"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] ASEAN CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT ON THE ASEAN POST MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE (PMC) + 1 SESSIONS

[Place] Bali, Indonesia
[Date] 21-22 November 2011
[Source] ASEAN Secretariat
[Notes]
[Full text]

1. The ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) + 1 Sessions with ASEAN's

Dialogue Partners, namely Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America were held in Bali, Indonesia on 21-22 July 2011.

2. These meetings marked an important juncture in ASEAN's cooperation with its dialogue partners. The main agenda of these meetings included review of ASEAN-Dialogue Partners cooperation and its future direction, as well as exchange of views on regional and international issues.

3. The ASEAN Ministers expressed their appreciation for the active participation of Dialogue Partners in various ASEAN-led fora, including ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministerial Meeting (ADMM) Plus, and East Asia Summit (EAS).

Australia

4. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Australia was co-chaired by H.E. K Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, and Honourable Kevin Rudd, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia. The Meeting highlighted some pertinent issues of ASEAN-Australia cooperation. In the political security area, ASEAN-Australia partnership has been constantly strengthened and at the moment is vigorously implementing the partnership on the basis of the Plan of Action for 2008- 2013.

5. The Meeting celebrated Australia's longstanding friendship with ASEAN, as its first Dialogue Partner. The Meeting welcomed the 2010 ASEAN-Australia Summit as a landmark event, underlining the strength and depth of the relationship, and looked forward to further summits in the future. The Meeting welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN-Australia Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) as a new consultative mechanism to focus on promoting the implementation and monitoring ASEAN-Australia cooperation of the overall development cooperation and recommended strategic directions in ASEAN-Australia partnership. The JCC will be a separate but complementary platform to the existing ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program (AADCP)under the Second Phase of the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program and ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA Economic Cooperation Support Program. The Meeting supported the early convening of the inaugural JCC meeting.

6. The Meeting welcomed the program of cooperative work between ASEAN and Australia covering across a broad spectrum of areas of cooperation on political-security, economy and socio-cultural fields. The strengths of the institutional and personal relationships forged through this constructive and valuable work underpins a genuinely comprehensive and practical partnership. The Meeting recognized Australia's valuable contribution to narrowing the development gap in the region, and to ASEAN's community-building efforts through the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Partnership (2008 - 2013), and appreciated Australia's further commitment to fund the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Programmes (AADCP) II for the period of 2008 - 2015. The Ministers also emphasized the need to strengthen their cooperation in human resource development though education cooperation program.

7. The Meeting discussed a range of regional and international issues, increasing mutual understanding of the political, security, economic and other strategic challenges and opportunities in the region. ASEAN and Australia renewed their commitment to working closely and enhancing mutually-beneficial cooperation within the EAS, and committed to work with all participants to advance EAS cooperation, including in the priority areas of finance, energy security and the environment, education, pandemic preparedness and disaster management and work towards the Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA). ASEAN Ministers also took note Australia's disaster management initiative for the EAS to support ASEAN's efforts to implement the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Relief (AADMER) and establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre).

8. The Meeting acknowledged Australia's ongoing work in the region and its commitment in support of the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity. ASEAN underscored the importance of the need to explore potential, mutually complementary opportunities for collaboration with ASEAN in this regard. The Meeting also welcomed the interest of the Australian Human Rights Commission in the development of linkages with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).

9. The Meeting noted the implementation of cooperation in combating trafficking in persons through the Asia Regional Trafficking in Persons Project (ARTIP). They also underlined the importance of the Bali Process in tackling the issue of people smuggling, trafficking in persons and related transnational crimes.

Canada

10. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Canada was co-chaired by H.E. Chitriya Pinthong, ASEAN SOM Leader of Thailand, and Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada. The Meeting reviewed the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action to implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership 2010-2015.

11. The Meeting appreciated Canada's commitment to contribute to the maintenance of peace and security as well as to deepen cooperation with ASEAN by acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia (TAC) in 2010. The Meeting also welcomed Canada's accession to the Third Protocol amending the TAC.

12. The Meeting looks forward to commemorating the 35th Anniversary of ASEAN - Canada Relations throughout the year 2012 through a series of activities, endorsed at the 8th ASEAN- Canada Dialogue in June 2011, under the theme “35 years of Partnership and Friendship”. The Meeting also looks forward to exploring ways to strengthen new cooperation in areas such as food and energy security, disaster management, people connectivity, and combating transnational crime.

China

13. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with China was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. Pham Gia Khiem, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and H.E. Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

14. The Meeting discussed the progress of ASEAN-China cooperation in maintaining peace, stability as well as economic and social development in the region. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress made in the implementation of the new Plan of Action for the period of 2011-2015 to implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity through various programs of activities.

15. The Meeting recalled the successful outcomes of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Road Trip to China and the ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 23-25 January 2011, which started the Friendship and Exchange Year 2011 to mark the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. The Meeting welcomed commemorative activities undertaken by ASEAN and China, such as the 3rd ASEAN-China Young Entrepreneurs Association Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia on 19 - 23 April 2011; the ASEAN-China Youth Leaders' Symposium in in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 25 - 26 June 2011; the Seminar on Enhancing Connectivity between ASEAN and China in Viet Nam on 5 July 2011; Seminar on Strengthening ASEAN-China Cooperation in the Field of Non-Traditional Security in the Context of Enhanced Connectivity in Viet Nam on 6 July 2011; “Experiencing China” in Indonesia in July 2011; the Asia Arts Festival - ASEAN Culture Week; and the ASEAN-China Youth Caring and Sharing Programme, scheduled for later this year. The Meeting reaffirmed its determination to work closely together to ensure the successful outcome of the Commemorative Summit later this year and tasked senior officials to expeditiously prepare the draft Joint Statement for submission and adoption by the Leaders.

16. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which embodies the collective commitment of the ASEAN Member States and China in promoting peace, stability and mutual trust and ensuring the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the progress of the implementation of the DOC and formally endorsed the Guidelines on the Implementation of the DOC as agreed upon and recommended by the ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Meeting on the DOC on 20 July 2011 in Bali, Indonesia. The Meeting shared the view that this was a significant outcome and a step forward in the implementation of the DOC, further contributing to the promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in the region, especially on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-China Dialogue.

17. The Meeting looked forward to the launching of the ASEAN-China Center later this year in Beijing, which will help enhance the ASEAN-China strategic partnership for mutual benefit on economic cooperation, socio-cultural cooperation and people-to-people contact. The Meeting also appreciated China's strong support to the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) through, among others, the establishment of the ASEAN-China Investment Cooperation Fund and looked forward to utilizing the Fund for the implementation of programmes and projects under the MPAC.

European Union

18. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the European Union was co-chaired by HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Excellency Elzbieta Bienkowska, Minister of Regional Development of the Republic of Poland, on behalf of the European Union. The Meeting reviewed ASEAN-EU cooperation and emphasized the need to further strengthen Dialogue Relations on the basis of equal partnership and mutual benefit. In this regard, the Meeting expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the Plan of Action to implement the Nuremberg Declaration on the ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership, and its two-year periodic list of activities. The Meeting also welcomed various activities as reflected in the EU's Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2011-2013.

19. As the current Plan of Action will expire next year, the Meeting also agreed that both sides take stock of areas of cooperation that have served well their mutual interests so as to ensure that ASEAN-EU cooperation be guided by a more effective and comprehensive Plan of Action.

20. The EU welcomed the implementation of the work of the ASEAN Inter-governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to further promote and protect human rights in ASEAN. In this regard, ASEAN welcomed the study visit by the AICHR to Europe on human rights issues at the invitation of the European Commission. Final as of 23 July 2011

21. The Meeting looked forward to the full ratification of the Third Protocol amending the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) by all the High Contracting Parties which will enable the EU's accession to the TAC. They noted that the EU's accession to the TAC will represent a significant milestone for ASEAN and the EU in deepening political engagement and developing a comprehensive cooperation.

22. The Meeting welcomed the EU's ongoing programs to support regional integration in ASEAN as encapsulated in the ASEAN-EU Programme for Regional Integration Support II (APRIS II) upon its completion in May 2010 and Multi-annual Indicative Programmes for Asia 2007-2010 and 2011-2013. The meeting also welcomed the enhancement of cooperation among the ASEAN- EU business community as reflected by the successful convening of the ASEAN-EU Business Summit in Jakarta on 5 May 2011.

23. The Meeting looked forward to the convening of the 19th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brunei Darussalam in 2012, and the adoption of the new Plan of Action, where the Meeting agreed to further intensify cooperation in addressing climate change, pandemic diseases, energy and food security, terrorism and natural disasters.

India

24. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with India was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. KAO Kim Hourn, Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and H.E. Shri Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, External Affairs Minister of India. The ASEAN Ministers expressed their condolences to India for the loss of lives and damage caused by the terrorist attack in Mumbai on 13 July 2011. They condemned such attacks and reaffirmed their commitment to effectively implement the ASEAN-India Joint Declaration on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism. The Ministers discussed ways and means for strengthening ASEAN-India cooperation through the implementation of the Plan of Action 2010-2015 and the establishment of the Eminent Persons Group by ASEAN-India Leaders in October 2010.

25. The Meeting noted a milestone for the ASEAN-India economic cooperation had been achieved by the coming into force of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AI-TIGA) which was signed by ASEAN-India Economic Ministers at the 41st ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting, and encouraged relevant officials to accelerate negotiations on the ASEAN-India trade in services and investment agreements which will complete the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement between ASEAN and India.

26. The Ministers underlined that economic and trade growth is also determined by business- to-business and people-to-people contacts between the two sides. In this regard, the increasing number of tourists from India to ASEAN and vice versa and the increase of volume of trade between the two. To support this, they looked forward to the conclusion of the ASEAN-India Tourism Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2012 in Manado, Indonesia.

27. The Ministers commended India for its initiative in establishing the ASEAN-India Green Fund to support cooperative pilot projects between ASEAN-India for the promotion of technologies aimed at promoting adaptation to and mitigation of climate change. They also appreciated the ASEAN-India Science & Technology Development Fund to encourage collaborative R&D and technology development between ASEAN and India.

28. The ASEAN Ministers appreciated India's continued contribution and commitment to the development of a seamless transportation network between South Asia and ASEAN which complements with the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity. In this regard, the Ministers welcomed India's commitment to the development of a new India-Myanmar-Laos-Viet Nam-Cambodia Highway and requested the ASEAN-India Transport Ministers' Meeting to be convened as soon as possible to further deliberate on the construction of this important highway. The Ministers also shared the same views on the importance of expanding maritime cooperation and disaster management between ASEAN and India. They also welcomed the proposal to organize ASEAN-India Car Rally and encouraged the cooperation on ICT with ASEAN. to help improve ASEAN ICT connectivity as well as to address cyber security.

29. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to implement a series of activities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations in 2012 and called for India's support and assistance in the implementation of ASEAN's initiatives to commemorate the important event.

30. The ASEAN Ministers welcomed India's support for the ASEAN Chair's continued participation in the G20 Summits on a regular basis.

Japan

31. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Japan was co-chaired by H.E. DR. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, and H.E. Takeaki Matsumoto, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The Meeting reviewed and discussed the progress of the implementation of the Tokyo Declaration for the Dynamic and Enduring ASEAN-Japan Partnership in the New Millennium and its Plan of Action. The Ministers commended their officials for the progress made in drafting the ASEAN-Japan Declaration and its Plan of Action (2011 - 2015) and looked forward to the finalization of the two documents so that they could be submitted for their consideration and adoption during the 14th ASEAN-Japan Summit in Bali, November this year.

32. The Ministers discussed the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Plan of Action supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). They noted with appreciation Japan's further expanded priority areas of cooperation in JAIF encompassing economic partnership; environment and climate change, disaster management, counter terrorism, health and welfare; maritime security including piracy; and people-to-people exchanges. ASEAN Ministers underlined the importance of continuing JAIF in the future.

33. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that ASEAN-Japan trade relations continue to be strengthened, through bilateral measures and the implementation of the ASEAN- Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP).

34. The Meeting appreciated Japan's assistance in the efforts to narrowing the development gaps through capacity building within the framework of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration and Other Sub-Regional Growth Areas. The sub-regional endeavours include Mekong Regional Development, the CLMV Development Triangle, BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT. The Meeting further welcomed Japan's commitment to funding implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and establishment of Japan's Task Force for ASEAN Connectivity, to coordinate with ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC). Ministers welcomed the success of convening the first joint committee between Japan's Task Force and the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee on 1 July 2011.

35. With respect to cooperation in disaster management and emergency response, the Meeting reaffirmed the commitment to the implementation of the outcome of the Special ASEAN- Japan Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia on 9 April 2011. The meeting welcomed Japan's strong and full support for the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) in Jakarta. The Meeting also welcomed Japan's proposal to hold an International Conference in 2012 to share its experiences and lessons learned from the earthquake and tsunami with an emphasis on human security. The meeting also welcomed Japan's proposals on Disaster Management Network for ASEAN Region and Professional Development Training Service for ASEAN Region.

36. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress of youth exchanges under the Japan East-Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) program within the framework of East Asia Summit cooperation. The program is essential to nurture friendship, foster understanding of one another's values and customs, and generate a spirit of cooperation among ASEAN-Japan youth.

New Zealand

37. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with New Zealand was co-chaired by H.E. Tan Sri Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, and the Right Honourable Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand. ASEAN was encouraged by the progress made to realize commitments contained in the Joint Declaration for ASEAN-New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership and its Plan of Action (POA) for 2010-2015, across the three pillars of the Partnership, namely political-security, economic and socio-cultural cooperation.

38. The ASEAN Ministers appreciated New Zealand's readiness to work closely with ASEAN to build an ASEAN-centered regional architecture, encompassing existing regional mechanisms, which will contribute to regional peace and stability, advance economic prosperity while enhancing socio-cultural cooperation.

39. ASEAN Ministers welcomed New Zealand's elaboration of the Flagship Initiatives, namely Disaster Risk Management Programme, ASEAN-New Zealand Scholarships Programme, Young Business Leaders and Agriculture Diplomacy. ASEAN was encouraged by the steps undertaken to carry them out in an inclusive manner, involving all ASEAN Member States, while addressing the challenge of narrowing the development gap amongst ASEAN members.

40. The Meeting noted the importance of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area Agreement (AANZFTA) and looked forward to its early and full implementation. The Meeting noted that the inaugural ASEAN-CER Integration Partnership Forum, held on 25 June 2011 in Kuala Lumpur.

41. The Meeting agreed that further reviews of progress will take place annually with a view to realizing all the commitments contained in the Joint Declaration for ASEAN-New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership and its Plan of Action.

Republic of Korea

42. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the Republic of Korea was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, and H.E. Kim Sung Hwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea. The Meeting noted that ASEAN-ROK cooperation in all three pillars of ASEAN has been progressing rapidly. In the political-security field, ASEAN-ROK cooperation was strengthened through regular dialogues and exchange of views on regional and international issues. In economic and development areas, the Ministers noted 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, which was adopted at the 13th ASEAN-ROK Summit in Viet Nam in 2010.

43. The Ministers discussed ASEAN Connectivity and noted the endorsement of the ASEAN- ROK Transport Cooperation Roadmap by the 2nd ASEAN Transport Ministers (ATM)-ROK Meeting in November 2010. They further noted the ASEAN - ROK joint project in transport cooperation for 2010-2014. To this end, they looked forward to the finalization of the Annual Work Plan for the Roadmap for adoption at the 3rd ATM-ROK this year.

44. The Ministers expressed their appreciation for the ASEAN-Korea Centre which has successfully organized a series of activities, including the trade and investment missions to ASEAN Member States, and the workshop on capacity building of SMEs in ASEAN; exploring cafe industry of ASEAN; ASEAN-Korea Youth Exchange Program; Korean Trade Mission to ASEAN, ASEAN Jewelry and Accessories Fair, as well as ASEAN-Korea Multimedia Competition in May this year. The Meeting also encouraged the secondment of officials by respective ASEAN Member States to the ASEAN-ROK Centre for 2012.

45. The Meeting acknowledged the finalization of negotiation of the draft agreement on ASEAN-ROK Forest cooperation and looked forward to its signing by ASEAN and ROK in the margin of the 19th ASEAN Summit in November 2011.

Russian Federation

46. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Russian Federation was co-chaired by H.E. U Wunna Maung Lwin, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and H.E. Mr. Sergey V. Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The Meeting reviewed the progress of implementation of the Comprehensive Programme of Action to Promote Cooperation between ASEAN and the Russian Federation 2005 - 2015 and explored new areas of cooperation that could be enhanced. The Russian Federation reaffirmed its continued support for ASEAN's efforts in community building and the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity.

47. The ASEAN Ministers welcomed the Russian Federation's participation to the East Asia Summit and the Meeting agreed to undertake activities to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership this year.

48. The Ministers expressed their commitment to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and Russia and underscored the need for stronger cooperation in disaster management and emergency response, as well as in the areas of counter terrorism and transnational crimes.

49. With regard to economic and trade cooperation, the Meeting noted the positive trend of ASEAN-Russia trade in 2010 and hoped to further boost ASEAN-Russia cooperation in the economic, trade and investment areas. The Meeting also discussed cooperation in the fields of food and energy security.

50. The Ministers welcomed the Russian Federation's proposal to organize cultural events to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Russian Federation Dialogue Relations in 2011 namely ASEAN-Russia Youth Symphony Orchestra Concert and Multimedia Exhibition of the Russian Culture and Arts. These events will be realized in the sideline of the 19th ASEAN-Summit in November 2011 in Bali. The Ministers also endorsed the “Joint Statement of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the ASEAN and Russian Federation on the Occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership”.

51. The Meeting discussed ways of utilizing of the ASEAN-Russia Centre at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) to further promote ASEAN and Russia cooperation in the areas of tourism, people, cultural exchanges, interfaith and inter-cultural dialogue. The Ministers also noted ASEAN's proposal to promote exchange programs for youth, media, students and entrepreneurs so as to create greater awareness and mutual understanding between ASEAN and Russia.

52. The Meeting appreciated Russia's effort to enhance cooperation in science and technology by convening the ASEAN-Russia Working Group Meeting in Moscow and looked forward to Russia's efforts to prepare shared activities in science and technology to promote better application in the region. The meeting also noted Russian Federation's commitment to promote connectivity and to implement the MPAC.

United States of America

53. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the United States of America was co-chaired by H.E. Albert F. del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, and H.E. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Secretary of State of the United States of America. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the completion of the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-U.S. Enhanced Partnership for Enduring Peace and Prosperity (2006-2011), and the strengthening and deepening of ASEAN-US cooperation, which has contributed to the enhancement of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The Ministers welcomed US participation in the East Asia Summit and recommended the Leaders to convene the 3rd ASEAN-US Leaders' Meeting in Bali, in November 2011.

54. The Meeting endorsed the new five-year Plan of Action to Implement ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership for Enduring Peace and Prosperity (2011-2015) to be submitted for consideration and endorsement by the third ASEAN-US Leaders' Meeting, and welcomed efforts to elevate the ASEAN-US partnership to a strategic level. To this end, the Ministers look forward to the launch of the ASEAN-US Eminent Persons Group, which will develop concrete and practical recommendations for the elevation of the partnership.

55. The Meeting agreed to enhance ASEAN-U.S. cooperation across the ASEAN political- security, economic, and socio-cultural communities, including addressing traditional and non- traditional security challenges, promoting human rights and good governance, encouraging greater economic cooperation through open trade, supporting environmental protection, climate resilience, sustainable development, and disaster management, exploring focused science and technology cooperation, and broadening access to education.

56. The Meeting welcomed the ASEAN's agreement to start convening direct consultation between ASEAN and the Nuclear Weapons States (P5) with the aim of promoting the early accession to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) protocol. The meeting also noted US contributions to promoting negotiations that could enable the P5 to sign the Protocol of SEANWFZ treaty.

57. The Meeting acknowledged that ASEAN-US economic engagement under the ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) has provided an avenue for new initiatives, and has enabled beneficial cooperation in areas such as standards and trade facilitation, including through support to the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) programme. The Meeting stressed the need to redouble efforts to increase ASEAN-US trade and investment.

58. The Meeting welcomed enhanced high-level engagement in ASEAN-US sectoral meetings and ASEAN-led fora, including the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and ASEAN Defense Ministers Plus (ADMM+). The Meeting welcomed the establishment of the United States Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta and the presentation of the Letter of Credence of Ambassador David L. Carden as the first resident United States Ambassador to ASEAN.

59. The U.S. welcomed the adoption of the Guidelines of the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between ASEAN and China.