[Title] CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT OF THE 6th EAST ASIA SUMMIT
1. The Sixth East Asia Summit (EAS), chaired by H.E. DR. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia, was held on 19 November 2011 in Bali, Indonesia. The Summit was attended by the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States, Australia, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United States of America. The Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand attended the Summit on behalf of their respective Leaders.
2. We warmly welcomed Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Yoshihiko Noda; Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Yingluck Shinawatra; and President of the United States of America, H.E. Barack Hussein Obama who participated for the first time in this Summit. We welcomed the participation of the United States of America and the Russian Federation in the EAS which will strengthen EAS efforts to advance its common endeavours.
3. We appreciated the sharing of thoughts and identification of possible cooperation to be extended by the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Asian Development Bank, as the guests of the Chair, at the plenary session of the 6th East Asia Summit.
4. We emphasized our commitment to the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the East Asia Summit and the 2010 Ha Noi Declaration, particularly on the EAS as a forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia. We also emphasized that ASEAN remain as the driving force working in partnership with the other participants of the East Asia Summit. In this context, we will continue to enhance the EAS as a Leaders-led forum.
5. We reiterated our determination to promote a democratic and just world order based on the supremacy of principles and norms of international law, and on the need to use relevant multilateral instruments, finding solutions to regional and global problems through concerted efforts. In this regard, the EAS will foster collaboration and partnership for mutual benefits and, at the same time, avoid the emergence of fault lines in the region.
6. We recognized the value of the EAS in maintaining and enhancing peace, stability and prosperity in the region. We reaffirmed, therefore, norms and principles such as those enshrined in the UN Charter and Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in order to maintain peace, stability, and promote prosperity in the region. We adopted the "Declaration of the East Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations" known as "the Bali Principles".
7. We noted that the East Asia region continues to face challenges that are multifaceted, multidimensional and interlinked, and consequently, they require our collective resolve to address them. We recognized the prevalence of various traditional and non-traditional security challenges, and at the same time committed to seizing available opportunities.
8. We shared views on other strategic areas of cooperation political and economic issues such as economic integration, including CEPEA and the ASEAN Framework for Regional Economic Partnership, and underscored our determination to promote a resilient and competitive region in order to prevent negative impacts of global economic crises, as well as cooperation on non-traditional security issues, maritime issues, non-proliferation and disarmament, counterterrorism, illegal logging, and transnational crimes including peoples smuggling, money laundering, and drugs trafficking.
9. We also discussed ways and means to promote sustainable development, food, water and energy security that are essential to ensure the welfare and livelihood of our peoples. We underlined the importance of EAS to look into comprehensively the issue of food security in order to ensure sustainable food production and supply.
10. We acknowledged the need to set in motion, as appropriate, EAS deliberation and cooperation on a set of issues, including non-traditional issues, through and by building upon the existing ASEAN's mechanisms.
11. We exchanged views on various issues of common interest and concern including the five priority areas, namely: energy, finance, disaster management, education and avian flu prevention/global health issues and pandemic diseases. We noted positively the dynamic development of the EAS process and the ongoing progress of cooperation in the five priority areas.
Energy and environment
12. We welcomed the outcome of the fifth East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting, held in Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam on 20 September 2011. We noted the efforts for establishing efficient, transparent, reliable, competitive and flexible energy markets as a means to provide affordable, secure and clean energy supplies for the region.
13. We agreed to continue enhancing cooperation on environment and climate change issues through, among others, capacity building, technical cooperation, knowledge sharing, exchange of best practices related to mitigation and adaptation to climate change, promoting the joint development and other forms of mutually beneficial cooperative projects to reduce greenhouse gas emission, in a manner consistent with countries' respective needs and capabilities and the principle of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities. We look forward to the meeting of the COP 17 of the UNFCCC in Durban achieving a balanced, integrated and comprehensive outcome. In this context, we noted with appreciation the proposal of East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership and welcomed Japan's decision to host the dialogue meeting in April 2012.
14. We noted the outcome of the 2nd High Level Seminar on Environmentally Sustainable Cities, held in Kitakyushu City, Japan, on 15-16 March 2011, which discussed the best practices and initiatives on environmentally sustainable cities. We welcomed Cambodia's offer to host the 3rd High-level Seminar on Environmentally Sustainable Cities in March 2012, and the assistance to be provided by Australia, Japan and Thailand as co-organizers. We also welcomed Australia's offer to host two seminars in Vietnam and Indonesia on sustainable cities and climate change adaptation and China's proposal to host the 3rd EAS Seminar on Climate change Adaptation Capacity Building and the EAS Forum on New Energy in early 2012.
15. We welcomed the plan to convene the third East Asia Summit Environment Ministers' Meeting in September 2012 in Thailand, back-to-back with the 12th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME).
Finance
16. We underscored the importance to further strengthen cooperation in the financial sector. We also welcomed capacity building and institutional development efforts on financial issues and encouraged the continuation of similar activities in the future. We tasked Finance Ministers to elaborate further an EAS financial cooperation to be deliberated at the second meeting of EAS Finance Ministers to be held in 2012.
17. We welcomed the sense of urgency to address the emerging challenges facing the global economy at the recent meetings of the G-20 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders meetings. We welcomed the important steps taken by G20 leaders earlier this month to address risks to the global economy, and the resolution by APEC leaders in Honolulu to support strong, sustained and balanced growth both regionally and globally. We supported the Cannes Action Plan for Growth and Jobs, which outlines the role all countries can play in ensuring the stability of the global economy and financial system, and in particular the need for macroeconomic policies to support recovery and strengthen the foundations for growth and jobs.
18. We recognized the constructive role of the EAS, as a key regional forum bringing together the world's most dynamic economies, in support of promoting sustained economic growth at the regional and global levels. We are committed to enhance coordination and cooperation, in close collaboration with the regional and international financial institutions, including the Asian Development Bank.
Disaster Management
19. We recognized that the East Asia region is prone to natural disasters and its impact to socio-economy and livelihood of the people. We also noted the importance of strong collaborative efforts at all levels to allow for the most rapid, effective and efficient disaster response. We reaffirmed our determination to continue working together in disaster management, particularly with a view to enhance regional rapid response capabilities and humanitarian assistance. In this regard, we endorsed the "Indonesian-Australian Paper: A Practical Approach to Enhance Regional Cooperation on Disaster Rapid Response", with an emphasis on three clusters namely: (1) information-sharing portal, (2) overcoming bottlenecks, as well as (3) capacity building and promoting collaboration and partnership in disaster response (interoperability). In this connection, we tasked our Foreign Ministers and the relevant ministers to further coordinate to undertake necessary measures to follow up the paper. We took note of the recent launch of the Pacific Rim Coordination Center, an online platform for information sharing and facilitating public private partnerships in disaster risk reduction and response activities.
20. We welcomed the official launching of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) in Jakarta and encouraged all EAS participating countries to contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Program 2010-2015, including to the full operationalization of the AHA Centre. We also welcomed Japan's proposal to convene an international conference next year as a means of sharing experiences and lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake, as well as to host the Third World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2015, and China's offer to host EAS Symposium on Post-Disaster Psychological Care. We also took note of the announcement by several countries of their intention to use the bilateral Rapid Disaster Response agreement, as an evolution of possible disaster management cooperation.
21. We encouraged regular disaster relief exercises as a means to improve preparation and interoperability, including the ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster Relief Exercise (DiREx). We noted the successful ARF DiREx co-led by Indonesia and Japan in March 2011, which included over 4000 personnel from twenty five ARF participants focused on civilian-led, military-supported operations in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake-tsunami scenario. We are pleased to note the Republic of Korea's announcement to co-host the next ARF DiREx.
22. We endorsed the cooperation on sharing best practices and efforts to build resilience and preparedness at the community level. To improve the capabilities of national and local entities as disaster first responders, we encouraged cooperation to build individual EAS participating countries' capacity through training, lessons learned and best practices workshops, and through relevant exchange of staffs programs. In this respect, we welcomed the work of the ADMM-Plus Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Experts to promote preparedness and disaster response cooperation and noted China's proposal to hold the "EAS Exercise on Emergency Response to Earthquake".
23. We welcomed the ASEAN Leaders' Statement on Cooperation in Flood Prevention, Mitigation, Relief, Recovery and Rehabilitation, adopted at the 19th ASEAN Summit.
Education
24. We highlighted the crucial role of education in promoting human resources development, enhancing regional competitiveness, achieving sustained economic development, as well as building friendship among people in the region. We agreed to further cooperate to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets on education, as well as to enhance quality and adaptability of education through, inter alia, promotion of education exchange, networking and innovation. We welcomed cooperation among EAS members on education and training initiatives which contribute to advancing ASEAN's integration goals and improving the lives of its people
25. In light of the above, we noted with satisfaction the substantial outcomes of the first Informal East Asia Summit (EAS) Education Ministers Meeting, which was convened in Bali, Indonesia on 18 July 2011. The meeting has set a platform to further develop education cooperation among the EAS participating countries. We welcomed the plan to convene the EAS Education Ministers Meeting (EMM) on a biennial basis commencing in 2012 and to develop an EAS Education Cooperation Action Plan. The Action Plan will provide direction and momentum to education cooperation and promote a more comprehensive cooperation based on the principle of unity in diversity. We welcomed Japan's initiative for implementing the e-ASIA Joint Research Program/multilateral joint research program under the concept of "East Asia Science & Innovation Area".
26. We welcomed the progress of the projects identified by the 2010 EAS Education Cooperation Taskforce and further noted that Australia has already completed the project to promote the UNESCO Convention on Qualifications Recognition in Asia and the Pacific and commenced implementation of the project to develop an EAS Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Quality Assurance Framework. We welcomed Australia's agreement to undertake a feasibility study into the possible development of Regional Facility for Education Quality Assessment.
Global Health Issues and Pandemic Diseases
27. We reached common ground to enlarge cooperation in the fight against avian flu to encompass broader global health issues and pandemic diseases, and remain committed to share information, maintain regional stockpiles of essential medical supplies, facilitate the sharing of affordable medicines and pandemic influenza vaccines. In this respect, we welcomed China's offer to hold training courses on public health for EAS participating countries.
Connectivity
28. We shared the view that the effective implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) will not only bring benefit to ASEAN, but also the East Asia region as a whole. In this regard, we adopted the Declaration of the East Asia Summit on ASEAN Connectivity. We agreed to include ASEAN Connectivity as an additional area of cooperation in the EAS, together with the existing five priority areas of cooperation.
29. We welcomed Economic Research Institute of ASEAN and East Asia's (ERIA) activities to assist the progress of the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP) and the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC).
Other strategic areas of cooperation
Economic Integration
30. We reiterated the importance of enhancing economic cooperation based on knowledge, innovation and development strategy. Furthermore we also underscored the importance for the EAS to intensify efforts in narrowing development gaps in the region. In this regard, we commended the contribution of the ERIA in enhancing regional economic integration, bridging development gaps and promoting connectivity for both ASEAN and EAS participating countries.
31. We noted the ASEAN Report on the Emerging Regional Architecture and commended the ASEAN Plus Working Groups (APWGs) for their work on consolidating the ASEAN Plus One FTAs and looking into the recommendations in the East Asia Free Trade Area (EAFTA) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA) Studies, particularly in the areas of rules of origin, tariff nomenclature, customs procedures and economic cooperation. We shared the view that substantive work has been carried out and that it was important to sustain the momentum generated by the EAFTA and CEPEA Studies as well as the ASEAN Plus process. We also welcomed the constructive joint proposal of China and Japan to establish three new working groups for trade and investment liberalization under the EAFTA and CEPEA.
32. We noted the adoption of the ASEAN Framework for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership at the 19th ASEAN Summit. We also noted that the Framework reiterates the importance of ASEAN centrality in the regional economic integration process and sets out the general principles for broadening and deepening ASEAN's engagement with its FTA partners, using as a basis the ASEAN Plus One FTAs and the template that would be developed taking into account the EAFTA and CEPEA initiatives, with a view to considering appropriate next steps for further regional economic integration. We welcomed the decision made by ASEAN, taking into account the joint proposal of Japan and China, to establish ASEAN Plus Working Groups in the areas of Trade in Goods, Trade in Services and Investment noting in particular that the Working Group on Trade in Goods, that would be set up in early 2012, would also be tasked to follow-up on the outcome of the APWGs on Rules of Origin, Tariff Nomenclature and Customs Procedures.
International Trade
33. We recognized the fundamental contribution of international trade to global prosperity and sustainable development. We acknowledged the important role of the World Trade Organization in promoting open markets. In this connection, we highlight the necessity to promote better progress toward the ultimate conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda. We also welcomed the decision at the APEC leaders' meeting in Honolulu last week to take concrete actions to strengthen regional economic integration and expand trade, promote green growth, and advance regulatory convergence and cooperation. In this regard, we renew our commitment to avoid protectionism in accordance with the commitment made in G20 and APEC.
Regional and International Issues
34. We shared views on various regional and international issues which can potentially affect regional peace, security and stability. In the spirit of friendship, we discussed ways for the EAS to contribute actively and positively address those salient issues. We shared the belief that our collective efforts to address those challenges are of mutual interest to the peoples of EAS participating countries. In this context, we welcomed the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Consultation, which was held in Bali, July 2011 and tasked the regular convening of such a meeting under the East Asia Summit framework at the Foreign Ministers' level.
Maritime cooperation
35. We recognized the importance of promoting maritime cooperation, including sea piracy, search and rescue at sea, marine environment, maritime security, maritime connectivity, freedom of navigation, fisheries and other areas of cooperation. We encouraged dialogue involving EAS participating countries to utilize opportunities and address common challenges on maritime issues building upon the existing of ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF). We also noted positively the proposal of convening an expanded AMF, back-to-back with the future meetings of the AMF, to include countries in the wider East Asia region.
Disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons
36. We support the efforts at the regional and international levels including the East Asia Summit to promote nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We agreed that we should continue to work together to ensure compliance and implementation of relevant United Nations non-proliferation commitments and to pursue cooperation through multilateral mechanisms.
37. We welcomed the conclusion of the negotiation between ASEAN and the Nuclear Weapon States (NWSs) to enable the NWSs to accede to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) protocol.
38. We reaffirmed our full support to achieve denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner, in accordance with the 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks and relevant UNSC resolutions, in the spirit to maintain peace and stability in the region. We welcomed the recent dialogues conducted by parties concerned and expressed our support for the continuation of various forms of bilateral talks, among the Six-Party Talks members which will contribute to creating an environment conducive toward the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. In this vein, we reiterated the usefulness to utilize the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue and consultation among the parties concerned.
39. We welcomed a number of recent, significant positive developments in Myanmar throughout 2011 and underscored the importance of maintaining a strong momentum in this regard. We further welcomed these positive developments and their continued progress.
40. Noting the essential role of the ASEAN Secretariat to support the EAS, we committed to strengthening the Secretariat's capacity to enhance its service to the growing EAS process in the future.
41. We looked forward to the convening of the Seventh East Asia Summit in Cambodia in 2012.