"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] CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT THE ASEAN POST MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE (PMC) 10+1 SESSIONS WITH THE DIALOGUE PARTNERS AND TRILATERAL MEETINGS

[Place] PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
[Date] August 4, 2022
[Source] Ministry or Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes] Final
[Full text]

1. The ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+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, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America and two separate Trilateral Meetings between Cambodia and ASEAN Secretariat with Türkiye and Switzerland were held in Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia, on 3-4 August 2022.

2. ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners reviewed their relations over the past year and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening their partnership and cooperation through effective implementation of their respective Plans of Action and existing frameworks. ASEAN also highlighted several milestones in its relations with some of its Dialogue Partners, including the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations on 22 November 2021, the physical convening of the ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit in Washington, D.C. on 12-13 May 2022, the Special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations in New Delhi on 16 June 2022, and agreeing the ASEAN-Australia and ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2021.

3. The Meeting reiterated their support for Cambodia's ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme "ASEAN A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together", which reaffirmed ASEAN's commitment to facing our common challenges and to sustaining the dynamism of our collective efforts with a strong sense of togetherness forward to continue the momentum of ASEAN's Community- building efforts.

4. ASEAN expressed appreciation to its Dialogue Partners, external parties and international organisations for their support to its Community-building efforts and initiatives to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases as well as in preparing for other future public health emergencies, including through the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) and its Implementation Plan, the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies (RRMS) as well as the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). ASEAN also called for enhanced collaboration, coordination and sharing of information and experiences and expertise with its external partners.

5. The Meeting reaffirmed ASEAN's ongoing Community-building efforts and the goals enshrined in the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021-2025). ASEAN underscored the importance of seizing the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) with the COVID-19 pandemic having accentuated the urgency for digital transformation and welcomed the support extended by its Dialogue Partners and external parties to prepare ASEAN in embracing the 4IR, including initiatives to enhance ASEAN's 4IR capacity and readiness.

6. ASEAN appreciated economic cooperation initiatives supported by its Dialogue Partners, in particular, in emerging areas such as digital trade, sustainable economy, supply chain resilience, and science and technology, among others. ASEAN welcomed the continued interest and support by external partners to further promote equitable and sustainable development across the ASEAN Community by aligning sub-regional growth with the comprehensive development of ASEAN.

7. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Participating Countries welcomed the entry into force of the RCEP from 1 January 2022. The RCEP would make a significant contribution to our recovery strategy and continue to support an inclusive and open trade and investment architecture in the region. The Meeting reiterated their commitment to upholding an open, inclusive, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading system, as embodied in the World Trade Organization (WTO), amidst the global trade uncertainties, including the trends of protectionism.

8. The Meeting underscored the importance of upholding ASEAN Centrality, unity and identity in the evolving regional architecture and renewed their commitment to supporting an ASEAN-centred regional architecture that is open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based, and built upon ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN-Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three (APT), East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). The Meeting underscored the need to promote an enabling environment for peace, stability and prosperous development for all through ensuring a culture of dialogue and cooperation, instead of rivalry, enhancing mutual trust and confidence and respect for international law. ASEAN agreed to continue encouraging its Dialogue Partners and external parties to support and undertake cooperation with ASEAN in the four key areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), namely maritime cooperation, connectivity, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), economic and other possible areas of cooperation. The Meeting also reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism, regionalism and international law in contributing to global and regional peace, stability and prosperity.

9. The Meeting exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern, including trade issues, countering terrorism and transnational crime, ICT security, non-proliferation, narrowing the development gap, connectivity, people-to-people linkages, sustainable development, climate change and renewable energy, developments in the Korean Peninsula, recent developments in the South China Sea, recent developments in Myanmar, the situation in Ukraine and the Cross Strait.

10. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea and recognised the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity. The Meeting underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety. The Meeting was encouraged by the progress of the substantive negotiations towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) consistent with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), within a mutually-agreed timeline. The Meeting stressed the importance of undertaking confidence building and preventive measures to enhance, among others, trust and confidence amongst parties; and reaffirmed the importance of upholding the principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

11. The Meeting discussed the situation in the South China Sea and took note of concerns expressed by some countries on the land reclamations and activities, and serious incidents in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region. The Meeting reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

12. The Meeting expressed grave concerns over the recent surge in DPRK's intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) testing and ballistic missile launches. This worrisome development reflects an increased tension on the Korean Peninsula and threaten peace and stability in the region and in the world. The Meeting stressed the importance of continued peaceful dialogue amongst all parties concerned in order to realise lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. The Meeting called on the DPRK to fully comply with all relevant UNSC resolutions. The Meeting reiterated the commitment to the full implementation of all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and noted international efforts to bring about the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. The Meeting reiterated the readiness to play a constructive role, including through utilising ASEAN-led platforms in promoting a conducive atmosphere to peaceful dialogue amongst the concerned parties. Some Ministers emphasised the importance of addressing issues of humanitarian concerns of the international community, including the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.

13. The Meeting extensively discussed the recent developments in Myanmar and expressed our concerns over the prolonged political crisis in the country, including the execution of four opposition activists. The Meeting welcomed the efforts to help address the situation including visits to Myanmar by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in January 2022, and by H.E. Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar in March and late June to early July 2022. The Meeting was deeply disappointed by the limited progress in and lack of commitment of the Nay Pyi Taw authorities to the timely and complete implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. Towards this end, upholding the agreement of our Leaders at the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits and consistent with Article 20 of the ASEAN Charter, the Meeting recommended that the ASEAN Summit assesses the progress towards the implementation of the Five- Point Consensus by the State Administration Council to guide the decision on the next steps. The Meeting reiterated our commitment to peace and stability in the region and expressed ASEAN's and dialogue partners' readiness to assist Myanmar in a positive, peaceful, and constructive manner, including in the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The Meeting agreed that the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar shall engage all Myanmar relevant stakeholders at the earliest.

14. With regard to Ukraine, the Meeting reaffirmed the need to respect for sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. The Meeting reiterated the call for compliance with the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. The Meeting underlined the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and the creation of an enabling environment for the peaceful resolution of conflict. The Meeting supported the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General in the search for a peaceful solution. The Meeting also called for the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and persons in vulnerable situations.

15. The Meeting expressed concern over the recent cross-strait development, which could destabilize the region and eventually could lead to miscalculation, serious confrontation. While many countries reiterated One-China Policy, the Meeting underlined the importance of maximum restraint, refrain from provocative action and adherence to the principles enshrined in United Nations Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), so as to avoid open conflicts among major powers and unpredictable consequences.

16. On the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the 1982 UNCLOS, the Meeting noted Indonesia's initiative to convene a Track 1.5 event on ASEAN Regional Conference on the 40th Anniversary of the 1982 UNCLOS: Promoting Legal Order for the Seas and Oceans.

Australia

17. The ASEAN-Australia Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by Lao PDR and Australia.

18. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the implementation of the ASEAN-Australia Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Partnership (2020- 2024), reflecting the active engagement of Australia with ASEAN despite challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Meeting adopted the Annex to the current ASEAN-Australia Plan of Action which outlines further commitments for ASEAN and Australia to deepen practical cooperation under the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, building on the priorities already outlined in the Plan of Action, and looked forward to its timely and effective implementation.

19. The Meeting agreed to deepen political-security cooperation, including on traditional and non-traditional security issues, such as in the areas of law enforcement, customs and immigration to counter trafficking in persons, people smuggling, illicit drugs, terrorism, violent extremism, and other transnational crimes, including through the AUD 80 million ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking Initiative (ASEAN ACT), TRIANGLE in ASEAN program, and the ASEAN-Australia Political Security Partnership initiative. The Meeting also highlighted the importance of advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in the region and welcomed the convening of the 2nd ASEAN-Australia Women, Peace and Security Dialogue in November 2021.

20. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the 1st ASEAN-Australia Summit following the Leaders' decision at the Second ASEAN-Australia Biennial Summit in 2020 to convene annual ASEAN-Australia Summits and looked forward to the upcoming 2nd ASEAN-Australia Summit. The Meeting acknowledged Australia's commitment and engagement with ASEAN in upholding ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms. The Meeting noted Australia's proposal for a Leaders' Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific with a view to promote ASEAN centrality, strengthen ASEAN-led mechanisms, and create an enabling environment for peace, stability and prosperity in the region, which is aimed to be adopted at the second annual ASEAN-Australia Summit in November 2022, and encouraged further work on this proposal. The Meeting encouraged Australia's cooperation with ASEAN to advance practical implementation of the AOIP under its four priority areas – connectivity, maritime cooperation, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and economic and other possible areas of cooperation.

21. The Meeting welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) that is meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial, including through Australia's announcement of a AUD154 million for ASEAN package under the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiatives. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ASEAN and Australia on the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative (AUS4ASEAN). The Initiatives include the 100 Australia for ASEAN Scholarships. The Meeting also looked forward to the commencement of the Australia for ASEAN Digital Transformation and Future Skills Initiative and noted that the first of the 350 TVET scholarships would be rolled out from late 2022.

22. The Meeting noted the on-going negotiation to upgrade the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) to ensure it remains high standard, fit for its purpose, future-proof against emerging challenges, relevant for businesses and people and responsive to economic recovery and other emerging issues. The Meeting looked forward to the conclusion of upgrade negotiations of the AANZFTA by September 2022. The Meeting expressed the satisfaction with the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, which will support regional economic recovery and affirms ASEAN's centrality to the regional rules-based order and looked forward to its full and effective implementation. The Meeting welcomed Australia's new AUD46 million Regional Trade Development initiative that will support ASEAN Member States to implement AANZFTA and RCEP.

23. The Meeting noted the significant contribution of the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program Phase II (AADCP II) to the ASEAN's Community-building process. The Meeting appreciated Australia's commitment in supporting ASEAN's efforts to deepen regional economic integration and looked forward to the AUD80 million successor Australia for ASEAN Futures - Economic Connectivity program ECON, which would commence in late 2022. The Meeting also looked forward to furthering cooperation between ASEAN and Australia on connectivity and narrowing the development gap, including through support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021- 2025), as well as on the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) through the ASEAN-Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund. The Meeting welcomed further ASEAN-Australia cooperation on digital economy and digital standards through the AUD5 million ASEAN-Australia Digital Standards Initiative. The Meeting noted Australia's AUD5 million in support to the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and the AUD1 million in support for ASEAN Fall Armyworm Action Plan to reduce crop losses. The Meeting noted the AUD 232 million Mekong-Australia Partnership to promote sustainable water resources management, further scholarship opportunities and strengthen technology capabilities to support economic integration and development in the Mekong sub-region.

24. The Meeting recognised the strong ties between ASEAN and Australia on the socio-cultural spectrum such as people-to-people connectivity particularly through education, including through the New Colombo Plan, Australia Awards, and programs run by the Australia-ASEAN Council. The Meeting looked forward to strengthening cooperation in areas such as disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development to promote a sustainable and inclusive post-COVID recovery efforts. The Meeting committed to further promote youth and women empowerment in all possible areas of cooperation, especially in digital development, 4IR, and MSMEs, among others.

25. The Meeting commended Australia's joint efforts in fighting against COVID-19 pandemic, including Australia's commitment and assistance to supporting equitable vaccine access and health security in the region, including through its Vaccine Access and Health Security Initiative (VAHSI). The Meeting noted that Australia had shared over 36 million vaccine doses to date with ASEAN Member States and provided end-to-end support, including cold chain storage, training of health workers and combatting vaccine hesitancy. The Meeting noted the implementation of Australia's approximately AUD500 million investment since 2020 in new development, economic and security measures to support regional COVID-19 recovery and enhanced partnership in line with AOIP priorities.

26. The Meeting welcomed Australia's contribution of AUD21 million to the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), AUD1 million to support the implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) and the establishment of the ACRF Support Unit at the ASEAN Secretariat, AUD1 million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. The Meeting welcomed implementation of the AUD 5 million ASEAN-Australia Health Security Initiative, the commencement of the ASEAN-Australia One Health Scholarships Program, Australia's co-sponsorship of the EAS Statement on Mental health Cooperation adopted at the 16th East Asia Summit and the convening of the EAS Workshop on Mental Health Cooperation to enhance health cooperation. The Meeting looked forward to strengthening ASEAN-Australia mental health cooperation, including through the ASEAN-Australia Youth Mental Health Fellowships.

Canada

27. The ASEAN-Canada Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by Malaysia and Canada.

28. The Meeting noted the progress made in the second year of the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2021- 2025).

29. The Meeting recognised that this year marks the 45th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations and looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN-Canada Summit to Commemorate the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN- Canada Dialogue Relation on the margin of ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in November 2022 and the commemorative activities to mark this milestone.

30. The Meeting appreciated Canada's support for ASEAN's initiatives in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, including through its Mitigation of Biological Threats (MBT) programme and its components, its contribution of CAD 3.5 million over five years to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund as well as the provision of personal protective equipment to ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

31. The Meeting noted that political engagement between ASEAN and Canada continues to strengthen on multiple fronts, including through Canada's participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime Plus Canada (SOMTC + Canada) Consultation.

32. The Meeting underlined the importance of stepping up efforts to enhance ASEAN-Canada trade and investment through the implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Joint Declaration on Trade and Investment (JDTI) Work Plan (2021-2025) as well as various activities of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC). The Meeting also noted and welcomed the launch of the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations at the 10th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)-Canada Consultation in November 2021 and looked forward to the 1st round of the FTA negotiations, scheduled for August 2022.

33. The Meeting highlighted Canada's support to ASEAN's MSMEs through the Canada-OECD Project on ASEAN SMEs (COPAS) for the period of 2016-2020, amounting to CAD 11.9 million, with no-cost extension until December 2021, and encouraged Canada to continue its support to the MSMEs in the region, especially through increased access to financing and other funding support mechanisms made available for ASEAN MSMEs, digital start-ups and women entrepreneur and digital transformation. The Meeting also encouraged Canada to further collaborate in the areas of technology; climate change and environmental protection; disaster management and humanitarian assistance, including through the AHA Centre as well as public health preparedness and response, and mitigation of pandemics.

34. The Meeting appreciated the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) initiative, which has provided 325 scholarships for students from ASEAN Member States to study in Canada since September 2018, and emphasised the importance of utilising online platforms to ensure continuity for such initiatives. The Meeting further noted that Canada launched its student component for 2022-2023 in December 2021, and is offering 154 scholarships to ASEAN students. The Meeting encouraged Canada to continue and expand education and training cooperation with ASEAN, through on-going programmes such as SEED and new programmes catered to ASEAN's growing education demands such as in digital skills, healthcare, science and technology, etc.

35. The Meeting noted Canada's continued desire to establish a strategic partnership with ASEAN and its interest to join ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the EAS, Observer of the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Groups and the EAMF. In support of Canada's growing commitments, ASEAN welcomed Canada's announcement to look to create a new Canada-ASEAN Trust Fund, with an initial contribution of CAD 1 million, with the opportunity to support programme across the various ASEAN mechanisms in coming years. This positive development is a testament of the importance of the ASEAN-Canada partnership.

36. ASEAN welcomes Canada's initiative to establish a dedicated trust fund to support cooperation programmes across the various ASEAN mechanisms.

China

37. The ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired on behalf of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, by the Kingdom of Cambodia, in the capacity of the ASEAN Chair, and the People's Republic of China.

38. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of the joint announcement of the establishment of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) that is meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial at the ASEAN- China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations on 22 November 2021, which was a new milestone in the history of ASEAN-China relations and injected new impetus into ASEAN-China cooperation for peace, stability, prosperity and development of our region and the world at large. The Meeting agreed to implement the Joint Statement of the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Security, Prosperity, Sustainable Development and Amity. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the significant progress made in the implementation of the Plan of Action (POA) to Implement the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity (2021-2025).

39. In light of the establishment of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November 2021, the Meeting adopted the Annex to the ASEAN- China POA (2021-2025): Advancing ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Meeting also looked forward to the signing of the Agreement on ASEAN-China Technical Cooperation to promote the human and institutional capacity of ASEAN Member States.

40. Some Ministers noted China's commitment to advance cooperation in the priority areas identified in the AOIP to develop enhanced strategic trust and win- win cooperation among countries in the region, as guided by the purposes and principles of the TAC, including exploring mutually beneficial cooperation with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as collaboration between the priority areas of AOIP and Global Development Initiative (GDI).

41. The Meeting agreed to advance discussion on an ASEAN-China Partnership on Blue Economy as envisaged in the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 to promote maritime sustainable development and create new highlights in ASEAN-China cooperation.

42. The Meeting looked forward to the submissions of the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Promoting Common Development and ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Food Security Cooperation, to the 25th ASEAN-China Summit. The Meeting also took note of China's proposal to designate the year of 2023 as the ASEAN-China Year of Agricultural Development and Food Security Cooperation

43. The Meeting welcomed the Global Development Initiative (GDI) announced by President Xi Jinping in September 2021 and encouraged participation in the GDI priority areas. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the Executive Summary Jakarta Forum on ASEAN-China Relations: Advancing the Implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through Exploring Cooperation between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and China's Global Development Initiative (GDI).

44. The Meeting took note of the Global Security Initiative (GSI) proposed by China with core elements consistent with the principles and spirit of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and looked forward to further details of the GSI.

45. The Meeting commended the fact that ASEAN became China's largest trading partner for the first time in 2020, while China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner since 2009, and noted two-way trade between ASEAN and China which has increased by 28.1% year on year amounting to USD 878 billion in 2021 and reiterated commitment to further strengthening ASEAN-China economic partnership, including through upholding the multilateral trading system, enhancing regional economic integration, and underscoring the importance of multilateralism and free trade. The Meeting agreed to further promote trade, investment, and tourism flows through, among others, the full implementation and further enhancement of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and the Protocol to Amend the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Certain Agreements there under between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People's Republic of China. The Meeting looked forward to continued enhancing cooperation, including in the areas of digital economy, e-commerce, consumer protection, and to further develop micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local entrepreneurs and start-ups in the region.

46. The Meeting welcomed the mutual support and collaboration between ASEAN and China in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Meeting appreciated China's provision of medical supplies and vaccines to ASEAN Member States and its contribution to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. The Meeting also encouraged support from China for ASEAN's efforts to recover from the impact of COVID-19 by actively implementing the ACRF and the ASEAN-China Public Health Cooperation Initiative: Programme on Public Health Emergency Preparedness Capacity (PROMPT).

47. As 2022 is designated as the ASEAN-China Year of Sustainable Development, the Meeting looked forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation in areas such as climate change, environment protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management, marine debris, poverty alleviation and elimination, disaster prevention and mitigation, and sustainable use of the ocean, seas and marine resources.

48. The Meeting emphasised the importance of stepping up the implementation of the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Synergising the MPAC 2025 and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and working to enhance linkages in the region to facilitate a more conductive business environment and to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The Meeting looked forward to working towards the full liberalisation of the ASEAN-China Air Transport Agreement (AC-ATA), which will further enhance regional connectivity as well as the progressive resumption of more direct flights between ASEAN Member States and China.

49. The Meeting emphasised the importance of implementing the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Tourism Cooperation and was committed to further strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector by developing new strategic cooperation measures and considered resuming the travel, including discussing the possible establishment of an ASEAN-China Tourism Ministers' Meeting mechanism in due course. The Meeting also highlighted the need for innovative ways to revitalize the tourism industry and ensure safe international travel in line with public health measures of each country, with a view to promoting economic recovery and people mobility, including businesses, tourists and students.

50. The Meeting reaffirmed the commitment to foster closer people-to-people exchanges including through culture, education, technical and vocational education and training, tourism and media, with a view to promoting mutual trust and understanding between the people of ASEAN and China. The Meeting also welcomed China's continued support for human resources development in ASEAN and China's strong commitment to increasing the number of scholarships and exchange programs for ASEAN students.

51. The Meeting was pleased with the positive momentum in the ongoing negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), particularly the recent resumption of in-person negotiations in Siem Reap, Cambodia, despite the challenging COVID-19 situation. The Meeting welcomed the continuation of the second reading of the Single Draft COC Negotiating Text (SDNT) this year through in-person meetings of the JWG-DOC, and the progress of negotiations achieved so far. The Meeting reaffirmed the aspiration to expedite the COC negotiations and looked forward to the completion of the second reading of the SDNT possibly by the end of 2022. The Meeting encouraged further progress towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, within a mutually agreed timeline.

52. The Meeting congratulated China on the successful convening of the Workshop on the 20th Anniversary of DOC on 25 July 2022, and looked forward to the commemorative activities for the 20th Anniversary of the DOC.

53. On the recent cross-strait development, many countries reiterated the One- China Policy and respect for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

European Union

54. The ASEAN-European Union (EU) Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by the Republic of the Philippines and the EU.

55. The Meeting welcomed the significant progress made in the implementation of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action (2018-2022). Noting that the current Plan will be completed this year, the Meeting adopted the new Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership (2023-2027).

56. The Meeting welcomed the growing engagement between ASEAN and the EU on a broad range of security and defence-related issues, including the EU's active engagement as co-chair of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Inter- Sessional Meeting (ISM) on maritime security as well as the ARF ISM on counter-terrorism and transnational crime (CTTC), within the ASEAN Regional Forum. The Meeting noted the importance of further developing dialogue on security and defence issues and crisis management, and noted the EU's commitment to adhere to all relevant existing ASEAN-led mechanisms and the EU's intention to apply for the observership programmes of two ADMM-Plus Expert's Working Groups. The Meeting looked forward to the ASEAN-EU 5th High-Level Dialogue on Maritime Security Cooperation and noted the successful outcomes of the 5th EU – ASEAN Security and Defence seminar. The EU encouraged ASEAN Member States to consider enhanced involvement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy activities.

57. The Meeting welcomed the adoption by the EU in December 2021 of its new bilateral and regional Multiannual Indicative Programmes 2021-2027 for the Asia-Pacific region, which will provide the means to strengthen the ASEAN-EU partnership, notably in the areas of green and inclusive sustainable development and sustainable connectivity. The programme includes an indicative allocation of EUR 180 million for ASEAN and South-East Asia for developing sectoral policy dialogue and providing targeted technical assistance at the regional level in addition to over EUR 1.4 billion for EU bilateral cooperation with ASEAN Member States. The EU will join forces with the EU Member States and relevant European financial institutions as part of a Team Europe approach, leading to increased scale and development impact.

58. The Meeting expressed their continued support for vaccine multilateralism, the World Health Organization and fair, equitable and affordable access to safe and effective vaccines under the multilateral COVAX Facility. In this context, ASEAN recognised the EU's contribution as the biggest vaccine exporter in the world and its provision of over EUR 3.5 billion in grants and guaranteed loans to the COVAX Facility to purchase, secure and deliver vaccines to low and middle- income countries and accelerate manufacturing capacity for their global supply.

59 The Meeting noted with satisfaction the successful completion of the legal scrubbing of the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (AE CATA). The Meeting encouraged ASEAN and EU Member States to speed up respective domestic procedures aiming for the signing of the AE CATA at the earliest possible opportunity. The Meeting looked forward to the endorsement of the ASEAN-EU Trade and Investment Work Programme for 2022-2023 at the 18th AEM-EU Trade Commissioner Consultation in September 2022, with a view to further strengthening two-way trade and investment flows between ASEAN and the EU that can support the regions' comprehensive recovery process. The Meeting noted the establishment of bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between the EU and several ASEAN Member States and looked forward to further progress in FTA negotiations between the EU and other ASEAN Member States, which will serve as building blocks for the future ASEAN-EU FTA. The Meeting looked forward for further progress on the development of the Framework setting out the parameters of a future ASEAN- EU FTA.

60 The Meeting recalled the successful convening of the 2nd Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Palm Oil between the relevant ASEAN Member States and the European Union hosted by Malaysia on 28 June 2022 via Videoconference and its role in addressing the growing opportunities and challenges in sustainable vegetable oil production.

61 The Meeting recalled the successful convening of the 3rd ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Sustainable Development: Towards a Greener, more Innovative, Equal and Inclusive Future hosted by Thailand on 18 November 2021 and the launch of the Green Team Europe Initiative in partnership with ASEAN / Southeast Asia, which could pave the way towards a closer partnership on environment, climate change and sustainable development. The Meeting welcomed the EU's engagement with the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD), including on sustainable consumption and production and noted the establishment of the ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. The Meeting welcomed the launch of the EUR 5 million programme on "Smart Green ASEAN Cities" in November last year and the series of Webinars on Green Technology and Innovation Mapping for plastic waste and sustainable manufacturing which were held in 2021. The Meeting looked forward to the 4th ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Sustainable Development to be hosted by the EU in 2023.

62.ASEAN acknowledged the EU's support for the development and operationalisation of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) through its EUR 40 million "ARISE-Plus" trade facilitation and regional integration programme, in particular in providing training, testing, and staging environments to ACTS users, and noted the transfer of the ACTS to the ASEAN Secretariat in September 2021.

63. The Meeting recognised that the year 2022 marks the 45th anniversary of the ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations and welcomed several joint activities to mark this milestone that have been conducted and are to be conducted during this year. The Meeting also looked forward to the convening of a physical ASEAN- EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels on 14 December 2022 and co-chairing by Cambodia as the Chair of ASEAN 2022 and the EU.

India

64. The ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by the Republic of Singapore and the Republic of India.

65. The Meeting noted the good progress of ASEAN-India dialogue relations made under the ASEAN-India Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (2021-2025). The Meeting appreciated the fact that action on more than 85 per cent of activities had already been taken. The Meeting encouraged both sides to maximise efforts in implementing the remaining activities under this Plan of Action as well as other existing initiatives with ASEAN.

66. Recognising 2022 as the "ASEAN-India Friendship Year", the Meeting recalled several key activities which marks the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations such as the unveiling of the 30th Anniversary Logo, the 7th Roundtable edition of ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT), the ASEAN-India Media Exchange, Special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and the ASEAN-India High Level Conference on Renewable Energy. The Meeting also looked forward to implementing the remaining activities planned to celebrate this occasion.

67. The Meeting expressed appreciation for India's long-standing partnership with ASEAN towards peace, stability and prosperity in the region and its strong commitment to upholding ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms. The Meeting recalled the Leaders' adoption of the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability and Prosperity in the Region and looked forward to its effective implementation through ASEAN-led mechanisms.

68. The Meeting welcomed the proposed visit of ASEAN Parliamentary Delegation coordinated by AIPA to India, the first upcoming ASEAN-India Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting in November 2022 in Siem Reap and the ADMM's in-principle approval of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise as well as the practical cooperation in the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Groups including the proposed ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise.

69. The Meeting appreciated India's efforts in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the region, including through India's contribution of USD1 million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund as well as its vaccine contribution to countries in the region bilaterally and through various initiatives, including ASEAN. The Meeting also agreed to cooperate in vaccine production and distribution, research and innovation in generic medicines, cooperation on traditional medicines, strengthening public health infrastructure; and enhancing capacities for preparedness and response to the pandemic and public health emergencies.

70. The Meeting emphasised the importance of strengthening ASEAN-India connectivity partnership, both physical and digital, including the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and exploring synergies between MPAC 2025 and India's Act East Policy in line with the "Connecting Connectivities" approach. The Meeting looked forward to the timely completion and operationalisation of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and its possible extension to Lao PDR, Cambodia and Viet Nam. The Meeting also looked forward to the increased utilisation of India's USD1 billion Line of Credit for supporting physical and digital connectivity projects in the region.

71. The Meeting committed to further strengthening ASEAN-India economic relations, including through ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) and looked forward to launching the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), to make it more user-friendly, simple, and trade facilitative for businesses, as well as support of sustainable and inclusive growth. ASEAN underscored that the door for India to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement is always open.

72. The Meeting appreciated India's partnership in development assistance to ASEAN and encouraged India's continued support in narrowing the development gap in ASEAN, especially through the IAI Work Plan IV (2021- 2025), addressing the promotion of collaboration on the digital development, cybersecurity, fintech cooperation, smart agriculture, safe and sustainable tourism, climate change, sustainable development, education, and people linkages, among others. The Meeting welcomed India's support for ASEAN's efforts in strengthening sub-regional cooperation, including through the Mekong-Ganga cooperation, contribute to narrowing the development gap, promoting equitable and sustainable development across ASEAN. The Meeting also welcomed India's interest in collaborating with the ACSDSD and looked forward to enhancing collaboration in promoting complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, addressing climate change, and promoting clean energy transition.

73. The Meeting welcomed India's proposed ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) that is meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial. The Meeting looked forward to establishing the ASEAN-India CSP at the 19th ASEAN-India Summit in November 2022.

Japan

74. The ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by the Kingdom of Thailand and Japan.

75. The Meeting reiterated commitment to further strengthening ASEAN-Japan partnership and cooperation through effective implementation of the Revised Implementation Plan of the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation: Shared Vision, Shared Identity, Shared Future. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress in the implementation of the Revised Implementation Plan of the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. The Meeting welcomed that activities and projects have been implemented or are on-going to address all 75 action lines of the Revised Implementation Plan, which served as the comprehensive guide for ASEAN- Japan cooperation. ASEAN also noted Japan's intention to seriously consider establishing an ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

76. The Meeting looked forward to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations in 2023. The Meeting noted that the 37th ASEAN-Japan Forum had endorsed Japan's proposed Concept Paper on the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of Friendship and Cooperation. In this regard, the Meeting agreed to further submit the Concept Paper to ASEAN Leaders for their decision at the 25th ASEAN-Japan Summit in November 2022. The Meeting looked forward to the convening of ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo, Japan in 2023 in order to jointly announce a new vision for future ASEAN-Japan relations. The Meeting also acknowledged that a regular annual ASEAN-Japan Summit starting from 2023 would be an important opportunity for their Leaders to exchange views on the outcome document for the Commemorative Summit. The Meeting agreed on designating the year 2023 as "The 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation". The Meeting also announced the official Logo Design and Catchphrase for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.

77. The Meeting welcomed defense cooperation between ASEAN and Japan under the "Vientiane Vision 2.0: Japan's Defense Cooperation Initiative with ASEAN", as well as the ADMM-Plus including co-chairing with Viet Nam the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus Experts' Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations (ADMM-Plus EWG on PKO) in the 2021-2024 cycle.

78. The Meeting welcomed Japan's unwavering support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the progress of concrete cooperation projects between ASEAN and Japan. The Meeting affirmed that both the AOIP and Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) concept share relevant fundamental principles in promoting peace and cooperation. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to reinforce ASEAN-Japan partnership through enhanced practical cooperation and collaboration in the four areas as outlined in the AOIP and the Joint Statement of the 23rd ASEAN-Japan Summit on Cooperation on the AOIP.

79. The Meeting welcomed Japan's continuous support for capacity building activities in the field of cyber security for ASEAN Member States through the ASEAN-Japan Cyber Security Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC).

80. The Meeting noted the activities carried out by the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the ASEAN-Japan Business Council (AJBC), and the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC). The Meeting looked forward to the full implementation of the First Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement after its entry-into- force on 1 February 2022. The Meeting also reiterated the importance of the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, which entered into force on 1 January 2022.

81. The Meeting reaffirmed the need to deepen cooperation in the areas of public health and emergency response, disaster management, and environmental issues including biodiversity conservation and tackling climate change, and human security. ASEAN appreciated Japan's continued support for the work of the AHA Centre, and in envisioning an environmentally-sustainable ASEAN through the ASEAN-Japan Dialogue on Environmental Cooperation and looked forward to expanding practical cooperation on green growth, including through the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD).

82. The Meeting stressed the importance of ASEAN-Japan cooperation in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and achieving universal health coverage and in strengthening joint efforts for robust and sustainable recovery. ASEAN appreciated Japan's provision of COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies to ASEAN Member States and also its significant contribution to the establishment and its continued support for full operationalisation of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) including the capacity building of health human resources and the mobilisation of technical experts through JICA aligned with the scope of work of the Centre as well as the detailed design and preparation support for the Centre . The Meeting looked forward to the finalisation of the ACPHEED's establishment agreement by September 2022, based on outcome of the "Results of the Trilateral Ministerial Meeting" (Indonesia, Thailand, Viet Nam) on ACPHEED, held on 13 May 2022 which was presented at the 15th ASEAN Health Ministers' Meeting (AHMM) Retreat. ASEAN also looked forward to Japan's support for other initiatives, including the ASEAN Regional Reserves of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies (RRMS) and the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF).

83. ASEAN appreciated Japan's continued support and looked forward to concrete cooperation in advancing the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and the Joint Statement of the 22nd ASEAN-Japan Summit on Connectivity, which recognised the importance of enhancing connectivity in the region and developing quality infrastructure in line with international standards, including openness, transparency, economic efficiency in view of lifecycle cost and debt sustainability. The Meeting further encouraged Japan to explore synergies with the MPAC 2025 in line with the "Connecting the Connectivities" initiative. The Meeting looked forward to the conclusion of a more liberal and mutually beneficial ASEAN-Japan Air Services Agreement with a view to enhancing air connectivity between Japan and ASEAN Member States. The Meeting welcomed Japan's active and continued support for the ASCN and the convening of the 3rd ASEAN-Japan Smart Cities Network High- Level Meeting (HLM) in October 2021.

84. ASEAN noted Japan's continued support for people-to-people, sports and cultural exchanges, through various programs including the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS), WA Project, Sakura Science Exchange Program, the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP), the exchanges through the ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA), Sport for Tomorrow, ASEAN-Japan Actions on Sports, and ASIA KAKEHASHI Project. The Meeting looked forward to further strengthening cooperation on sports through the ASEAN Plus Japan Ministerial Meeting on Sports mechanism as well as on youth development, through the implementation of ASEAN Work Plan on Sports 2021-2025 and ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2021-2025. The Meeting noted with appreciation Japan's contribution in advancing Sustainable Development Goals in the region through the regional programmes on Education for Sustainable Development. The Meeting underlined the need to further promote cultural cooperation, including through the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Work Plan on Cooperation in Culture and the Arts 2019-2021. ASEAN appreciated and looked forward to the extension of WA project and other efforts of the Japan Foundation to promote culture, sports and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and ASEAN Member States in the coming years.

85. The Meeting highly appreciated Japan's continued support for ASEAN's integration and Community-building efforts through the implementation of Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IA) Work Plan IV (2021-2025) supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and encouraged the continued effective implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

86. The Meeting affirmed the necessity of adequate financing to support the acceleration of energy transitions in the region for realising sustainable economic growth and addressing climate change. The Meeting noted Japan's ‘Asia Energy Transition Initiative (AETI)', which includes a wide range of support for energy transitions in Asia, and its steady implementation such as various financial supports for demonstration projects to introduce technologies and continuous discussion in the "Asia Transition Finance Study Group". The Meeting noted Japan's support for the Southeast Fisheries Development Centre (SEADFEC) especially for combatting IUU (Illegal Unreported and Unregulated) fishing. The Meeting welcomed initiatives undertaken by ASEAN and Japan to further promote the rule of law such as the holding of the ASEAN- Japan Special Meeting of Justice Ministers.

New Zealand

87. The ASEAN-New Zealand Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand.

88. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress in the second year of implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership (2021-2025) across three pillars of ASEAN, and under the four key themes of "Peace, Prosperity, People and Planet", as set out in the Joint ASEAN-New Zealand Leaders' Vision Statement on the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations, which has enhanced cooperation and contributed towards the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

89. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening cooperation on political-security issues and advocating for peaceful solutions, in particular on counterterrorism and violent extremism, cybersecurity, maritime security and transnational crime through various ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the EAS, ARF and ADMM-Plus. The Meeting welcomed New Zealand's support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and noted the potential to further enhance ASEAN-New Zealand cooperation under the priority areas of the AOIP .

90. The Meeting welcomed New Zealand's active contribution in co-chairing the ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (ISM on CTTC) with Malaysia and the EU and the ARF Workshop on Preventing Terrorist Use of the Internet alongside Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as New Zealand's active participation in the ADMM-Plus Expert Working Group on Cyber Security (EWG-CS).

91. The Meeting looked forward to the finalisation of the upgrade negotiations of the AANZFTA by September 2022 to strengthen trade and investment, ensure the Agreement remains ASEAN's most comprehensive and highest quality FTA in force. The Meeting welcomed the AANZFTA Implementation Support (AIS) Programme, which is a successor programme of the AANZFTA Economic Cooperation Support Programme (AECSP), to further operationalise and implement the AANZFTA Agreement.

92. The Meeting applauded the entry into force of the RCEP Agreement on 1 January 2022 and encouraged the remaining RCEP Parties to finalise their ratification process in a timely manner. The Meeting noted New Zealand's commitment to provide a new trade and economic capacity-building programme under the ASEAN Trade Academy initiative, to build capacity amongst young ASEAN trade negotiators.

93. The Meeting looked forward to the conclusion of the negotiation of the Air Services Agreement between the Governments of the ASEAN Member States and New Zealand to facilitate air connectivity and boost economic recovery of the region. The Meeting also looked forward to New Zealand's continued support for the implementation of the MPAC 2025, IAI Work Plan IV, and the ASCN and for ASEAN's efforts in narrowing the development gap and promoting sustainable development in all sub-regions across ASEAN.

94. The Meeting welcomed ongoing cooperation in the areas of agriculture, renewable energy, ease of doing business, MSMEs, young business leaders, and tourism. The Meeting also encouraged both sides to further cooperate and engage in the areas of supply chains, digital economy, and indigenous business.

95. The Meeting appreciated New Zealand's contribution of NZD1 million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund and targeted support to ASEAN Member States, which had been utilised to secure vaccines and support the post- pandemic recovery.

96. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening people-to- people exchanges, including through scholarships, TVET as well as short-term specialist training programmes, such as English language training, particularly the bespoke English language training to support Cambodia in its role as ASEAN Chair in 2022. In this regard, the Meeting looked forward to the resumption of various people-to-people initiatives and programmes, such as the ASEAN Young Business Leaders' Initiative, Prime Minister's Fellowship Scheme and ASEAN Young Diplomats Study Tour, once health conditions and travel measures allowed. The Meeting noted that the ASEAN Young Diplomats Study Tour complemented the ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme with the ASEAN Secretariat, for which ASEAN welcomed New Zealand's support in terms of experience sharing and technical expertise.

97. The Meeting recognised the importance of working closely together to ensure a sustainable and climate-resilient economic recovery as well as exploring opportunities to strengthen the region's capabilities on addressing climate change, sustainability issues and natural disasters. In this regard, the Meeting expressed appreciation to New Zealand for its support for the AHA Centre's capacity building initiatives, including through the AHA Centre Executive (ACE) Programme worth NZD 2.6 million, its NZD 5 million support to the Mekong River Commission over the next 5 years, its support to the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam, and its NZD 10 million support over 5 years for climate-smart agricultural development in ASEAN Member States over the next five years through the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases as well as its support for the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change

Republic of Korea

98. The ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the ROK.

99. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the good progress of the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Vision on Peace, Prosperity and Partnership (2021-2025), with 71% of the areas of cooperation under the Plan of Action.

100. The Meeting underscored the importance of multilateralism, regionalism, and international law in contributing to global and regional peace, stability, and prosperity. The Meeting further affirmed enhancing ASEAN-ROK cooperation in realising the principles stated in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), including strengthening ASEAN Centrality, openness, transparency, inclusivity, a rules-based framework, good governance, respect for sovereignty, non-interference, complementarity with existing cooperation frameworks, equality, mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, and respect for international law. The Meeting looked forward to further advancing practical cooperation in the four cooperation areas of the AOIP within the existing ASEAN-led mechanisms.

101. The Meeting recalled the Joint Statement of the 22nd ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit on Advancing ASEAN-ROK Cooperation for People-centred Community of Peace and Prosperity, which was adopted at the 22nd ASEAN- ROK Summit in October 2021. In this vein, the Meeting appreciated the ROK's continued commitment in strengthening the strategic partnership with ASEAN through mutually beneficial and future-oriented cooperation. The Meeting noted the ROK's intention to announce its request for an ASEAN-ROK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) at the 23rd ASEAN-ROK Summit in November 2022.

102. The Meeting reiterated the commitment to strengthening cooperation to address non-traditional security issues, including transnational crime, countering terrorism, violent extremism, cyber security and maritime security. On promoting humanitarian assistance in mine action, the Meeting appreciated the ROK's support to the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) through its three-year project on Enhancing Victim Assistance Programme in the ASEAN Member States.

103. The Meeting agreed to facilitate trade and investment linkages and deepen business-to-business cooperation, including through the effective implementation of the AKFTA and the RCEP, with a view to supporting regional recovery. The Meeting also welcomed the ROK's continued support in the areas of the ROK's expertise, such as digital transformation, science, technology and innovation, smart infrastructure, and future industries.

104. The Meeting welcomed the success of the 1st ASEAN-ROK Health Ministers' Meeting, which was convened on 15 May 2022, in Bali, Indonesia. The Meeting welcomed the ROK's close cooperation and support for ASEAN in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the ROK's contribution of USD 6 million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund and through the project on ‘Enhancing the Detection Capacity for COVID-19 in ASEAN Member States', as well as its efforts to promote cooperation on the development, production and distribution of medicines and vaccines for COVID-19 and other diseases in future public health emergencies, in line with the focus of the first phase of the urgent implementation of the Regional Strategic and Action Plan on ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance (AVSSR) 2021-2025. ASEAN looked forward to the ROK's continued support to ASEAN's Community-building efforts and initiatives to address the pandemic, including the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) and its Implementation Plan and the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies.

105. The Meeting welcomed the launching of the ASEAN-ROK Financial Cooperation Centre at the Mission of the ROK to ASEAN in Jakarta on 13 April this year and looked forward to the signing MOU of the ASEAN-ROK Science and Technology Cooperation Centre (AKSTCC) as well as welcomed the progress in discussions on ASEAN-Korea Joint Standardization Research Centre and the ASEAN-Korea Industrial Innovation Centre (AKIIC). The Meeting also welcomed and commended the ROK's intention to increase its annual contribution to the ASEAN-ROK Cooperation Fund (AKCF) from USD 14 million to USD 16 million starting this year.

106. The Meeting supported the strengthened cooperation in labour, workforce and human resource development, as well as develop a regional workforce that is future-ready, competitive and resilient. In this vein, the Meeting noted that Viet Nam will work with the ROK to develop a joint proposal on holding an ASEAN- ROK symposium on resumption of labour supply and promoting decent labour work force. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges through TVET, scholarships, workshops and activities through relevant sectoral bodies, including the ASEAN-Korea Centre and the cultural centres in Seoul, Busan and Bangkok.

107. The Meeting welcomed the proposal to hold an ASEAN-Korea Day scheduled to be held in the first half of 2023 in Viet Nam to better connecting peoples and businesses and further strengthening the ASEAN-ROK strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation to a new height, leading up to the milestone of 35th anniversary of ASEAN-ROK relations in 2024.

108. The Meeting underlined the importance of the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) in enhancing economic linkages, socio-cultural exchange and mutual understanding between countries and peoples of ASEAN and ROK, and looked forward to further details of Viet Nam's proposal on promoting the role of the AKC.

Russian Federation

109. The ASEAN-Russia Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Russian Federation.

110. The Meeting welcomed with satisfaction the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA) 2021-2025 and looked forward to its full and effective implementation of the CPA.

111. Recalling the successfully convening of the 4th ASEAN-Russia Summit in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations on 28 October 2021 via videoconference, the Meeting reaffirmed the commitment in advancing existing cooperation as well as in addressing the common challenges and uncertainties in the region.

112. ASEAN welcomed Russia's support for ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN's leading role in the evolving regional architecture and recognised Russia's active engagement and participation in at various levels of existing ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the ASEAN-Plus One, EAS, ARF, and ADMM-Plus, and EAMF. ASEAN appreciated Russia's position on the ASEAN-Russia Summit on 28 October 2021 and encouraged ASEAN and Russia to develop concrete projects under the AOIP on issues of common interests to serve as the building block of wider regional peace and stability.

113. The Meeting reaffirmed the need for close-knit collaboration between ASEAN and Russia and reiterated the importance of upholding multilateralism and enhancing mutual trust, confidence, and respect for regional peace, security, stability and prosperity.

114. The Meeting noted the First ASEAN-Russia Naval Exercise (ARNEX) held on 28 November – 3 December 2021. The Meeting looked forward to the convening of the 2nd ASEAN-Russia Consultations of the High Representatives for Security Issues and the 2nd ASEAN-Russia Dialogue on ICTs Security- related Issues in the second half of this year. The Meeting looked forward to the finalisation and adoption of the ASEAN-Russia Work Plan on Countering Terrorism and Transnational Crime for 2022-2025 and ASEAN-Russia Work Plan on the Activities in the Main Areas of Cooperation in the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue on ICT Security-Related Issues.

115. Some Ministers underlined the importance of promoting interaction between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union through implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) on Economic Cooperation and the Programme of Cooperation between ASEAN and EEC for 2021-2025.

116. The Meeting encouraged stronger ASEAN-Russia economic cooperation including through the effective implementation of the ASEAN-Russia Trade and Investment Cooperation Roadmap and ASEAN-Russia Trade and Investment Work Programme 2021-2025, especially enhanced business-to-business exchange and networking between ASEAN and Russia.

117. The Meeting welcomed elevation of ASEAN-Russia Tourism Consultation to the ministerial level in January 2022 and adoption of the ASEAN-Russia Work Plan on Tourism cooperation 2022-2024. The Meeting also welcomed Russia's continued support in narrowing the development gap within the region through its participation in the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI).

118. ASEAN noted Russia's assistance in enhancing regional preparedness and capacity in prevention and responding to communicable infectious diseases through holding specialised training courses in Vladivostok under the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing.

119. ASEAN expressed appreciation to Russia for organising training courses for the ASEAN law enforcement agencies under the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation and Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation. The Meeting looked forward to the finalisation and adoption of the ASEAN- Russia Plan of Action on Education 2022-2026, and to the convening of the 6th ASEAN-Russia Youth Summit and 4th Roundtable of Network of ASEAN- Russia Think Tanks.

United Kingdom

120. The ASEAN-United Kingdom (UK) Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by Brunei Darussalam and the UK.

121. Recalling the 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings held in August 2021, ASEAN once again warmly welcomed the UK as the 11th Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and officially welcomed the UK to the first ASEAN- UK Ministerial Meeting.

122. The Meeting appreciated the UK's commitment in enhancing cooperation in different areas with ASEAN through the ASEAN-led mechanisms and established procedures of ASEAN. In this regard, the Meeting adopted the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership 2022-2026 which underpins future ASEAN-UK cooperation and looked forward to its full and effective implementation of the Plan of Action.

123. The Meeting was pleased with the fruitful progress of the ASEAN-UK cooperation since the establishment of the Dialogue Relations, which could be reflected through the convening of the 1st ASEAN-UK Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) on 5-6 July 2022 in London, UK, 1st ASEAN-UK Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting on 24 June 2022 via videoconference, and through other established procedures of the ASEAN-led mechanisms.

124. The Meeting agreed to deepen political-security cooperation, including on maritime security capacity building to, inter alia, promote a deeper understanding of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). ASEAN noted the launch of the UK's new capacity building programme with ASEAN Member States on maritime law and security, including training from the Royal Navy. The Meeting agreed to explore further cooperation, such as strengthening regional forums on maritime issues, coastguard collaboration, combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing, maritime domain awareness and deepening existing dialogues on maritime law issues.

125. Some Ministers committed to strengthen cooperation on tackling transnational crime, including counter-terrorism, human trafficking, organised crime and child sexual exploitation. The Meeting agreed to deepen defence and security relationships between ASEAN and the UK. The Meeting supported the open, transparent, inclusive, and rules-based ASEAN-led regional architecture and welcomed the interest of the UK in furthering engagement with the region through all ASEAN-led processes. ASEAN encouraged the UK to support ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

126. The Meeting agreed to increase cooperation in multilateral fora, including at the United Nations. The Meeting commended the UK's active roles for the Presidency of the G7 group of nations in 2021 including the successful convening of the Meeting between ASEAN Foreign Ministers and G7 Foreign and Development Ministers on 12 December 2021 in Liverpool, UK.

127. The Meeting underscored the significant contribution of public-private sector partnership, both in responding to COVID-19 and driving future growth. The Meeting noted the important work of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC), supported by the Joint Business Councils, especially the UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) in advancing economic integration in our region.

128. The Meeting recognised the importance of developing and investing in sustainable and resilient infrastructure to support post-pandemic recovery and to meet the needs of future generations. The Meeting welcomed the scale up of British International Investment (BII) - the UK's development finance institution - in the region, including the planned opening of a regional British Investment International (BII) office in Singapore later this year.

129. The Meeting welcomed the launch of the ASEAN-UK Digital Innovation Partnership and recognised digital transformation as a key component for recovery and sustainable development. As the fastest growing internet market in the world, ASEAN looked forward to exploring ways to strengthen digital cooperation with the UK, especially on investing in resilient digital infrastructure, training and upskilling on digital technologies, and safeguarding digital spaces.

130. The Meeting emphasised the need to continue to work together to control and contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. ASEAN appreciated the UK's £1 million commitment to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, and its £4.8 million commitment to support the COVID-19 response in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Viet Nam. ASEAN also encouraged the UK to support the initiatives under the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) and its Implementation Plan.

131. The Meeting reaffirmed our commitment to tackling climate change, one of the most serious threats facing our world. The Meeting looked forward to closer cooperation to address our climate change and sustainability challenges, including enhancing capacity building initiatives for member states such as through cooperation with the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD), and in line with the framework of the ASEAN- UK Cooperation on COP26 and longer-term dialogue cooperation. Sustainable development will continue to be a key focus for ASEAN and the UK under our cooperation efforts. The Meeting also encouraged the UK to support ASEAN's work on climate change through the sharing of scientific and technical expertise and welcomed the UK's support towards the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam. The Ministers welcomed the signing by the UK earlier this month of a £107 million MOU with the ADB to support green investment in ASEAN through the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility, which is making green infrastructure projects more affordable to governments and attractive for other investors.

132. The Meeting welcomed the significant contribution of the UK's Chevening programme, which is providing scholarships to candidates from ASEAN countries to enable them to travel the UK to take up postgraduate degrees in a wide range of subjects, and has included more than 200 new Chevening awards this year.

133. The Meeting noted the UK's plans to revitalise its approach to science, technology and innovation. The Meeting expressed a shared commitment to building connections and collaborations between UK and ASEAN researchers and innovators on areas including health, climate adaptation and resilience, emerging technologies and agriculture; research and innovation; international governance and standards; and digital transformation, including through the UK's Digital Innovation Partnership with ASEAN.

134. The Meeting commended the UK's plans to bring new expertise and development programming to ASEAN and welcomed opportunities for new collaboration in areas such as ASEAN Economic Integration, Green Transition, Health Strengthening, Education and Skills, and Women, Peace and Security.

United States of America

135. The ASEAN-U.S. Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by the Republic of Indonesia and the United States.

136. The Meeting reaffirmed ASEAN's and the U.S'. commitment to continue strengthening the ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Partnership, which plays a significant role in maintaining peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region. The Meeting noted the progress made in the second year of the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Partnership (2021- 2025) and looked forward to its full and effective implementation. ASEAN expressed their commitment towards establishing an ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) that is meaningful, substantive, and mutually beneficial at the 10th ASEAN-U.S. Summit in November 2022

137. The Meeting acknowledged the successful convening of the ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit in Washington D.C. on 12-13 May 2022, during which the Leaders adopted the Joint Vision Statement, which reflects the breadth and depth of ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Partnership. The Special Summit reaffirmed both sides' shared commitment to further deepening the ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Relations, which reaches its 45th anniversary this year. The Meeting also welcomed the U.S. support for ASEAN centrality and the AOIP and encouraged the U.S. to enhance cooperation in the four key areas under the AOIP to promote cooperation and stability in the region.

138. The Meeting welcomed the U.S. continued constructive role in promoting dialogue for regional peace and security through its participation in various ASEAN-led mechanisms, namely the EAS, ARF, EAMF, and ADMM-Plus, as well as the ASEAN Plus U.S. Senior Officials' Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC+U.S.) Consultations. The Meeting welcomed the proposed ASEAN- US Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting in November 2022 in Siem Reap as well as the U.S.'s active participation in the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Groups.

139. The Meeting reaffirmed the commitment to deepening ASEAN-U.S. economic ties, including through implementation of the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement and the Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Initiative Work Plans, U.S.-ASEAN Connect, as well as through dialogue and engagement among the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (U.S.-ABC). The Meeting expressed appreciation for the work of IGNITE in supporting the development of the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) and exploring the exchange of electronic customs information between the ASW and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Automated Customs Environment to further facilitate two-way trade between the two regions.

140. The Meeting welcomed the progress of the U.S.' proposal to expand ASEAN- U.S. engagement in the areas of public health, transportation, gender equality and women's empowerment, energy, and environment and climate change, and looked forward to exploring concrete cooperation in these areas. The Meeting discussed a broad range of critical issues, including collaborative efforts in addressing COVID-19 and climate crisis; pursuing a clean energy transition; building a sustainable, high-standard and climate-resilient infrastructure; advancing digitalisation; expanding access to education; and enhancing maritime cooperation, and promoting sustainable development. In this regard, the Meeting also appreciated the U.S.' announcement of USD 150 million in initiatives that support ASEAN's post-pandemic recovery efforts and health security, ensure better access to education, accelerate climate action, sustainable development and inclusive prosperity, and forge closer maritime cooperation in the region, through ASEAN-led mechanisms. The Meeting looked forward to the effective implementation of the ASEAN-U.S. Leaders' Statement on Digital Development at the 9th ASEAN-U.S. Summit in October 2021, which aims to support ASEAN's efforts in bridging the digital divide and ICT development gaps within ASEAN, and promoting the development of a secure, resilient and innovative 5G ecosystem and networks.

141. The Meeting appreciated the U.S. for their continuing support to the ASEAN- U.S. Health Futures initiative, in taking swift action to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthen health systems, and promote health security. The Meeting also appreciated the U.S.'s provision of over $200 million in COVID-19 health and humanitarian assistance and over 115 million doses to the region, in partnership with COVAX. The Meeting underscored the need for U.S.' global leadership in addressing the vaccination gap and encouraged greater collaboration to ensure equitable and affordable access and procurement of vaccines for ASEAN including expanding production in the region. The Meeting also encouraged the U.S. to continue its support for the ASEAN Public Health Emergency Coordination System (APHECS) that will ensure successful regional preparedness and response to future public health emergencies.

142. The Meeting welcomed the continued U.S. support for enhanced regional connectivity as well as in strengthening cybersecurity capacity and ASEAN's digital transformation and digital economy through the implementation of the MPAC 2025 and looked forward to exploring synergies between the MPAC 2025 and U.S. initiatives supporting connectivity in line with the "Connecting the Connectivities" approach. We also welcomed initiatives on the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership and the U.S.-ASEAN Connect Digital Economy Series, as well as through its support for the ASEAN- Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence. The Meeting also welcomed the convening of the 2nd ASEAN U.S. Cyber Policy Dialogue in October 2021 which discussed ways to strengthen cyber cooperation in the region and reaffirm joint interests in cyberspace capacity. The Meeting expressed appreciation for the U.S.' continued engagement in the ASCN through activities under the US- ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership (USASCP) initiative.

143. The Meeting welcomed ASEAN-U.S. development cooperation, especially through the Mekong-U.S. Partnership (MUSP), USAID's Inclusive Growth in ASEAN through Innovation, Trade and E-Commerce (IGNITE), the Partnership for Regional Optimization within the Political-Security and Socio-Cultural Communities (PROSPECT), the ASEAN Policy Implementation Project (API), and the Regional Development Cooperation Agreement (RDCA) for further collaboration in new areas of cooperation. The Meeting supported ASEAN's efforts in promoting equitable development promote complementarity and synergy among ASEAN, MUSP and other existing Mekong cooperation mechanisms. The Meeting also appreciated the U.S. for its support for the IAI Work Plan IV (2021-2025).

144. The Meeting recalled the adoption of the ASEAN-U.S. Joint Statement on Human Capital Development at the 8th ASEAN-U.S. Summit and appreciated the U.S.' support in building a more people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN Community through various capacity building and development programmes. The Meeting highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme, the U.S.-ASEAN Internship Programme, the ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women, the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program and the Billion Futures Program for human capital development in the region and for enhancing people-to-people ties. The Meeting also supported the enhancement of people-to-people exchanges in creative economy and digital economy sectors.

Trilateral Meetings

145. There were also two separate Trilateral Meetings between Cambodia and ASEAN Secretariat with Türkiye and Switzerland on 3-4 August 2022 to discuss the future direction and explore ways to forge closer and sustained collaboration with concrete and tangible outcomes between ASEAN and the respective Sectoral Dialogue Partners.