[Title] CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT OF THE 8TH EAST ASIA SUMMIT
1. The 8th East Asia Summit (EAS) was held on 10 October 2013 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The Summit was chaired by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. 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, New Zealand, the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation and the Secretary of State of the United States of America.
2. We reaffirmed our commitment to the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of the EAS, the 2010 Ha Noi Declaration on the Commemoration of the 5th Anniversary of the EAS and the 2011 Declaration of the EAS on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations, which emphasised the role of the EAS as a Leaders-led forum for strategic dialogue and cooperation on political, security and economic issues of common regional concern with the aim to promote peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia.
3. We further reaffirmed ASEAN's central role in the EAS, and ASEAN's commitment to work in close partnership with all EAS participating countries, to ensure that the EAS would continue to be an important integral component of the regional architecture.
4. We exchanged views on regional and international issues, including food and energy security, climate change, sustainable development and disaster management, as well as the future direction of the EAS. We encouraged confidence building among the EAS participating countries and the continued open and frank exchange of views on the strategically important issues of common peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia.
5. We welcomed China's proposal to formulate a Plan of Action (POA) to implement the Phnom Penh Declaration on East Asia Summit Development Initiative, which was adopted at the 7th EAS in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2012. We noted that the POA is aimed at enhancing EAS cooperation, especially in the six (6) priority areas, namely environment and energy, education, finance, global health issues and pandemic diseases, natural disaster management and ASEAN Connectivity. We tasked our Foreign Ministers to continue to work on the POA and finalise it by the next EAS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
6. We reiterated our support for ASEAN's centrality in the regional architecture. We welcomed the EAS support for the realisation of the ASEAN Community and for broader and deeper regional integration. We therefore encouraged the EAS to support the implementation of the Roadmap for an ASEAN Community (2009-2015) and the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations (Bali Concord III) to bring the ASEAN common platform on global issues into reality by 2022. We took note and supported ASEAN's initiative to develop the ASEAN Community's Post- 2015 vision. We noted the need to deepen and enhance ASEAN's dialogue partnership and external relations, with the aim of having an equal, mutually beneficial, and meaningful partnership.
7. We expressed our appreciation for the ASEAN Secretariat's work in support of the EAS, and agreed to explore options to further strengthen its capacity to serve the growing EAS agenda. We also took note of the proposal by the Republic of Korea to host a track II forum to discuss the future direction of the EAS in 2014.
8. We commended the proposal for a framework of principles on strengthening security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region by Russia, China and Brunei Darussalam, and appreciated Indonesia's idea of having a treaty of friendship and cooperation that includes a wider indo-pacific region based on the principles contained in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and in line with the 2011 Declaration of the East Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations (Bali Principles). In this regard, we welcomed the convening of the first workshop and dialogue on a regional security framework to discuss these concepts, taking into account the existing security cooperation, in November 2013 in Brunei Darussalam and looked forward to the outcomes and recommendations at the 9th EAS.
Energy
9. We reaffirmed the importance of the EAS energy cooperation in strengthening energy security and improving energy access in the EAS region in view of the volatility of global energy markets to changes in the global economic landscape. We also noted with satisfaction the concrete progress of the United States – Asia-Pacific Comprehensive Energy Partnership (USACEP) announced by the United States, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia at the 7th EAS in November 2012.
10. We welcomed the outcome of the 7th EAS Energy Ministers' Meeting (EAS EMM) on 26 September 2013 in Bali, Indonesia, especially on the steady progress made in the implementation of the EAS Energy Cooperation Task Force (EAS ECTF) Work Plan 2012-2013 for the work streams of Energy Efficiency and Conservation; Biofuels for Transport and Other Purposes; and Energy Market Integration. We welcomed the establishment of the new and fourth work stream of the EAS ECTF namely "Renewable and Alternative Power Generation Work Stream", and congratulated Brunei Darussalam and the United States for initiating the comprehensive effort as one of the activities under the USACEP and the EAS ECTF.
11. We recognised the close collaboration of the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and other parties in conducting energy outlook studies for the Southeast Asia and the EAS regions. We welcomed publication of the Special Report on "Southeast Asia Energy Outlook" in connection with the IEA's 2013 edition of the World Energy Outlook (WEO 2013) that manifested a robust analysis on Southeast Asia's energy prospects.
Environment
12. We discussed various environmental issues including climate change and sustainable development, which are immediate regional and global concerns. We recalled the 2007 Singapore Declaration on Climate Change, Energy and the Environment and encouraged our relevant ministers to carry out its implementation, as appropriate, including in further strengthening cooperation in environmental conservation and biodiversity preservation and protection, capacity building and information sharing in weather forecast systems.
13. We appreciated the outcome of the 4th High-Level Seminar on Environmentally Sustainable Cities (HLS-ESC) held on 21-22 March 2013 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, co- organised by Australia, Indonesia, Japan and Viet Nam. We noted the proposal by Australia to work with EAS partners on climate change impacts on rural livelihoods, as a driver for migration to cities, and urban resilience through two climate change adaptation workshops to be held in 2014.
14. We welcomed the outcome of the Second East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership Dialogue held on 18 May 2013 in Tokyo, Japan, co-chaired by Cambodia and Japan and appreciated Japan's initiative to hold a high-level forum under this Partnership in 2014. We underlined the importance of promoting effective low carbon technologies including through enhanced public-private partnership in the EAS region. We also shared the view that various approaches could contribute to facilitating the diffusion of low carbon technologies, products, systems and services, and thus achieving sustainable growth in the region. In this regard, Japan briefed the meeting on its promotion of the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).
Disaster Management
15. We welcomed the ASEAN Declaration on Enhancing Cooperation in Disaster Management, which reaffirms ASEAN's commitment to reducing vulnerabilities, and enhancing the capacities of the ASEAN community to be more resilient and self-reliant in mitigating the impact of disasters.
16. We reaffirmed the importance and urgency of enhancing cooperation in disaster management through regional mechanisms. In this regard, we welcomed the various cooperation and linkages between the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) and other disaster management authorities in non-ASEAN countries, which contribute to the strengthening of capacity for disaster management in the region. We welcomed the support of the EAS participating countries to the establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). In this regard, we also welcomed Japan's support for ICT equipment for the AHA Centre and establishment of a Disaster Emergency Logistic System for ASEAN; New Zealand's forthcoming provision of emergency response training to the AHA Centre's staff; and Australia's financial support for the AHA Centre. We noted Russia's initiative on establishing a Crisis Management Centres Network in the Asia-Pacific, and we welcomed the convening of the "Seminar on Methodological Support for the Development of the AHA Centre based on Experience of the National Crisis Management Centre in Russia", held on 3-7 March 2013 in Moscow.
17. We welcomed the ACDM's decision to have regular sessions on EAS cooperation on disaster management to discuss the linkage between the EAS paper on "A Practical Approach to Enhance Regional Cooperation on Disaster Rapid Response" and the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme (2010-2015). We also noted the outcome of Indonesia and Australia's EAS Workshop on Rapid Disaster Response held on 23-24 September 2013 in Darwin, Australia, and the EAS Seminar on Risk Management of Major Natural Disaster held on 24-28 June 2013 in Beijing, China.
18. Recognising that the Asia-Pacific is the most disaster-prone area in the world, we welcomed the outcomes of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and Military Medicine Exercise (ADMM- Plus HADR & MM Ex) held on 17-20 June 2013 in Brunei Darussalam and the ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster Relief Exercise held on 7-10 May 2013 in Thailand. We looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Exercise (ARDEX) to be held in October 2013 in Viet Nam and the Mentawai Megathrust Disaster Relief Exercise in March 2014 in Indonesia. We noted India's initiatives to establish a network of 24x7 Points of Contacts among the National Disaster Response Agencies of the EAS Participating Countries and a Virtual Knowledge Centre (VKC) to share knowledge and best practices related to natural disaster risk assessment, mitigation and response.
19. We affirmed our support for the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction to be held in Japan in 2015.
Education and People-to-People interactions
20. We reiterated the importance of education cooperation and the need to further strengthen human resource development in the region. In this regard, we looked forward to the outcome of the 2nd EAS Education Ministers' Meeting to be held in 2014 in Lao PDR and further implementation of the EAS Education Plan of Action (2011- 2015) adopted at the 1st EAS Education Ministers' Meeting on 5 July 2012 in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. In this regard, we welcomed progress by Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop an EAS Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) provider network, which will facilitate capacity building of TVET institutions through the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
21. We welcomed the progress on the revival of Nalanda University and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Nalanda University to facilitate its setting up as a non-state, non-profit and self-governing international institution of excellence.
22. We appreciated Singapore and China's co-organisation of a EAS Conference on "Bilingualism – Policy and Practice" on 13-14 September 2013 in Singapore, which gathered over 200 international language experts, policy-makers and educators from the EAS participating countries to discuss bilingualism at all levels of education, and share their experiences in conceptualising and implementing second language initiatives.
23. We welcomed Brunei Darussalam's offer of scholarships for an 18-month Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) programme, which would commence on 27 December 2013 at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
24. We noted India's suggestion that EAS participating countries begin thinking about a multilateral agreement among interested EAS participating countries for bringing in equivalence of qualifications.
25. We appreciated Japan's youth exchange project, entitled "Kizuna (bond) Project", which involved approximately 11,000 youths from Japan and the regions of Asia, Oceania and North America. We welcomed the launching of the JENESYS (Japan East-Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) 2.0 Project in January 2013, which would exchange approximately 30,000 youths between Japan and the Asian/Oceanic region to promote mutual understanding and friendly relations. We also welcomed the launching of the "KAKEHASHI Project", which would exchange 5,000 youths between North America and Japan for the same purpose.
26. We welcomed Australia's New Colombo Plan initiative, which aims to lift knowledge of the Asia-Pacific in Australia and strengthen people-to-people and institutional relationships, through study and internships undertaken by Australian undergraduate students in the region. We noted that the initiative would support increasing two-way student mobility between Australia and the region and strengthen education collaboration, and complements Australia's support for students from the Asia-Pacific studying in Australia.
Global Health and Pandemic Diseases
27. We recognised health as a fundamental right of our people and the importance of achieving the universal health coverage to address diverse health needs and improving the health outcomes of our people. In this regard, we encouraged our Health Ministers to explore possible areas of cooperation in health.
28. We reiterated our commitment to implement the Declaration of the 7th EAS on Regional Responses to Malaria Control and Addressing Resistance to Antimalarial Medicines. In this regard, we welcomed the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA), initiated by the Prime Ministers of Australia and Vietnam and encouraged all EAS participating countries to join the Alliance and support its work. We also noted that the Asian Development Bank has agreed to host the APLMA Secretariat, and that the work of the two APLMA taskforces on access to quality medicines and other technologies and regional finance would commence.
29. We welcomed India's proposal to host a "Round Table on Tertiary Healthcare with Focus on Trauma Care and Nursing" to explore future prospects of collaboration within EAS.
Finance
30. We recognised the important role of the EAS in strengthening economic and financial development in the region. We welcomed the third Informal EAS Finance Ministers' Meeting to be held on 12 October 2013 in Washington D.C., United States, and expressed our support to enhance this priority area further through cooperative work.
Connectivity
31. We reaffirmed the need to further promote cooperation to support the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and to enhance connectivity within East Asia, taking into account the Declaration of the 6th EAS on ASEAN Connectivity adopted by the Leaders in 2011 in Bali, Indonesia. We welcomed the engagement to be undertaken between the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) and non-ASEAN EAS participating countries to work out the issue of financing connectivity projects towards realising the MPAC, and noted that this will include discussions on several various initiatives proposed by the EAS participating countries in enhancing ASEAN Connectivity, including Australia's proposal to establish an EAS Connectivity Forum and its interest to help improve infrastructure connectivity through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and a connectivity workshop to be co-hosted by Australia and Singapore in 2014.
32. We continued to welcome the ongoing efforts in mobilising financial and technical resources and the promotion of PPP. In this connection, we welcomed the outcomes of the 4th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium entitled "Partnering Private Sector for ASEAN Connectivity" held on 27 August 2013 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, with the contribution of ERIA. In this regard, we also welcomed the initiative to hold the ASEAN-Japan 40th Anniversary Symposium, entitled "Partnering Private Sector for ASEAN Connectivity Part II" to be held in November 2013, as a follow-up to the 4th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium. We noted the outcomes of the EAS Regulatory Roundtable, co-chaired by Thailand and New Zealand, and the Workshop on Enhancing Connectivity through Multi-layered Regional Framework: The Roles of Dialogue Partners held on 18-19 July 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. We welcomed the initiative to convene the Symposium: "Towards Realisation of the ASEAN Connectivity Plus: Moving Forward with ASEAN-India Connectivity" in November 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Trade and Economics
33. We recognised the necessity of strengthening economic relations among EAS participating countries and welcomed the outcomes of the EAS Economic Ministers' Meeting, held on 21 August 2013, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. We reaffirmed the importance of trade liberalisation in East Asia and welcomed EAS participating countries' proactive efforts to further trade liberalisation in this region through bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), the ASEAN plus FTAs, the Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which serve to strengthen economic relations among EAS participating countries. We noted that ASEAN centrality is recognised in RCEP negotiations, which complements the interests of the EAS in supporting and contributing to economic integration, equitable economic development and strengthening economic cooperation among participating countries, through working towards a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership agreement. We also recognised the necessity of focusing on "business connectivity", which leads to building effective supply chain networks across the region with upgrading of industries and development of supporting industries, and looked forward future contributions of the EAS Economic Ministers' Meeting to advance business connectivity in cooperation with other initiatives.
34. We also emphasised the importance of deepening economic integration through trade liberalisation initiatives such as RCEP aimed at narrowing the development gaps and maximising mutual benefits. In this regard, we appreciated analytical works and policy recommendations by the ERIA for maximising benefits of economic integration through coordinated cooperation among all EAS participating countries, and encouraged ERIA for its continued contribution to the region through its research and policy recommendations, including proposing a region-wide industrial cluster policy which will attain optimal production networks to further promote growth in ASEAN from a medium- and long- term perspective.
35. With a view to enhancing trade and investment within the region, we underscored the importance of transparency and predictability in regulations and their application. In this regard, we stressed that measures on travel and goods, including food, must be consistent with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other relevant international obligations and standards.
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
36. We welcomed the Statement of ERIA's 6th Governing Board Meeting issued on 4 May 2013, which expressed ERIA's strong will to formulate effective region-wide policy recommendations to achieve greater connectivity and to address the global issues, and anticipates closer communication with policy makers. We also commended ERIA's activities in various fields such as Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Energy, as well as on Connectivity including the Myanmar Comprehensive Development Vision and in this regard, encouraged ERIA to continue its support to the ASEAN and EAS activities.
Food Security
37. Recalling our commitment to cooperate in promoting food security and nutrition as stipulated in the 2012 Phnom Penh Declaration on the EAS Development Initiative, we adopted the Declaration of the 8th East Asia Summit on Food Security. We called on various parties to carry out its implementation.
38. We welcomed the adoption of the Terms of Reference for an EAS Track II Study Group on Enhancing Food Security through Sustainable Fisheries Management and Marine Environment Conservation by our Foreign Ministers at the 3rd EAS Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 2 July 2013 and the appointment of representatives to the Study Group. In this regard, we looked forward to the outcome and recommendations of the Study Group at the 9th EAS.
Maritime Security and Cooperation
39. We emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability, ensuring maritime security and safety, and freedom of navigation. In this regard, we noted the contribution of enhanced maritime cooperation to this end. We further called on the parties to explore all mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes, without resorting to threats or the use of force, and in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in the region.
40. We welcomed the positive progress, including the official consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, at the recent Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC and the Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the DOC in Suzhou, China. We also welcomed the positive outcomes of the 2nd Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) on 1-3 October 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia including the agreement to hold the 3rd EAMF in 2014. We also welcomed the 1st Expanded ASEAN Seafarers Training – Counter Piracy (EAST-CP) workshop on 23-25 September 2013 in Manila, the Philippines, co-chaired by the Philippines and the United States. We affirmed that piracy is one among many maritime security threats that must be addressed through a multi-stakeholder approach, and looked forward to the conduct of more EAST workshops as a continuing initiative.
Non-traditional security and non-proliferation
41. We shared the view on the need to further enhance cooperation on non- traditional security issues, including terrorism and its financing, piracy, illicit drug trafficking, cyber-security, illicit wildlife trafficking, human trafficking and people smuggling. We underlined the importance of strengthening national laws and regulations for wildlife trafficking-related crimes.
42. We supported the strengthening of the global regime for disarmament and non- proliferation of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, including the requirements of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
43. We emphasised the importance to global initiatives to address security, social, economic and humanitarian consequences of the illicit, unregulated and irresponsible trade in conventional arms. We welcomed the U.N. Security Council's adoption of a resolution to strengthen international action to combat the illicit trade and misuse of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the General Assembly's adoption on 2 April 2013 of the Arms Trade Treaty. We supported the Treaty's earliest effective implementation to promote peace and security in the region.
44. We welcomed ASEAN's commitment in preserving the Southeast Asian region as a Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone and free of all other weapons of mass destruction as enshrined in the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and the ASEAN Charter respectively.
45. We welcomed the adoption of the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) by ASEAN Leaders, which would serve as a centre of excellence to encourage efforts to address explosive remnants of war for interested ASEAN Member States, and shall facilitate cooperation with relevant institutions, including the United Nations Mine Action Service and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining.
Other areas of cooperation
46. We welcomed the outcomes of the 5th East Asia Gender Equality Ministerial Meeting on 15-16 May 2013 in Beijing, China and recognised the importance of cooperation in promoting the advancement and development of women in the region.
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
Group of Twenty (G20)
47. We congratulated Russia on its G20 Presidency and on the successful outcomes of the St. Petersburg Summit held on 5-6 September 2013 and looked forward to the 2014 G20 meetings in Australia. We reiterated our support for the Chairman of ASEAN to be continuously invited to participate in the G20 meetings, including the G20 Summit.
World Trade Organisation (WTO)
48. We reaffirmed our commitment to a credible outcome at the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali on trade facilitation, some elements of agriculture and a set of development issues, which would be a stepping stone towards seeking to successfully conclude the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) and providing renewed confidence in the multilateral trading system. We also reiterated our commitment to avoid protectionist measures affecting trade and investment that are inconsistent with the WTO commitments, reaffirmed at the 7th East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh, in 2012.
APEC
49. We underlined the important role of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in promoting regional economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region, and encouraged continued APEC-ASEAN collaboration on issues of mutual interest. In this regard, we applauded the APEC 2013 chairmanship of Indonesia for its leadership role towards the Bogor Goals of free and open trade and investment, achieving sustainable growth with equity, and in promoting connectivity. We further supported the forum's emphasis on strengthening economic cooperation and capacity building towards achieving regional economic integration and economic prosperity for the APEC region. We further underlined that the EAS and APEC should be in synergy in strengthening our economic resilience. As such, we welcomed China's APEC chairmanship in 2014.
Korean Peninsula
50. We stressed the need to maintain peace, security and stability in the Korean Peninsula, and called for a peaceful dialogue including creating the conditions for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. We reiterated the importance of fully complying with the obligations in all relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions, and commitments under the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. We reaffirmed our commitment to fully implementing the relevant UNSC Resolutions and reiterated our support for all peaceful efforts to bring about denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. In this regard, we welcomed the Initiative for the Trust-building Process on the Korean Peninsula and the Initiative for Peace and Cooperation in Northeast Asia proposed by the President of the Republic of Korea. We also emphasised the importance of addressing humanitarian concerns of the international community.
Syria
51. We shared the concerns of the international community on the use of chemical weapons in Syria, which has caused the loss of civilian lives. We condemned any use of chemical weapons in Syria and welcomed the decision of the Syrian Arab Republic to accede to the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. We welcomed the decision by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution that will set up the necessary parameters to put under international control the process of destruction of chemical weapons in Syria under the leading role of the OPCW. We also welcomed the Security Council Presidential Statement issued on 2 October 2013. We called for the convening, as soon as possible, of an international conference on Syria to implement the Geneva Communique of 30 June 2012 and called upon all Syrian parties to engage seriously and constructively at the Geneva Conference on Syria.
9th East Asia Summit
52. We looked forward to the 9th East Asia Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar in 2014.