The ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) + 1 Sessions with ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners were held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on June 30 - July 1, 2013, to review dialogue relations, including the progress of implementing their respective plan of actions and exchange views on regional and international issues.
ASEAN’s dialogue partners include Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America.
Following is the full text of the Chairman’s Statement of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 sessions with the dialogue partners:
“1. The ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) + 1 Sessions with ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, namely Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America were held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on 30 June - 1 July 2013, to review dialogue relations, including the progress of implementing their respective plan of actions and exchange views on regional and international issues.
2. Recognising the long-standing relations between ASEAN and the Dialogue Partners, Ministers reaffirmed their strong commitments to work closely together to promote peace, security, stability and prosperity, and explore ways to further deepen cooperation in addressing various challenges of common concern, such as climate change, haze and environmental degradation, natural disasters, pandemic diseases, and transnational crimes, through institutional capacity-building, exchange of information and technologies including establishing as well as improving early warning systems, on the basis of equal partnership and mutual benefit.
3. The Ministers recalled the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations (Bali Concord III) and its Plan of Action (2013-2017) and reaffirmed the commitment to implement it with the support of ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, including within the frameworks of the ASEAN Plus Three and East Asia Summit. The Ministers noted Indonesia’s call for ASEAN to formulate aspirational goals beyond 2015, such as doubling ASEAN’s combined GDP and halving the percentage of people living in poverty in the ASEAN region by 2030.
Australia
4. The ASEAN+1 Session with Australia was co-chaired by H.E. Albert F. del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Hon. Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia.
5. The Meeting noted that as ASEAN’s oldest Dialogue Partner, Australia has a long history of engagement with ASEAN and it was in the economic and strategic interests of ASEAN and Australia for the relationship to continue to strengthen.
6. ASEAN agreed that an ASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit will be in the margins of the 25th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Myanmar in 2014. The Meeting noted the progress on the development of the new Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Partnership (2014-2018) and looked forward to its adoption in 2014. The Meeting also agreed to work together to celebrate 40 years of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations in 2014. The Meeting also welcomed Australia’s initiative to appoint a resident Australian Ambassador to ASEAN this year, which should be valued as Australia’s underlying commitment in strengthening ASEAN-Australia cooperation.
7. The Meeting agreed to strengthen maritime security cooperation between ASEAN and Australia and took note of Australia's proposal to convene the 2nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Seminar on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in early 2014 with the Philippines as co-chair.
8. The Meeting recognised Australia's support to the ARF's various priority areas, including counter-terrorism and transnational crime, disaster relief, maritime security, non-proliferation and disarmament, cyber security, space security and preventive diplomacy.
9. ASEAN acknowledged Australia's continued strong support for the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) through its active participation in the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Military Medicine, Peacekeeping Operations and Maritime Security, including its co-chairmanship of the Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security and role as host of the inaugural ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise scheduled in October 2013.
10. The Meeting welcomed Australia's contribution to the region's on-going programme to combat human smuggling and trafficking in persons, including its co-chairing with Indonesia of the Bali Process, and the Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons (AAPTIP).
11. The Meeting also welcomed Australia’s collaboration with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AlCHR) to promote corporate social responsibility. The Meeting also recognised Australia's initiative to strengthen international response on drug-resistant malaria.
12. The Meeting noted Australia's on-going work in the region to support the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), and welcomed Australia’s interest to help improve infrastructure connectivity through public-private partnership and a connectivity workshop that Singapore will co-host with Australia in 2014. Recognising the potential benefits of enhanced connectivity between ASEAN and Australia in terms of increasing market access, trade, tourism, investment, regional transportation, information and communication technology, the Meeting suggested that ASEAN and Australia should also work together to prevent inherent risks from increased connectivity such as transnational crimes and other cross-border challenges. To this end, the Meeting encouraged the regular engagement between the ACCC and Australia to identify and promote connectivity cooperation within the framework of the implementation of the MPAC.
13. The Meeting acknowledged the progress on the implementation of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) agreement, including the implementation of the Economic Cooperation Work Programme projects, such as the review of the AANZFTA Non-Tariff Measures and establishment of a regional mechanism for monitoring utilisation of tariff preferences. The Meeting expressed appreciation for Australia’s support of the first round of negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which was launched at the 21st ASEAN Summit in November 2012 and welcomed Australia’s hosting of the second round on 23-27 September 2013.
14. ASEAN acknowledged Australia's demonstration of commitment to the ASEAN Sociocultural Community agenda in many fronts and expressed gratitude for Australia’s support to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management (AHA Centre), as well as technical assistance in the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme, operationalisation of the AHA Centre provision of education services and scholarships and facilitation of people-to-people exchanges, cultural visits and tourism between Australia and ASEAN. In this connection, the Meeting encouraged the implementation of elements in the Indonesia-Australia Joint Paper, which are in line with the AADMER Work Programme and the AHA Centre Strategic Plan.
15. The Meeting further noted that the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program (AADCP) Phase II has been implementing functional cooperation programs toward ASEAN's goal of an economic community by 2015, and increasing the capacity of the ASEAN Secretariat since 2009. ASEAN is pleased that this support will continue beyond 2015.
Canada
16. The ASEAN+1 Session with Canada was co-chaired by H.E. K. Shanmugam, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Law of the Republic of Singapore and the Hon. John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
17. The Meeting took note of the progress on the implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action to implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2010-2015), in which ASEAN expressed appreciation to Canada for its invaluable support to ASEAN in promoting the rights of women, migrant workers and children, and initiating education and people-to-people exchanges. ASEAN also expressed appreciation for Canada’s cooperation on strengthening good governance, counter-terrorism, integrated disaster risk management capabilities, and in encouraging trade and investment.
18. The Meeting noted Canada’s interest to cooperate through the ARF on Non-Proliferation and looked forward to the convening of the workshop on countering illicit trafficking of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials.
19. The Meeting welcomed the establishment of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), which focuses on the growth of private-sector cooperation between Canadian and Southeast Asian businesses. It noted that the CABC has completed a study on Business Opportunities in ASEAN and would be hosting a Canada-ASEAN Business forum October 8 – 9 2013. The Meeting also noted Canada’s contribution to the work of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) by funding a project via UN Women. The Meeting also noted with satisfaction the various meaningful activities conducted last year to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Canada Relationship under the theme “35 years of Partnership and Friendship”.
20. The Meeting welcomed the adoption of the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership Program at the 1st ASEAN-Canada Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) Meeting held on 3 April 2013 at the ASEAN Secretariat. The new program was established following the commitment made by Minister Baird of CAD$10 million over three years towards ASEAN-related projects. The Meeting noted the following proposals for future cooperation: a trade facilitation supply chain management program; the Grand Challenges ASEAN-Canada funding health care innovations project; financial services training by the Toronto Centre; a software project aimed at strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat; and English language training initiatives.
21. The Meeting welcomed Canada’s commitment to support the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and discussed opportunities for further collaboration between ASEAN and Canada in this area, including the promotion of private-public partnership (PPP) projects. The Meeting also encouraged Canada to explore more cooperation in agriculture and infrastructure network linkages, which would significantly contribute to the bridging of the development gap in ASEAN. The Meeting encouraged the regular engagement between the ACCC and Canada to identify and promote connectivity cooperation within the framework of the implementation of the MPAC. In this context, we look forward to the convening of the interaction between the ACCC and Canada.
22. The Meeting also encouraged Canada to explore more cooperation in agriculture and infrastructure network linkages, which would significantly contribute to the bridging of the development gap in ASEAN.
China
23. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with China was co-chaired by H.E. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and H.E. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. The Meeting welcomed H.E. Wang Yi’s first participation and co-chairing of the ASEAN PMC+1 Session with China.
24. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the achievements made within the framework of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations and in the implementation of the Plan of Action for the period of 2011-2015 to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, through a broad spectrum of cooperative activities on political-security, economic, and socio-cultural fields.
25. The Meeting recalled the successful outcomes of the 19th ASEAN-China Senior Official’s Consultation held on 2 April 2013 in Beijing and agreed that ASEAN-China relations could be elevated by deepening existing cooperation, particularly in trade and investment facilitation, connectivity, and maritime cooperation, while expanding the scope of cooperation to encompass other areas such as food and energy security, science and technology, transportation, and education.
26. The Meeting welcomed the inaugural meeting between the ACCC and the Chinese Working Committee on China-ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (CWC-CACCC), and encouraged China’s continued support to implement the ASEAN Connectivity Projects. The Meeting looked forward to the utilisation of the ASEAN-China Maritime Cooperation Fund for projects related to maritime connectivity under the MPAC.
27. The Meeting agreed to advance trade facilitation, deepen industrial cooperation, increase mutual investment and jointly upgrade ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (FTA), as well as to step up regional infrastructure connectivity and actively facilitate the setting up of a financing platform for Asia’s infrastructure development. The Meeting noted a proposal to setting the year 2014 as the ASEAN-China Cultural Exchange Year.
28. The Meeting looked forward to develop cooperation with China in sharing best practices and technology transfer process in renewable energy resources management, in increasing energy efficiency, and in developing research for high-efficiency and low-pollution utilisation of non-renewable energy.
29. The Meeting encouraged closer cooperation in capacity building initiatives and programs between ASEAN and China, particularly in the methodology of surveys and data collection, as a systematic attempt to eradicate food insecurity through ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS).
30. On the framework of ASEAN-China Science & Technology Program, the Meeting welcomed the feasibility studies on the establishment of ASEAN-China Technology
Transfer Centres, which will give a wider network and connection to all ASEAN Member States.
31. On the health cooperation, the Meeting welcomed the signing of the ASEAN-China Memorandum of Understanding on Health Cooperation that would enhance health and medical science capabilities in the region.
32. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary, the Meeting discussed how to further strengthen the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit, peace, stability and prosperity. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the proposals made by both sides to organise activities to commemorate this auspicious occasion including the High-Level Forum on 10th anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership on 2 August 2013 in Bangkok, Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in August in China, and ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Roadshow to China in October 2013.
33. The Meeting underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea (East Sea) and noted the ASEAN Statement on the Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea (East Sea). The Meeting stressed the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Meeting welcomed the collective commitments of ASEAN Member States and China to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (East Sea) (DOC), including the Guidelines for the Implementation of the DOC and to work towards the adoption of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (East Sea) (COC) on the basis of consensus. In this regard, the Meeting appreciated the continued ASEAN-China consultations and dialogue for mutual trust, confidence and cooperation, and the convening of the 8th Meeting of ASEAN-China Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the DOC on 29 May 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Meeting was encouraged with the convening of the 6th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC and the 9th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on the implementation of the DOC to be hosted by China in September 2013 during which all parties will have official consultations on the code of conduct. The Meeting noted that steps will be taken to establish an Eminent Persons and Experts Group (EPEG) and/or other mechanisms to provide support to such consultations.
34. The Meeting reaffirmed its determination to work closely together to ensure the successful outcome of the 16th ASEAN-China Summit in October this year, and noted a proposal for ASEAN and China to develop a joint statement to commemorate the 10th anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership.
European Union
35. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with EU was co-chaired by H.E. Pham Binh Minh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Rt. Hon. Lady
Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice President of the European Commission.
36. The Meeting reviewed and noted with satisfaction the progress of ASEAN-EU cooperation, particularly the implementation of the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to Strengthen the ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership (2013-2017). The Meeting welcomed the EU’s initiative to convene an ASEAN-EU workshop on maritime cooperation in September 2013 in Indonesia, as one of the concrete implementations of the Plan of Action as well as Bali Concord III Plan of Action.
37. The Meeting recalled the EU’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in the Southeast Asia (TAC) in July 2012, as an important milestone in the ASEAN-EU relations, which further demonstrated the EU’s commitment to promote peace, security and stability in the Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific.
38. The Meeting highly appreciated the EU’s support for ASEAN’s efforts in community building, narrowing development gap, regional integration and enhanced connectivity, through programmes such as the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU (ARISE), Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2011-2013, among others.
39. The Meeting recalled the successful outcome of the ASEAN-EU Senior Officials’ Meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on 14-15 May 2013, which reaffirmed the commitment by both ASEAN and the EU to further broadening and deepening the ASEAN-EU dialogue relations.
40. The Meeting agreed to enhance the effective implementation, on the basis of equal partnership and mutual benefit, of the Plan of Action through, inter alia, prioritising in annual Work Plans the areas of cooperation and in support of ASEAN’s efforts in community building, regional integration and connectivity. The Meeting also emphasised the importance of enhancing mutual understanding as well as sharing best practices and expertise between ASEAN and EU in community building process.
41. The Meeting stressed the importance of the ASEAN-EU partnership and working with each other to elevate the partnership to a higher level. In this regard, the EU informed the Meeting of the intention of the President of the European Commission to have a dialogue with ASEAN.
42. The Meeting agreed to further strengthen cooperation in a wide range of international and regional issues of mutual interest such as the East Asian regional architecture, global financial and economic situation, climate change and disaster management, counter-terrorism and transnational crimes, food and energy security, maritime security, human rights cooperation, trade and investment, connectivity, narrowing development gap. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the EU’s initiative to convene an ASEAN-EU workshop on maritime cooperation in September 2013 in Indonesia, as one of the concrete implementation of the Plan of Action. The Meeting had an exchange of views on regional and international issues of common concern, including on the question of the South China Sea and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
43. The Meeting welcomed the signing of the grant contract of the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU (ARISE) by the Secretary General of ASEAN and the EU Ambassador to ASEAN, to enhance the operational capacity of the ASEAN Secretariat.
44. The Meeting noted that the 20th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting will be held in Brussels in 2014.
India
45. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with India was co-chaired by H.R.H. Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam, and H.E. Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India. The Meeting expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed its contribution to the regional growth and prosperity and global peace and security.
46. The Meeting congratulated India on the successful hosting of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in December 2012 and welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN-India Vision Statement at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and the elevation of the partnership to a Strategic level. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the various meaningful activities conducted in 2012 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, including the ASEAN India Car Rally and the INS Sudarshini expedition and their related business and cultural events, which helped to make the calendar of activities fully participate of the people of the region as well.
47. The meeting welcomed India’s ‘Look East policy’ within the framework of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership, particularly in supporting the ASEAN Community Building process covering the three pillars of ASEAN Community, connectivity, and in strengthening ASEAN centrality.
48. The Meeting encouraged ASEAN-India cooperation to further address trans-national security challenges particularly on the field of combating terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking and cyber crimes.
49. The Meeting welcomed the conclusion of negotiations of the Trade in Services and Investment Agreements and looked forward to the signing of the agreements during the 11th AEM-India Consultations in Brunei Darussalam in August 2013.
50. The Meeting expressed satisfaction with the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action to implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (2010-2015). The Meeting hoped that the process of finalisation of some key projects including the creation of a sustainable IT infrastructure in CLMV countries; establishment of Tracking and Data Reception Station and Data Processing Facility for ASEAN; cooperation between the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) of India would receive priority. In this regard, the Meeting looked forward to the finalisation of the Mid-Term Review of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action and suggested incorporation of the short-term actionable goals from the Vision Statement.
51. In this connection, the Meeting noted the launching of the ASEAN-India Centre and encouraged the finalization of the required modalities for operationalisation of the Centre. The Meeting also noted India's intent to set up the separate ASEAN-India Trade and Investment Centre, announced by the ASEAN-India Economic Ministers, to promote trade and investment cooperation between ASEAN and India.
52. The Meeting highlighted the importance of transportation networks between Southeast Asia and South Asia, and welcomed India’s commitment to support the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) through both hard and soft infrastructure linkages. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the convening of the Inaugural ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) and India Consultation on June 10, 2013 at Balikpapan, Indonesia , to explore concrete ways and means to support the MPAC; as well as India’s participation at the 21st ASEAN Land Transport Working Group Meeting on July 3-5, 2012 in Lao PDR. The Meeting also encouraged both sides to look into the possibility of taking concrete steps towards the development of the Mekong India Economic Corridor. The Meeting also highlighted the importance of linking the ASEAN-India regions through maritime connectivity under the umbrella of the MPAC and welcomed India's participation at the 24th ASEAN Maritime Working Group Meeting on October 17-19, 2012 in Yangon, Myanmar; and the 25th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Meeting on March 12-14, 2013 in Mandalay, Myanmar.
53. The meeting noted with appreciation India's on-going work in the region to support ASEAN community building efforts through the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI), particularly India's role in establishing and supporting Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) and Centre for English Language Training (CELT) in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam and the on-going annual programmes for people-to-people exchanges between students, diplomats, farmers, media and members of the strategic communities in ASEAN Member States and India.
54. The Meeting noted the combined population of ASEAN and India is currently at 1.8 billion people, and in this context, highlighted the importance to strengthen ASEAN and India cooperation on agriculture and energy in order to ensure food and energy security in the long term.
Japan
55. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Japan was co-chaired by H.E. HOR Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia and H.E. Fumio KISHIDA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The Meeting welcomed H.E. Fumio KISHIDA’s first participation and co-chairing of the ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Japan.
56. The Meeting took note of the meaningful celebration of various commemorative activities in ASEAN Member States and Japan to mark the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations in 2013. The Meeting also looked forward to the successful convening of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, scheduled to be held in Tokyo, Japan, on 13-15 December 2013. The Meeting noted the work of track two dialogues between intellectuals of ASEAN and Japan, and looked forward to the submission of their recommendations on the long-term vision of the ASEAN-Japan relations.
57. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the good progress made in the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Plan of Action (POA) 2011-2015, which is an important instrument to further deepening and enhancing ASEAN-Japan cooperation and partnership, and agreed to speed up the effective and full implementation of this POA, and to contribute to the ASEAN’s efforts to realise the ASEAN Community building by 2015.
58. The Meeting noted the negotiations on ASEAN-Japan Trade in Services and Investment Agreement and called for the early conclusions of the negotiations to pave the way for the realisation of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP).
59. The Meeting highly appreciated the ASEAN-Japan Centre for its significant contribution to promote trade, investment and tourism, and its important role in narrowing the development gap in ASEAN. In this regard, the Meeting encouraged the ASEAN-Japan Centre to undertake more concrete activities and programmes in the areas of trade, investment and tourism promotion as well as of cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
60. The Meeting highly valued Japan’s active support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), through the 33 flagship projects identified by Japan related to 3 ASEAN Corridors (East-West Corridor, Southern Economic Corridor and Maritime Economic Corridors) for enhancing ASEAN Connectivity. The Meeting noted with appreciation the meeting between the ACCC and Japan’s Task Force in Jakarta in April 2013 and welcomed the completion of the feasibility study on the development of ASEAN Ro-Ro and Short Sea Shipping Networks and looked forward to the concrete implementation of the development of such networks. The Meeting, furthermore, encouraged Japan’s Task Force to continuously support ASEAN in the timely and effective implementation of the MPAC, especially to establish greater maritime connectivity between ASEAN and Japan , as well as to share expertise and experience in promoting Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
61. The Meeting appreciated Japan’s active contribution to human resources development, including through the Attachment Programme at the ASEAN Secretariat, which sees an increase of two additional attachments officers this year from each CLMV countries to gain experience on regional cooperation under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) at the ASEAN Secretariat.
62. ASEAN underscored the significant contribution of the Government of Japan to ASEAN community building and integration process through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), which was extended to the end of 2013 . In this regard, both sides are requested to utilize the JAIF in a timely manner to carry out projects and activities under the IAI Work Plan II (2009-2015) and ASEAN-Japan framework.
63. The Meeting highlighted the importance of people-to-people interaction to building closer contacts, mutual understanding and friendship between ASEAN and Japan. In this regard, the ASEAN Ministers appreciated the active role of Japan in promoting closer ties and nurturing friendship among youths of ASEAN and Japan, particularly through the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) 2.0, which was announced by Japan in January 2013.
64. The ASEAN Ministers highly appreciated Japan’s continuing commitment to support the narrowing of development gaps and balanced growth. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of accelerating efforts towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by involving various stakeholders including the private sector and civil society.
65. On disaster management, the ASEAN Ministers expressed high appreciation to Japan for its support to the AHA Centre, in particular its ICT system. The Meeting underscored the importance to further develop cooperation in disaster management training, sharing experiences, and transfer of know-how in disaster management. In this regard, the Meeting looked forward to Japans’ contribution to the implementation of the second phase of the Work Program of the AADMER for 2013 to 2015. The Ministers also welcomed the development of the Disaster Management Network for the ASEAN Region and highlighted the partnership between Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) in Thailand, particularly their joint projects on flood management.
66. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of achieving low carbon growth toward the future and welcomed the outcome of the Second East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership Dialogue held on 18 May 2013 in Tokyo, co-chaired by Cambodia and Japan. The Ministers shared the view that various approaches including the Joint Crediting Mechanism, which Japan has been promoting, could contribute to facilitating the diffusion of low carbon technologies, products, systems and services, and thus low carbon growth in the region.
67. The Ministers highlighted the importance of urbanization as potential challenges for ASEAN confronted by the rapid increase of population and economic growth. The
ASEAN Ministers welcomed Japan will seek to further promote its cooperation with ASEAN and ASEAN Member States in the area of urbanisation.
68. The ASEAN Ministers appreciated Japan’s continued support for ASEAN’s central role in the evolving regional architecture through ASEAN-led processes, including the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus.
69. The Meeting reaffirmed the urgent need for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform in order to render the body more representative, legitimate, effective and responsive to the realities of the international community in the 21st century and thus to increase the representation of the Asian region in the Council. The Meeting also reaffirmed their determination to work closely to achieve this reform.
70. The Ministers expressed a grave concern on the protracted stalemate of the Middle East Peace Process, and urged both Israel and Palestine to resume direct negotiations for achieving peace. The ASEAN Ministers also welcomed Japan’s initiative for establishing the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) for the purpose of supporting the state-building efforts of Palestine, and the Ministers encouraged all ASEAN member states to participate in the CEAPAD.
71. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability, maritime security, and freedom of navigation. In this regard, the Meeting supported commitments of ASEAN and China to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (East Sea) (DOC) in accordance with the adopted Guidelines and the Joint Statement of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (East Sea), and to work toward concluding a code of conduct in the South China Sea based on consensus.
72. The Meeting encouraged the DPRK to comply fully with relevant UNSC Resolutions, including the UNSC Presidential Statement on the DPRK on 16 April 2012, and also encouraged all parties concerned to exercise maximum self-restraint. The Meeting called on all parties concerned to respect the September 19, 2005 Six Party Joint Statement and supported the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks in order to bring about peace, security and denuclearisation in the Korean Peninsula. The Meeting also emphasised the importance of addressing the issue of abduction, which is a humanitarian issue.
New Zealand
73. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with New Zealand was co-chaired by H.E. Alounkeo KITTIKHOUN, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, and the Hon. Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand.
74. The Meeting reviewed the progress of ASEAN-New Zealand relations and noted with satisfaction that there has been significant progress made over the past year in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on an ASEAN-New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership 2010-2015. In this connection, the Meeting agreed to focus on specific areas for implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership Framework’s Plan of Action for period 2013-2014.
75. The Meeting expressed the importance of increasing cooperation in areas of education, food and energy security, and disaster management. The Meeting also noted with satisfaction the effective implementation of the four flagship initiatives, covering the ASEAN-New Zealand Scholarship Program, Young Business Leaders Initiative programmes on Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response, and Agriculture Diplomacy.
76. The Meeting also encouraged ASEAN-New Zealand cooperation to address trans-boundary environmental challenges as well as to share best practices and technology to cope with such challenges.
77. The Meeting expressed appreciation to New Zealand for its continued support for ASEAN community building efforts, especially in the implementation of the IAI projects and other programs, which have contributed significantly to ASEAN’s efforts to narrowing the development gap and regional integration.
78. The Meeting expressed appreciation to New Zealand for their support in the implementation of the Master Plan of ASEAN Connectivity and the implementation of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area Agreement (AANZFTA), including support through the AANZFTA Economic Cooperation Work Programme.
79. The Meeting appreciated New Zealand’s contribution to ASEAN efforts in strengthening institutional connectivity. In this connection, the Meeting welcomed New Zealand’s initiative to co-host EAS Regulatory Roundtable with Thailand on 18 July 2013 in Bangkok.
80. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of continuing cooperation on disaster preparedness and response and ASEAN encouraged New Zealand to continue its support of the AHA Centre and the implementation of the Work Programme (2010-2015) of the AADMER.
81. ASEAN welcomed and endorsed New Zealand’s initiative to convene the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit in 2015 to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Dialogue Relations.
The Republic of Korea (ROK)
82. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the Republic of Korea was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. R. M. Marty. M. Natalegawa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and H.E. Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. The Meeting welcomed H.E. Yun Byung-se’s first participation and co-chairing of the ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the ROK.
83. ASEAN appreciated the active role of the ROK’s Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta since its establishment on 29 October 2012. The Meeting welcomed the adoption of the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN-ROK Joint Cooperation Committee and looked forward to the convening of the 1st ASEAN-ROK Joint Cooperation Committee between the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and the resident Ambassador of the ROK to ASEAN in 2014 in Jakarta.
84. The Meeting noted the ROK’s initiative to further strengthen political and security cooperation with ASEAN, in accordance with the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity (2011-2015)
85. The Meeting welcomed the substantial progress of the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement ASEAN-ROK Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity 2011-2015, especially on the Two Year Implementation Programme 2012-2013, among other in the area of education, ICT, exchange of youth, media, and experts, and other capacity building projects. The Meeting noted with appreciation on the implementation of projects under the mechanisms of Special Cooperation Fund (SCF) and Future-Oriented Cooperation Project Funds (FOCPF).
86. The Meeting was encouraged by the significant growth of trade among ASEAN and the ROK which amounted to 124.9 billion USD in 2011 compared with 97.3 billion USD in 2010, and in this regard, the Meeting strived to re-double the efforts to achieve the target 150 billion USD by 2015 by fully utilising the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area.
87. The Meeting reaffirmed their commitment to work together in addressing major global and transboundary challenges such as climate change and the environment as well as disaster management, including through close cooperation on Low Carbon Green Growth Policy and the use of environment-friendly technology, in which ASEAN may learn from the ROK’s experience. The Meeting also noted the successful convening of ARF DiREX 2013 and 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit, which provided important opportunities to enhance the capabilities of ASEAN and the ROK in the area of disaster and water management capabilities.
88. The Meeting noted with appreciation the consultation mechanism that the ROK has established to work with the ACCC in exploring potential cooperation in connectivity, especially in the areas of infrastructure and ICT, people-to-people and mobilisation of innovative financing for connectivity. The Meeting further welcomed the convening of the inaugural meeting between the ACCC and the ROK’s Task Force on Connectivity in Balikpapan, Indonesia, on 10 June 2013.
89. ASEAN encouraged ROK to support programmes under the ASEAN ICT Master Plan 2015, whose goals include the expansion of broadband and promotion of access to and affordability of ICT use, as well as to consider providing technological support to the AHA Centre.
90. The Meeting highlighted the ROK’s constant commitment in supporting the ASEAN-Korea Centre, taking into account the ROK’s generous contribution to the Centre’s financial budget year 2013. The Meeting encouraged more efforts to optimize many activities held by the Centre to promote ASEAN-Korea cooperation, mainly in the three areas of trade and investment, culture and tourism, and public relations and information, which includes, among others, the development of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Meeting noted that the ASEAN-Korea Centre has initiated cooperation with the ASEAN-Japan Centre and the ASEAN-China Centre and hope that such cooperation would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of each centre’s activities.
91. The Ministers stressed the need to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula and encouraged the DPRK to comply fully with its obligations under all relevant UNSC Resolutions and its commitments under the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. The Ministers reiterated their support for all efforts to bring about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. In this context, the Meeting welcomed the Trust-building Process on the Korean Peninsula and the Initiative for Peace and Cooperation in Northeast Asia by the President of the Republic of Korea.
92. The Meeting looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN-Korea Special Summit in 2014. The Meeting agreed to conduct commemorative activities throughout 2014 to mark the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations.
Russian Federation
93. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the Russian Federation was co-chaired by H.E. Dato’ Sri Anifah Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, and H.E. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
94. The Meeting reviewed the progress of the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Promote Cooperation between ASEAN and the Russian Federation (2005-2015) and exchanged views on the future direction of ASEAN-Russia cooperation.
95. The Meeting agreed to enhance cooperation in the political and security, economic and socio-cultural priority areas, namely, combating terrorism and transnational crimes, trade and economy, investment, energy, transport, agriculture and food security, tourism, science and technology, disaster management and culture, as well as supporting ASEAN connectivity.
96. The Meeting welcomed the convening of the ASEAN-Russia Youth Summit held on 12-14 May 2013 in Moscow, Russia, and encouraged the conduct more youth exchanges in the future to strengthen people-to-people links. The Meeting also welcomed the convening of the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum on 22 June 2013 in St. Petersburg, aimed at promoting interactions between ASEAN and Russia business community in the field of trade, investment, and tourism.
97. The Meeting noted the importance of increasing cooperation in areas of tourism and culture. In this regard, the Meeting encouraged all ASEAN Member States that have not ratified the ASEAN-Russia Agreement on Cultural Cooperation to do so expeditiously so that initiatives in the agreement can be duly implemented.
98. The Meeting noted the status of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership Financial Fund as well as a number of Joint Projects sponsored by the Fund.
99. The Meeting welcomed the appointment of Dr. Victor Sumsky, Director of the ASEAN Centre in the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University), for a second term from June 2013 to May 2016.
United States of America
100. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the United States of America was co-chaired by H.E. U Wunna Maung Lwin, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Hon. John Kerry, Secretary of State of the United States of America. The Meeting welcomed Hon. John Kerry‘s first participation and co-chairing of the ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the U.S.
101. The Meeting reviewed the ASEAN-U.S. cooperation and its future direction, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern and interest. The Meeting, in particular, deliberated and agreed to cooperate further on the subjects of cyber security, cyber terrorism, disaster management, food and energy security, education, economics, trafficking in persons and connectivity.
102. The Meeting noted, with satisfaction, the current status of ASEAN-U.S. cooperation that has been contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The Meeting agreed to continue efforts to elevate the ASEAN-U.S. partnership to a strategic level and welcomed the first ASEAN-US Summit to be held in Bandar Seri Begawan later this year, as well as the U.S. proposal to make biodiversity cooperation as one of its major themes.
103. The Meeting also welcomed the enhanced engagement of the U.S. in the region through ASEAN-led mechanisms such as ARF, EAS and ADMM Plus. The Meeting also welcomed the U.S. engagement in the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) and their proposal for an Expanded ASEAN Seafarer Training (EAST) program, which will be realised through a workshop on counter-piracy to be held in Manila in September 2013.
104. The Meeting welcomed the progress of ASEAN-U.S. cooperation in various areas including maritime security, transnational crime, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, energy, education, rule of law, and development in the Lower Mekong Sub-region. The Meeting also recognized that the ASEAN-U.S. Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Initiative would further promote economic cooperation between ASEAN and the U.S.
105. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the 26th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue in Washington D.C., United States on 2-4 May 2013 that contributed to the enhancement of the ASEAN-U.S. dialogue relations and cooperation.
106. The Meeting recognized the need to strengthen and consolidate existing ASEAN-US cooperation frameworks and mechanisms, namely, the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-U.S. Enhanced Partnership for Enduring Peace and Prosperity 2011-2015 and 2013 Work Plan of the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA Work Plan 2013) and ASEAN-U.S. Energy Cooperation Work Plan (2012-2014), in order to accelerate their implementation. The Meeting welcomed the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Roadshow in the U.S. that took place on 10-13 June 2013.
107. The Meeting also noted that the important role of ASEAN-US track II activities and cooperation among ASEAN-US Business communities, such as the organising of the annual ASEAN-U.S. Business Summit with a view to further enhancing ASEAN-U.S. relations.
108. The Meeting commended the recommendations by the ASEAN-U.S. Eminent Persons Group to the 4th ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Meeting in charting the future direction of ASEAN-U.S. relations and stressed the need to transform them into concrete actions. In this respect, the Meeting agreed to give emphasis on the recommendations of ASEAN-US Eminent Persons Group for further strengthening of the ASEAN-U.S. relations.
109. The Meeting expressed support for the efforts being undertaken by ASEAN and China for the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (East Sea) (DOC) and their plans to work together for the early conclusion of a code of conduct in the South China Sea (east Sea) based on consensus.”-VNA
ASEAN’s dialogue partners include Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America.
Following is the full text of the Chairman’s Statement of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 sessions with the dialogue partners:
“1. The ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) + 1 Sessions with ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, namely Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America were held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on 30 June - 1 July 2013, to review dialogue relations, including the progress of implementing their respective plan of actions and exchange views on regional and international issues.
2. Recognising the long-standing relations between ASEAN and the Dialogue Partners, Ministers reaffirmed their strong commitments to work closely together to promote peace, security, stability and prosperity, and explore ways to further deepen cooperation in addressing various challenges of common concern, such as climate change, haze and environmental degradation, natural disasters, pandemic diseases, and transnational crimes, through institutional capacity-building, exchange of information and technologies including establishing as well as improving early warning systems, on the basis of equal partnership and mutual benefit.
3. The Ministers recalled the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations (Bali Concord III) and its Plan of Action (2013-2017) and reaffirmed the commitment to implement it with the support of ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, including within the frameworks of the ASEAN Plus Three and East Asia Summit. The Ministers noted Indonesia’s call for ASEAN to formulate aspirational goals beyond 2015, such as doubling ASEAN’s combined GDP and halving the percentage of people living in poverty in the ASEAN region by 2030.
Australia
4. The ASEAN+1 Session with Australia was co-chaired by H.E. Albert F. del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Hon. Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia.
5. The Meeting noted that as ASEAN’s oldest Dialogue Partner, Australia has a long history of engagement with ASEAN and it was in the economic and strategic interests of ASEAN and Australia for the relationship to continue to strengthen.
6. ASEAN agreed that an ASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit will be in the margins of the 25th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Myanmar in 2014. The Meeting noted the progress on the development of the new Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Partnership (2014-2018) and looked forward to its adoption in 2014. The Meeting also agreed to work together to celebrate 40 years of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations in 2014. The Meeting also welcomed Australia’s initiative to appoint a resident Australian Ambassador to ASEAN this year, which should be valued as Australia’s underlying commitment in strengthening ASEAN-Australia cooperation.
7. The Meeting agreed to strengthen maritime security cooperation between ASEAN and Australia and took note of Australia's proposal to convene the 2nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Seminar on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in early 2014 with the Philippines as co-chair.
8. The Meeting recognised Australia's support to the ARF's various priority areas, including counter-terrorism and transnational crime, disaster relief, maritime security, non-proliferation and disarmament, cyber security, space security and preventive diplomacy.
9. ASEAN acknowledged Australia's continued strong support for the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) through its active participation in the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Military Medicine, Peacekeeping Operations and Maritime Security, including its co-chairmanship of the Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security and role as host of the inaugural ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise scheduled in October 2013.
10. The Meeting welcomed Australia's contribution to the region's on-going programme to combat human smuggling and trafficking in persons, including its co-chairing with Indonesia of the Bali Process, and the Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons (AAPTIP).
11. The Meeting also welcomed Australia’s collaboration with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AlCHR) to promote corporate social responsibility. The Meeting also recognised Australia's initiative to strengthen international response on drug-resistant malaria.
12. The Meeting noted Australia's on-going work in the region to support the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), and welcomed Australia’s interest to help improve infrastructure connectivity through public-private partnership and a connectivity workshop that Singapore will co-host with Australia in 2014. Recognising the potential benefits of enhanced connectivity between ASEAN and Australia in terms of increasing market access, trade, tourism, investment, regional transportation, information and communication technology, the Meeting suggested that ASEAN and Australia should also work together to prevent inherent risks from increased connectivity such as transnational crimes and other cross-border challenges. To this end, the Meeting encouraged the regular engagement between the ACCC and Australia to identify and promote connectivity cooperation within the framework of the implementation of the MPAC.
13. The Meeting acknowledged the progress on the implementation of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) agreement, including the implementation of the Economic Cooperation Work Programme projects, such as the review of the AANZFTA Non-Tariff Measures and establishment of a regional mechanism for monitoring utilisation of tariff preferences. The Meeting expressed appreciation for Australia’s support of the first round of negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which was launched at the 21st ASEAN Summit in November 2012 and welcomed Australia’s hosting of the second round on 23-27 September 2013.
14. ASEAN acknowledged Australia's demonstration of commitment to the ASEAN Sociocultural Community agenda in many fronts and expressed gratitude for Australia’s support to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management (AHA Centre), as well as technical assistance in the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme, operationalisation of the AHA Centre provision of education services and scholarships and facilitation of people-to-people exchanges, cultural visits and tourism between Australia and ASEAN. In this connection, the Meeting encouraged the implementation of elements in the Indonesia-Australia Joint Paper, which are in line with the AADMER Work Programme and the AHA Centre Strategic Plan.
15. The Meeting further noted that the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program (AADCP) Phase II has been implementing functional cooperation programs toward ASEAN's goal of an economic community by 2015, and increasing the capacity of the ASEAN Secretariat since 2009. ASEAN is pleased that this support will continue beyond 2015.
Canada
16. The ASEAN+1 Session with Canada was co-chaired by H.E. K. Shanmugam, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Law of the Republic of Singapore and the Hon. John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
17. The Meeting took note of the progress on the implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action to implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2010-2015), in which ASEAN expressed appreciation to Canada for its invaluable support to ASEAN in promoting the rights of women, migrant workers and children, and initiating education and people-to-people exchanges. ASEAN also expressed appreciation for Canada’s cooperation on strengthening good governance, counter-terrorism, integrated disaster risk management capabilities, and in encouraging trade and investment.
18. The Meeting noted Canada’s interest to cooperate through the ARF on Non-Proliferation and looked forward to the convening of the workshop on countering illicit trafficking of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials.
19. The Meeting welcomed the establishment of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), which focuses on the growth of private-sector cooperation between Canadian and Southeast Asian businesses. It noted that the CABC has completed a study on Business Opportunities in ASEAN and would be hosting a Canada-ASEAN Business forum October 8 – 9 2013. The Meeting also noted Canada’s contribution to the work of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) by funding a project via UN Women. The Meeting also noted with satisfaction the various meaningful activities conducted last year to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Canada Relationship under the theme “35 years of Partnership and Friendship”.
20. The Meeting welcomed the adoption of the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership Program at the 1st ASEAN-Canada Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) Meeting held on 3 April 2013 at the ASEAN Secretariat. The new program was established following the commitment made by Minister Baird of CAD$10 million over three years towards ASEAN-related projects. The Meeting noted the following proposals for future cooperation: a trade facilitation supply chain management program; the Grand Challenges ASEAN-Canada funding health care innovations project; financial services training by the Toronto Centre; a software project aimed at strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat; and English language training initiatives.
21. The Meeting welcomed Canada’s commitment to support the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and discussed opportunities for further collaboration between ASEAN and Canada in this area, including the promotion of private-public partnership (PPP) projects. The Meeting also encouraged Canada to explore more cooperation in agriculture and infrastructure network linkages, which would significantly contribute to the bridging of the development gap in ASEAN. The Meeting encouraged the regular engagement between the ACCC and Canada to identify and promote connectivity cooperation within the framework of the implementation of the MPAC. In this context, we look forward to the convening of the interaction between the ACCC and Canada.
22. The Meeting also encouraged Canada to explore more cooperation in agriculture and infrastructure network linkages, which would significantly contribute to the bridging of the development gap in ASEAN.
China
23. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with China was co-chaired by H.E. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and H.E. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. The Meeting welcomed H.E. Wang Yi’s first participation and co-chairing of the ASEAN PMC+1 Session with China.
24. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the achievements made within the framework of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations and in the implementation of the Plan of Action for the period of 2011-2015 to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, through a broad spectrum of cooperative activities on political-security, economic, and socio-cultural fields.
25. The Meeting recalled the successful outcomes of the 19th ASEAN-China Senior Official’s Consultation held on 2 April 2013 in Beijing and agreed that ASEAN-China relations could be elevated by deepening existing cooperation, particularly in trade and investment facilitation, connectivity, and maritime cooperation, while expanding the scope of cooperation to encompass other areas such as food and energy security, science and technology, transportation, and education.
26. The Meeting welcomed the inaugural meeting between the ACCC and the Chinese Working Committee on China-ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (CWC-CACCC), and encouraged China’s continued support to implement the ASEAN Connectivity Projects. The Meeting looked forward to the utilisation of the ASEAN-China Maritime Cooperation Fund for projects related to maritime connectivity under the MPAC.
27. The Meeting agreed to advance trade facilitation, deepen industrial cooperation, increase mutual investment and jointly upgrade ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (FTA), as well as to step up regional infrastructure connectivity and actively facilitate the setting up of a financing platform for Asia’s infrastructure development. The Meeting noted a proposal to setting the year 2014 as the ASEAN-China Cultural Exchange Year.
28. The Meeting looked forward to develop cooperation with China in sharing best practices and technology transfer process in renewable energy resources management, in increasing energy efficiency, and in developing research for high-efficiency and low-pollution utilisation of non-renewable energy.
29. The Meeting encouraged closer cooperation in capacity building initiatives and programs between ASEAN and China, particularly in the methodology of surveys and data collection, as a systematic attempt to eradicate food insecurity through ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS).
30. On the framework of ASEAN-China Science & Technology Program, the Meeting welcomed the feasibility studies on the establishment of ASEAN-China Technology
Transfer Centres, which will give a wider network and connection to all ASEAN Member States.
31. On the health cooperation, the Meeting welcomed the signing of the ASEAN-China Memorandum of Understanding on Health Cooperation that would enhance health and medical science capabilities in the region.
32. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary, the Meeting discussed how to further strengthen the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit, peace, stability and prosperity. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the proposals made by both sides to organise activities to commemorate this auspicious occasion including the High-Level Forum on 10th anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership on 2 August 2013 in Bangkok, Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in August in China, and ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Roadshow to China in October 2013.
33. The Meeting underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea (East Sea) and noted the ASEAN Statement on the Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea (East Sea). The Meeting stressed the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Meeting welcomed the collective commitments of ASEAN Member States and China to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (East Sea) (DOC), including the Guidelines for the Implementation of the DOC and to work towards the adoption of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (East Sea) (COC) on the basis of consensus. In this regard, the Meeting appreciated the continued ASEAN-China consultations and dialogue for mutual trust, confidence and cooperation, and the convening of the 8th Meeting of ASEAN-China Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the DOC on 29 May 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Meeting was encouraged with the convening of the 6th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC and the 9th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on the implementation of the DOC to be hosted by China in September 2013 during which all parties will have official consultations on the code of conduct. The Meeting noted that steps will be taken to establish an Eminent Persons and Experts Group (EPEG) and/or other mechanisms to provide support to such consultations.
34. The Meeting reaffirmed its determination to work closely together to ensure the successful outcome of the 16th ASEAN-China Summit in October this year, and noted a proposal for ASEAN and China to develop a joint statement to commemorate the 10th anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership.
European Union
35. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with EU was co-chaired by H.E. Pham Binh Minh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Rt. Hon. Lady
Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice President of the European Commission.
36. The Meeting reviewed and noted with satisfaction the progress of ASEAN-EU cooperation, particularly the implementation of the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to Strengthen the ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership (2013-2017). The Meeting welcomed the EU’s initiative to convene an ASEAN-EU workshop on maritime cooperation in September 2013 in Indonesia, as one of the concrete implementations of the Plan of Action as well as Bali Concord III Plan of Action.
37. The Meeting recalled the EU’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in the Southeast Asia (TAC) in July 2012, as an important milestone in the ASEAN-EU relations, which further demonstrated the EU’s commitment to promote peace, security and stability in the Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific.
38. The Meeting highly appreciated the EU’s support for ASEAN’s efforts in community building, narrowing development gap, regional integration and enhanced connectivity, through programmes such as the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU (ARISE), Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2011-2013, among others.
39. The Meeting recalled the successful outcome of the ASEAN-EU Senior Officials’ Meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on 14-15 May 2013, which reaffirmed the commitment by both ASEAN and the EU to further broadening and deepening the ASEAN-EU dialogue relations.
40. The Meeting agreed to enhance the effective implementation, on the basis of equal partnership and mutual benefit, of the Plan of Action through, inter alia, prioritising in annual Work Plans the areas of cooperation and in support of ASEAN’s efforts in community building, regional integration and connectivity. The Meeting also emphasised the importance of enhancing mutual understanding as well as sharing best practices and expertise between ASEAN and EU in community building process.
41. The Meeting stressed the importance of the ASEAN-EU partnership and working with each other to elevate the partnership to a higher level. In this regard, the EU informed the Meeting of the intention of the President of the European Commission to have a dialogue with ASEAN.
42. The Meeting agreed to further strengthen cooperation in a wide range of international and regional issues of mutual interest such as the East Asian regional architecture, global financial and economic situation, climate change and disaster management, counter-terrorism and transnational crimes, food and energy security, maritime security, human rights cooperation, trade and investment, connectivity, narrowing development gap. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the EU’s initiative to convene an ASEAN-EU workshop on maritime cooperation in September 2013 in Indonesia, as one of the concrete implementation of the Plan of Action. The Meeting had an exchange of views on regional and international issues of common concern, including on the question of the South China Sea and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
43. The Meeting welcomed the signing of the grant contract of the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU (ARISE) by the Secretary General of ASEAN and the EU Ambassador to ASEAN, to enhance the operational capacity of the ASEAN Secretariat.
44. The Meeting noted that the 20th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting will be held in Brussels in 2014.
India
45. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with India was co-chaired by H.R.H. Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam, and H.E. Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India. The Meeting expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed its contribution to the regional growth and prosperity and global peace and security.
46. The Meeting congratulated India on the successful hosting of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in December 2012 and welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN-India Vision Statement at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and the elevation of the partnership to a Strategic level. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the various meaningful activities conducted in 2012 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, including the ASEAN India Car Rally and the INS Sudarshini expedition and their related business and cultural events, which helped to make the calendar of activities fully participate of the people of the region as well.
47. The meeting welcomed India’s ‘Look East policy’ within the framework of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership, particularly in supporting the ASEAN Community Building process covering the three pillars of ASEAN Community, connectivity, and in strengthening ASEAN centrality.
48. The Meeting encouraged ASEAN-India cooperation to further address trans-national security challenges particularly on the field of combating terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking and cyber crimes.
49. The Meeting welcomed the conclusion of negotiations of the Trade in Services and Investment Agreements and looked forward to the signing of the agreements during the 11th AEM-India Consultations in Brunei Darussalam in August 2013.
50. The Meeting expressed satisfaction with the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action to implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (2010-2015). The Meeting hoped that the process of finalisation of some key projects including the creation of a sustainable IT infrastructure in CLMV countries; establishment of Tracking and Data Reception Station and Data Processing Facility for ASEAN; cooperation between the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) of India would receive priority. In this regard, the Meeting looked forward to the finalisation of the Mid-Term Review of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action and suggested incorporation of the short-term actionable goals from the Vision Statement.
51. In this connection, the Meeting noted the launching of the ASEAN-India Centre and encouraged the finalization of the required modalities for operationalisation of the Centre. The Meeting also noted India's intent to set up the separate ASEAN-India Trade and Investment Centre, announced by the ASEAN-India Economic Ministers, to promote trade and investment cooperation between ASEAN and India.
52. The Meeting highlighted the importance of transportation networks between Southeast Asia and South Asia, and welcomed India’s commitment to support the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) through both hard and soft infrastructure linkages. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the convening of the Inaugural ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) and India Consultation on June 10, 2013 at Balikpapan, Indonesia , to explore concrete ways and means to support the MPAC; as well as India’s participation at the 21st ASEAN Land Transport Working Group Meeting on July 3-5, 2012 in Lao PDR. The Meeting also encouraged both sides to look into the possibility of taking concrete steps towards the development of the Mekong India Economic Corridor. The Meeting also highlighted the importance of linking the ASEAN-India regions through maritime connectivity under the umbrella of the MPAC and welcomed India's participation at the 24th ASEAN Maritime Working Group Meeting on October 17-19, 2012 in Yangon, Myanmar; and the 25th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Meeting on March 12-14, 2013 in Mandalay, Myanmar.
53. The meeting noted with appreciation India's on-going work in the region to support ASEAN community building efforts through the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI), particularly India's role in establishing and supporting Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) and Centre for English Language Training (CELT) in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam and the on-going annual programmes for people-to-people exchanges between students, diplomats, farmers, media and members of the strategic communities in ASEAN Member States and India.
54. The Meeting noted the combined population of ASEAN and India is currently at 1.8 billion people, and in this context, highlighted the importance to strengthen ASEAN and India cooperation on agriculture and energy in order to ensure food and energy security in the long term.
Japan
55. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Japan was co-chaired by H.E. HOR Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia and H.E. Fumio KISHIDA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The Meeting welcomed H.E. Fumio KISHIDA’s first participation and co-chairing of the ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Japan.
56. The Meeting took note of the meaningful celebration of various commemorative activities in ASEAN Member States and Japan to mark the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations in 2013. The Meeting also looked forward to the successful convening of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, scheduled to be held in Tokyo, Japan, on 13-15 December 2013. The Meeting noted the work of track two dialogues between intellectuals of ASEAN and Japan, and looked forward to the submission of their recommendations on the long-term vision of the ASEAN-Japan relations.
57. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the good progress made in the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Plan of Action (POA) 2011-2015, which is an important instrument to further deepening and enhancing ASEAN-Japan cooperation and partnership, and agreed to speed up the effective and full implementation of this POA, and to contribute to the ASEAN’s efforts to realise the ASEAN Community building by 2015.
58. The Meeting noted the negotiations on ASEAN-Japan Trade in Services and Investment Agreement and called for the early conclusions of the negotiations to pave the way for the realisation of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP).
59. The Meeting highly appreciated the ASEAN-Japan Centre for its significant contribution to promote trade, investment and tourism, and its important role in narrowing the development gap in ASEAN. In this regard, the Meeting encouraged the ASEAN-Japan Centre to undertake more concrete activities and programmes in the areas of trade, investment and tourism promotion as well as of cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
60. The Meeting highly valued Japan’s active support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), through the 33 flagship projects identified by Japan related to 3 ASEAN Corridors (East-West Corridor, Southern Economic Corridor and Maritime Economic Corridors) for enhancing ASEAN Connectivity. The Meeting noted with appreciation the meeting between the ACCC and Japan’s Task Force in Jakarta in April 2013 and welcomed the completion of the feasibility study on the development of ASEAN Ro-Ro and Short Sea Shipping Networks and looked forward to the concrete implementation of the development of such networks. The Meeting, furthermore, encouraged Japan’s Task Force to continuously support ASEAN in the timely and effective implementation of the MPAC, especially to establish greater maritime connectivity between ASEAN and Japan , as well as to share expertise and experience in promoting Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
61. The Meeting appreciated Japan’s active contribution to human resources development, including through the Attachment Programme at the ASEAN Secretariat, which sees an increase of two additional attachments officers this year from each CLMV countries to gain experience on regional cooperation under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) at the ASEAN Secretariat.
62. ASEAN underscored the significant contribution of the Government of Japan to ASEAN community building and integration process through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), which was extended to the end of 2013 . In this regard, both sides are requested to utilize the JAIF in a timely manner to carry out projects and activities under the IAI Work Plan II (2009-2015) and ASEAN-Japan framework.
63. The Meeting highlighted the importance of people-to-people interaction to building closer contacts, mutual understanding and friendship between ASEAN and Japan. In this regard, the ASEAN Ministers appreciated the active role of Japan in promoting closer ties and nurturing friendship among youths of ASEAN and Japan, particularly through the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) 2.0, which was announced by Japan in January 2013.
64. The ASEAN Ministers highly appreciated Japan’s continuing commitment to support the narrowing of development gaps and balanced growth. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of accelerating efforts towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by involving various stakeholders including the private sector and civil society.
65. On disaster management, the ASEAN Ministers expressed high appreciation to Japan for its support to the AHA Centre, in particular its ICT system. The Meeting underscored the importance to further develop cooperation in disaster management training, sharing experiences, and transfer of know-how in disaster management. In this regard, the Meeting looked forward to Japans’ contribution to the implementation of the second phase of the Work Program of the AADMER for 2013 to 2015. The Ministers also welcomed the development of the Disaster Management Network for the ASEAN Region and highlighted the partnership between Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) in Thailand, particularly their joint projects on flood management.
66. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of achieving low carbon growth toward the future and welcomed the outcome of the Second East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership Dialogue held on 18 May 2013 in Tokyo, co-chaired by Cambodia and Japan. The Ministers shared the view that various approaches including the Joint Crediting Mechanism, which Japan has been promoting, could contribute to facilitating the diffusion of low carbon technologies, products, systems and services, and thus low carbon growth in the region.
67. The Ministers highlighted the importance of urbanization as potential challenges for ASEAN confronted by the rapid increase of population and economic growth. The
ASEAN Ministers welcomed Japan will seek to further promote its cooperation with ASEAN and ASEAN Member States in the area of urbanisation.
68. The ASEAN Ministers appreciated Japan’s continued support for ASEAN’s central role in the evolving regional architecture through ASEAN-led processes, including the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus.
69. The Meeting reaffirmed the urgent need for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform in order to render the body more representative, legitimate, effective and responsive to the realities of the international community in the 21st century and thus to increase the representation of the Asian region in the Council. The Meeting also reaffirmed their determination to work closely to achieve this reform.
70. The Ministers expressed a grave concern on the protracted stalemate of the Middle East Peace Process, and urged both Israel and Palestine to resume direct negotiations for achieving peace. The ASEAN Ministers also welcomed Japan’s initiative for establishing the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) for the purpose of supporting the state-building efforts of Palestine, and the Ministers encouraged all ASEAN member states to participate in the CEAPAD.
71. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability, maritime security, and freedom of navigation. In this regard, the Meeting supported commitments of ASEAN and China to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (East Sea) (DOC) in accordance with the adopted Guidelines and the Joint Statement of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (East Sea), and to work toward concluding a code of conduct in the South China Sea based on consensus.
72. The Meeting encouraged the DPRK to comply fully with relevant UNSC Resolutions, including the UNSC Presidential Statement on the DPRK on 16 April 2012, and also encouraged all parties concerned to exercise maximum self-restraint. The Meeting called on all parties concerned to respect the September 19, 2005 Six Party Joint Statement and supported the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks in order to bring about peace, security and denuclearisation in the Korean Peninsula. The Meeting also emphasised the importance of addressing the issue of abduction, which is a humanitarian issue.
New Zealand
73. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with New Zealand was co-chaired by H.E. Alounkeo KITTIKHOUN, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, and the Hon. Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand.
74. The Meeting reviewed the progress of ASEAN-New Zealand relations and noted with satisfaction that there has been significant progress made over the past year in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on an ASEAN-New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership 2010-2015. In this connection, the Meeting agreed to focus on specific areas for implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership Framework’s Plan of Action for period 2013-2014.
75. The Meeting expressed the importance of increasing cooperation in areas of education, food and energy security, and disaster management. The Meeting also noted with satisfaction the effective implementation of the four flagship initiatives, covering the ASEAN-New Zealand Scholarship Program, Young Business Leaders Initiative programmes on Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response, and Agriculture Diplomacy.
76. The Meeting also encouraged ASEAN-New Zealand cooperation to address trans-boundary environmental challenges as well as to share best practices and technology to cope with such challenges.
77. The Meeting expressed appreciation to New Zealand for its continued support for ASEAN community building efforts, especially in the implementation of the IAI projects and other programs, which have contributed significantly to ASEAN’s efforts to narrowing the development gap and regional integration.
78. The Meeting expressed appreciation to New Zealand for their support in the implementation of the Master Plan of ASEAN Connectivity and the implementation of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area Agreement (AANZFTA), including support through the AANZFTA Economic Cooperation Work Programme.
79. The Meeting appreciated New Zealand’s contribution to ASEAN efforts in strengthening institutional connectivity. In this connection, the Meeting welcomed New Zealand’s initiative to co-host EAS Regulatory Roundtable with Thailand on 18 July 2013 in Bangkok.
80. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of continuing cooperation on disaster preparedness and response and ASEAN encouraged New Zealand to continue its support of the AHA Centre and the implementation of the Work Programme (2010-2015) of the AADMER.
81. ASEAN welcomed and endorsed New Zealand’s initiative to convene the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit in 2015 to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Dialogue Relations.
The Republic of Korea (ROK)
82. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the Republic of Korea was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. R. M. Marty. M. Natalegawa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and H.E. Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. The Meeting welcomed H.E. Yun Byung-se’s first participation and co-chairing of the ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the ROK.
83. ASEAN appreciated the active role of the ROK’s Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta since its establishment on 29 October 2012. The Meeting welcomed the adoption of the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN-ROK Joint Cooperation Committee and looked forward to the convening of the 1st ASEAN-ROK Joint Cooperation Committee between the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and the resident Ambassador of the ROK to ASEAN in 2014 in Jakarta.
84. The Meeting noted the ROK’s initiative to further strengthen political and security cooperation with ASEAN, in accordance with the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity (2011-2015)
85. The Meeting welcomed the substantial progress of the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement ASEAN-ROK Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity 2011-2015, especially on the Two Year Implementation Programme 2012-2013, among other in the area of education, ICT, exchange of youth, media, and experts, and other capacity building projects. The Meeting noted with appreciation on the implementation of projects under the mechanisms of Special Cooperation Fund (SCF) and Future-Oriented Cooperation Project Funds (FOCPF).
86. The Meeting was encouraged by the significant growth of trade among ASEAN and the ROK which amounted to 124.9 billion USD in 2011 compared with 97.3 billion USD in 2010, and in this regard, the Meeting strived to re-double the efforts to achieve the target 150 billion USD by 2015 by fully utilising the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area.
87. The Meeting reaffirmed their commitment to work together in addressing major global and transboundary challenges such as climate change and the environment as well as disaster management, including through close cooperation on Low Carbon Green Growth Policy and the use of environment-friendly technology, in which ASEAN may learn from the ROK’s experience. The Meeting also noted the successful convening of ARF DiREX 2013 and 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit, which provided important opportunities to enhance the capabilities of ASEAN and the ROK in the area of disaster and water management capabilities.
88. The Meeting noted with appreciation the consultation mechanism that the ROK has established to work with the ACCC in exploring potential cooperation in connectivity, especially in the areas of infrastructure and ICT, people-to-people and mobilisation of innovative financing for connectivity. The Meeting further welcomed the convening of the inaugural meeting between the ACCC and the ROK’s Task Force on Connectivity in Balikpapan, Indonesia, on 10 June 2013.
89. ASEAN encouraged ROK to support programmes under the ASEAN ICT Master Plan 2015, whose goals include the expansion of broadband and promotion of access to and affordability of ICT use, as well as to consider providing technological support to the AHA Centre.
90. The Meeting highlighted the ROK’s constant commitment in supporting the ASEAN-Korea Centre, taking into account the ROK’s generous contribution to the Centre’s financial budget year 2013. The Meeting encouraged more efforts to optimize many activities held by the Centre to promote ASEAN-Korea cooperation, mainly in the three areas of trade and investment, culture and tourism, and public relations and information, which includes, among others, the development of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Meeting noted that the ASEAN-Korea Centre has initiated cooperation with the ASEAN-Japan Centre and the ASEAN-China Centre and hope that such cooperation would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of each centre’s activities.
91. The Ministers stressed the need to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula and encouraged the DPRK to comply fully with its obligations under all relevant UNSC Resolutions and its commitments under the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. The Ministers reiterated their support for all efforts to bring about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. In this context, the Meeting welcomed the Trust-building Process on the Korean Peninsula and the Initiative for Peace and Cooperation in Northeast Asia by the President of the Republic of Korea.
92. The Meeting looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN-Korea Special Summit in 2014. The Meeting agreed to conduct commemorative activities throughout 2014 to mark the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations.
Russian Federation
93. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the Russian Federation was co-chaired by H.E. Dato’ Sri Anifah Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, and H.E. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
94. The Meeting reviewed the progress of the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Promote Cooperation between ASEAN and the Russian Federation (2005-2015) and exchanged views on the future direction of ASEAN-Russia cooperation.
95. The Meeting agreed to enhance cooperation in the political and security, economic and socio-cultural priority areas, namely, combating terrorism and transnational crimes, trade and economy, investment, energy, transport, agriculture and food security, tourism, science and technology, disaster management and culture, as well as supporting ASEAN connectivity.
96. The Meeting welcomed the convening of the ASEAN-Russia Youth Summit held on 12-14 May 2013 in Moscow, Russia, and encouraged the conduct more youth exchanges in the future to strengthen people-to-people links. The Meeting also welcomed the convening of the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum on 22 June 2013 in St. Petersburg, aimed at promoting interactions between ASEAN and Russia business community in the field of trade, investment, and tourism.
97. The Meeting noted the importance of increasing cooperation in areas of tourism and culture. In this regard, the Meeting encouraged all ASEAN Member States that have not ratified the ASEAN-Russia Agreement on Cultural Cooperation to do so expeditiously so that initiatives in the agreement can be duly implemented.
98. The Meeting noted the status of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership Financial Fund as well as a number of Joint Projects sponsored by the Fund.
99. The Meeting welcomed the appointment of Dr. Victor Sumsky, Director of the ASEAN Centre in the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University), for a second term from June 2013 to May 2016.
United States of America
100. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the United States of America was co-chaired by H.E. U Wunna Maung Lwin, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Hon. John Kerry, Secretary of State of the United States of America. The Meeting welcomed Hon. John Kerry‘s first participation and co-chairing of the ASEAN PMC+1 Session with the U.S.
101. The Meeting reviewed the ASEAN-U.S. cooperation and its future direction, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern and interest. The Meeting, in particular, deliberated and agreed to cooperate further on the subjects of cyber security, cyber terrorism, disaster management, food and energy security, education, economics, trafficking in persons and connectivity.
102. The Meeting noted, with satisfaction, the current status of ASEAN-U.S. cooperation that has been contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The Meeting agreed to continue efforts to elevate the ASEAN-U.S. partnership to a strategic level and welcomed the first ASEAN-US Summit to be held in Bandar Seri Begawan later this year, as well as the U.S. proposal to make biodiversity cooperation as one of its major themes.
103. The Meeting also welcomed the enhanced engagement of the U.S. in the region through ASEAN-led mechanisms such as ARF, EAS and ADMM Plus. The Meeting also welcomed the U.S. engagement in the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) and their proposal for an Expanded ASEAN Seafarer Training (EAST) program, which will be realised through a workshop on counter-piracy to be held in Manila in September 2013.
104. The Meeting welcomed the progress of ASEAN-U.S. cooperation in various areas including maritime security, transnational crime, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, energy, education, rule of law, and development in the Lower Mekong Sub-region. The Meeting also recognized that the ASEAN-U.S. Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Initiative would further promote economic cooperation between ASEAN and the U.S.
105. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the 26th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue in Washington D.C., United States on 2-4 May 2013 that contributed to the enhancement of the ASEAN-U.S. dialogue relations and cooperation.
106. The Meeting recognized the need to strengthen and consolidate existing ASEAN-US cooperation frameworks and mechanisms, namely, the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-U.S. Enhanced Partnership for Enduring Peace and Prosperity 2011-2015 and 2013 Work Plan of the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA Work Plan 2013) and ASEAN-U.S. Energy Cooperation Work Plan (2012-2014), in order to accelerate their implementation. The Meeting welcomed the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Roadshow in the U.S. that took place on 10-13 June 2013.
107. The Meeting also noted that the important role of ASEAN-US track II activities and cooperation among ASEAN-US Business communities, such as the organising of the annual ASEAN-U.S. Business Summit with a view to further enhancing ASEAN-U.S. relations.
108. The Meeting commended the recommendations by the ASEAN-U.S. Eminent Persons Group to the 4th ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Meeting in charting the future direction of ASEAN-U.S. relations and stressed the need to transform them into concrete actions. In this respect, the Meeting agreed to give emphasis on the recommendations of ASEAN-US Eminent Persons Group for further strengthening of the ASEAN-U.S. relations.
109. The Meeting expressed support for the efforts being undertaken by ASEAN and China for the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (East Sea) (DOC) and their plans to work together for the early conclusion of a code of conduct in the South China Sea (east Sea) based on consensus.”-VNA
