support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity and acknowledge the fruitful meeting conducted between the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Connectivity (ACCC) and Japan's Task Force for ASEAN Connectivity in Medan in July 2011.
ASEAN-Republic of Korea
132. We noted the significant progress in the realization of the two-year Implementation Programme (2011-2012) of the Joint Declaration of the ASEAN-ROK Strategic Partnership and its Plan of Action for 2011-2015 and looked forward to the further implementation of the Joint Declaration and the Plan of Action into tangible projects and activities.
133. We therefore agreed to invite the ROK to play an enhanced role in the implementation of 15 projects under the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, including in energy and infrastructure.
134. We also agreed to invite the ROK to enhance cooperation in post harvest technology, including food storage, processing, preservation and distribution as stipulated in the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve Agreement (APTERR). We further agree to explore and develop concrete projects in forestry and marine resources technology.
ASEAN-United States
135. We welcome efforts to elevate ASEAN-US partnership to a strategic level. Towards this end, we look forward to the launching of the ASEAN-US Eminent Person Group that is tasked to recommend concrete and practical measure to deepen and enhance ASEAN-US relations.
136. We agreed to adopt the Plan of Action to implement the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership for Enduring Peace and Prosperity (2011-2015), and reiterated our commitment to the strengthening of ASEAN-US cooperation in political-security, economic, socio-cultural cooperation, in areas such as traditional and non-traditional security, trade and investment, finance, SMEs, energy security, transport, ICT, science and technology, disaster management, public health, environment, biodiversity and climate change, food security, education, human resources, culture and people to people exchange.
ASEAN-Canada
137. We welcome the endorsement of the Joint Declaration between ASEAN and Canada on Trade and Investment in October 2011 in Jakarta. The endorsement would significantly advance ASEAN's trade and investment cooperation with Canada in a more structured way. While we eagerly put the Declaration into realization at the earliest possible time, we also tasked our Economic Ministers to formulate a plan of action and other programmes to enhance Canada's engagement.
138. We also welcome Canada`s further accession to the third Protocol amending the TAC during the PMC+1 Session with Canada in July 2011 in Bali, following her accession to the TAC in July 2010 in Hanoi. We further welcome the List of Activities to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Relations in 2012 endorsed by our Foreign Ministers during the PMC and look forward to the successful commemorative activities, including the ongoing logo competition for the 35th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Canada Relationship.
ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand
139. We were convinced that the signing of the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area in 2009 offered new opportunities for all parties toward sustainable growth and development, and was a catalyst for an accelerated regional integration. We thus commended all efforts towards comprehensive implementation of this Agreement.
ASEAN-United Nations
140. We agree to intensify ASEAN-UN cooperation in order to maximize its impact and benefits. In particular, stronger support should be focused on areas agreed during the 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, in 2010, namely UN assistance to ASEAN in the implementation of the MDGs; collaboration through exchanges of best practices and capacity building initiatives aimed at enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights; exchange of experiences and best practices through a series of ASEAN-UN seminars, workshops and trainings on issues such as preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and peace-building; preparation and implementation of the “ASEAN-UN Strategic Plan of Action on Disaster Management 2011-2015”, which features in the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-UN Collaboration in Disaster Management; regular Secretariat-to-Secretariat dialogue on ASEAN-UN partnership, including identifying further areas for enhanced cooperation and collaboration; as well as cooperation to support the implementation of the IAI Work Plan II and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity
141. We reached common ground on the need to strengthen our cooperation in other areas of common concern and interest, including peacekeeping, food and energy security, climate change, maritime security, including anti- piracy.
142. We agreed to adopt the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations to lay a stronger foundation to further develop the ASEAN-UN partnership to address various regional and global challenges. In this regard, we are considering the possibility of convening the ASEAN-UN Summit annually.
ASEAN COMMUNITY IN A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF NATIONS
143. We shared the views that ASEAN Member States have contributed to the maintenance of international peace over the last four decades. We realized that this role could become strong points to develop an ASEAN common platform on global issues and to enhance ASEAN's capacity to respond to key global issues by promoting greater coordination, coherence, and cohesiveness on positions and efforts undertaken by ASEAN to address challenges and seize opportunities of the 21st century. To this end, we decided to sign the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations (“Bali Concord III”).
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
Myanmar
144. We welcome the significant positive developments in Myanmar throughout 2011 and underscored the importance of maintaining a strong momentum in this regard. We further support these positive developments, and their continued progress contributes to promote conditions conducive for our decision to accord Myanmar the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2014.
Current Situation in the Cambodia-Thailand Border
145. We welcome the increasingly encouraging conditions in the affected Cambodia and Thailand border. We call on both countries to continue to peacefully resolve differences through political dialogue and negotiations, with a view to achieving a mutually acceptable solution through the fullest utilization of their existing bilateral mechanism with the appropriate engagement of the current Chair of ASEAN. In this regard, we recall the importance of the International Court of Justice's order of 18 July 2011 on the request for the indication of provisional measures on the Cambodia and Thailand border issue, which include, inter alia, that both Parties shall continue the cooperation that they have entered into within ASEAN.
Timor-Leste's Official Application for ASEAN Membership
146. We welcome the interest of, and the formal application by Timor-Leste to join ASEAN. We further note indications of expressions of interest by other countries. This is an expression of confidence of ASEAN's central role in the region. In this regard, we tasked the ASEAN Coordinating Council, including through the establishment of an ACC Working Group (ACCWG) to discuss all relevant aspects related to the application by Timor-Leste, as well as its possible implications on ASEAN. The ACCWG shall make recommendations to the ACC on the application, based on whether Timor-Leste is able to meet the requirements of Article 6 of ASEAN Charter.
South China Sea
147. 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 international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We stressed the need to intensify efforts to ensure the effective and full implementation of the DOC and look forward to the conclusion of a regional code of conduct (COC). In this connection, we welcome the adoption of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) during the 44th AMM/PMC/18th ARF in Bali, July 2011.
148. We believed that with the aforementioned conclusion of the Guidelines, ASEAN and China should work together to fully and effectively implement the DOC by considering mutually beneficial joint cooperative activities/projects as foreseen in the DOC and its Guidelines and welcome the continued convening of the ASEAN-China SOM on the DOC. We also welcome the commencement of discussion in ASEAN to identify the possible key elements of a regional code of conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and anticipate future engagement with China on the matter with a view to its timely realization.
149. We note the various Track 2 processes and cooperation, including the workshops series on managing potential conflicts in the South China Sea, now in its 20th year. We also noted the initiatives on the Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship and Cooperation (ZoPFF/C) which was extensively discuss by the 1st ASEAN Maritime Legal Experts Meeting (AMLEM) held on 22-23 September in Manila, and noted the outcome of the 1st AMLEM which affirmed the importance of a rules-based approach in the management as well as settlement of disputes in the South China Sea including its recommendations that further study on the proposal is required, in particular, its legal, technical and political feasibility.
Korean Peninsula
150. We reaffirm our support to the efforts made to achieve denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner and call for the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks. To this end, we reiterate that the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), of which six of its participants are all members of the Six-Party Talks, and as it has been evident during the last 18th ARF in Bali, July 2011, could be explored in contributing and further creating a conducive atmosphere for dialogue and consultation among the parties concerned.
Middle East and North Africa
151. We reaffirmed our full support for the Middle East peace process, based on the relevant United Nations resolutions, the terms of reference of the Madrid Conference, including the principle of land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative adopted by the Council of the League of Arab States at its 14th Session, and the Quartet Roadmap to a permanent two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and for the existing agreements between the Israeli and Palestinian sides. We also stressed the necessity for the establishment of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, and welcome in this regard the ongoing efforts of the Quartet and of the League of Arab States.
152. We reiterated our support for the capacity-building of the state institutions of Palestine and we also support Palestine's wish to be a full member of the United Nations.
153. We considered the recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa. We expressed our deep concern on the violence that caused casualties among civilians. We expressed support for peaceful democratic transition reconciliation through an inclusive dialogue, reflecting the will of the people in the affected countries.
154. We highlight the need to advance economic development in Afghanistan, particularly within the framework of capacity building, such as the importance of training programmes and other technical assistance in order to improve the welfare of local communities and its human resources. We further encouraged the implementation of democratic governance, which is important in fostering peace, stability and security in Afghanistan.
G-20
155. We were briefed by Indonesia, permanent member of the G-20 and concurrently this year, as Chair, also representing ASEAN, of the results of the G-20 meeting in Cannes, France. We noted that the G-20 pledged to restore stability of the world economy and boost global economic growth through a series of coordinated actions and policies in the following areas: fostering employment and social protection; building a more stable and resilient international monetary system; implementing and deepening financial sector reforms; addressing food price volatility and increasing agriculture production and productivity; improving the functioning of energy markets; fostering clean energy, green growth and sustainable development; pursuing the fight against climate change; avoiding protectionism and reinforcing the multilateral trade system; investing in global growth and intensifying the fight against corruption. We expressed appreciation to Indonesia, as permanent member of the G-20, and this year also representing ASEAN, for its active contribution to the G-20 discussion.
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
156. We underscore the important role that the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) plays in the Asia Pacific region, in particular in promoting the Bogor Goals of open and free trade and investment, in strengthening capacity building, as well as in building human security in the region. APEC has played a significant role in the growth of the region's trade and investment and must endeavor to continue to do so. We welcome the role of the ASEAN Caucus in APEC and encouraged it to continue with its constructive role.
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
157. We noted with concern that the attainment of the MDGs in 2015 may not be fully achieved due to the global financial and economic crises. We therefore emphasized the urgencies of faithful implementation of international commitments on development cooperation and that global commitment towards reforms as well as strong, equitable and sustainable growth is even more strengthened.
158. We welcome the finalization of the ASEAN Roadmap for the Attainment of the MDGs by the ASCC Council as a framework for collective actions to support the efforts of ASEAN Member States to accelerate the achievement of the MDGs, through five key actors namely advocacy and linkages, knowledge, resources, expertise, and regional cooperation and regional public goods. We call upon ASEAN Member States to strengthen their collaboration in implementing the Roadmap to narrow the development gaps within and among ASEAN Member States. We also instruct all relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies to implement the Roadmap in timely manner and encourage for inter-sectoral collaboration in addressing cross-cutting issues of the MDGs.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
159. As strong supporters of the multilateral trading system, we reaffirm our commitment to the primacy of the WTO. The stable, transparent, inclusive, and rules-based structure of the WTO forms the back bone of global trade, and plays a significant role in ASEAN's regional economic integration efforts. We reaffirm our priority in supporting and strengthening the WTO, which has helped to maintain and enhance trade flows, monitor the global trading environment, and keep protectionism in check. The WTO's role in safeguarding global trade from protectionism is even more significant in light of the challenging global macro-economic conditions. We stress that all forms of trade protectionism should be rejected, so that our markets remain open to provide the conditions most conducive to growth.
160. While disappointed that the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) cannot conclude this year with the current approach, we remain committed to the effort to improve the multilateral trading system which represents gains for all Members. We recognize that it is the responsibility of every WTO Member to consider new and alternative ways to deliver a successful outcome, building upon the work already done and preserving the mandate. We welcome the opportunity, at the Eighth WTO Ministerial Conference in December 2011, for all Members to have frank discussions on the challenges ahead, and to collectively chart a common path to progress both the regular work of the WTO and the DDA.
161. We reiterated our support for expediting the accession of Lao PDR to the WTO at the earliest time possible, with a particular emphasis on its development and financial needs.
Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio + 20)
162. We recalled the agreement by the 64th UN General Assembly to convene the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012 in Brazil. The conference will raise two main themes namely green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication and the institutional framework for sustainable development. We are aware of the importance of this conference since it is in line with ASEAN's effort to eradicate poverty and to maintain sustainable development in the region. The success of these efforts will be fundamental in supporting ASEAN's work to attain the MDGs. In this regard, we reiterated our strong commitment and active contribution in supporting the success of this conference.
UN Security Council (UNSC)
163. We underscore the need to further advance reforms of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to make the Council more representative, accountable, and effective. We stressed the importance of the ongoing discussions and negotiation process in the UN General Assembly on all five key issues: categories of membership, the question of the veto held by the five permanent members, regional representation, the size of an enlarged Council and its working methods, the Security Council-General Assembly relationship. We recognized the need to achieve the widest possible political acceptance on UN Security Council reform.
164. We also reiterated our support for the ASEAN candidatures t o the non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other UN bodies, and tasked the ASEAN New York Committee (ANYC) to collaborate closely so that ASEAN can have more cohesive and coordinated approach on this matter.
OTHER ISSUES
Global Movement of Moderates
165. We welcome the initiative to establish a Global Movement of the Moderates (GMM) as an important approach to address extremism, with a view to reclaim the centre and moral high ground of moderates. We believe that GMM will complement existing regional and international inter-faith and intra-faith consultative forums as well as other bridge-building initiatives in our efforts to contribute to global peace and stability.
166. We look forward to the ASEAN Chairmanship of Cambodia in 2012 and expressed our full support for its undertakings towards the attainment of the ASEAN Community, the maintenance of peace, stability and prosperity in the wider region, as well as ASEAN's greater role in the global community of nations.
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