EXTERNAL RELATIONS
78. We reaffirmed our efforts to continue enhancing ASEAN’s external relations. In this regard, we reiterated the importance of ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture and reaffirmed our commitments to work closely with all our partners through various ASEAN-led mechanisms, including ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three, ARF, ADMM-Plus and EAS, in ensuring the maintenance of peace, stability, security and prosperity in the region.
79. We noted with satisfaction the important developments in ASEAN’s external relations, in particular the progress made with our Dialogue Partners over the past year. We also welcomed the accreditation of Ambassadors to ASEAN from seventy-eight non-ASEAN Member States and one regional organisation.
80. We acknowledged the rapidly changing dynamics of our region and the world, as well as the increased interest of external parties in ASEAN cooperation and the potential for ASEAN to benefit from new opportunities, including through the use of the Guidelines for ASEAN’s External Relations. We looked forward to the HLTF’s recommendations on ASEAN’s conduct of external relations, including through, among others, the issue of moratorium.
ASEAN-Australia
81. We noted with satisfaction that 2014 marked the 40 th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Australia dialogue relations and welcomed a series of commemorative activities. In this respect, we looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit in conjunction with the 25 th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in November 2014 in Nay Pyi Taw, and the adoption of a joint statement that will set the future direction of our relations.
82. We reaffirmed the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Partnership and looked forward to the adoption of a new Plan of Action (POA) to Implement the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Partnership (2015-2019) to succeed the POA 2008-2013.
83. We noted with appreciation Australia ’s continued support to the region in preventing trafficking in persons through the five-year Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons (AAPTIP), which was launched in March 2014, as Australia ’s successor programme to the Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons (AAPTIP).
84. We appreciated Australia ’s continued support for ASEAN integration and ASEAN Community building efforts, especially through the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Programme (AADCP) Phase II and the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Economic Support Programme (AECSP).
85. We acknowledged Australia ’s on-going support for the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Relief (AADMER) and collaboration with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to strengthen cooperation in disaster management.
86. We supported efforts to promote mutual understanding and strengthen the institutional and people-to-people linkages between Australia and countries in the region, especially in education. We welcomed the pilot programme of the New Colombo Plan and the expansion of this programme to all ASEAN Member States from 2015. We noted Australia ’s commitment of A$100 million over five years to implement the New Colombo Plan.
ASEAN-Canada
87. We noted the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action to implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2010-2015). We welcomed the adoption of the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership Program (ACEPP) which provides CAD$10 million funding support to ASEAN’s projects and community-building efforts.
88. We noted that the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Road-show to Canada in June 2014 was a good opportunity for ASEAN and Canada to explore ways to enhance economic, trade and investment cooperation.
89. We noted with appreciation Canada ’s support to enhance ASEAN Secretariat’s information management and documentation system through ASEAN Online.
ASEAN-China
90. We noted with satisfaction the collective commitment of ASEAN and China to further strengthen ASEAN-China relationship by enhancing mutual trust and confidence and promoting cooperation in the political-security, economic, and social-cultural areas as outlined in the Joint Statement of the 16 th ASEAN-China Summit in Commemoration of the 10 th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership, as well as the Joint Statement of the 15 th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10 th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
91. We welcomed China ’s commitment to support ASEAN Community building efforts and enhance ASEAN-China relations, through among others, China ’s proposals and initiatives to support ASEAN Connectivity initiatives, advance maritime cooperation, and intensify people-to-people exchanges. In this regard, we looked forward to working closely with China to further strengthen the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership.
92. We reiterated the importance of effective utilisation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) in order for ASEAN and China to be able to achieve the targets of two-way trade volume of US$ 500 billion by 2015 and US$ 1 trillion by 2020, as well as two-way investment of US$ 150 billion in the next 6 years. We welcomed the efforts to strengthen economic cooperation which will contribute to improving overall market access and lead to increasing total trade volume and investment flows between ASEAN and China, including the initiative for an upgraded ACFTA.
93. We welcomed the various meaningful activities held in ASEAN Member States and China in connection with the 2014 ASEAN-China Cultural Exchange Year, including the Opening Ceremony on 7 April 2014 in Beijing . We also looked forward to future activities to promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in relevant fields as well as supporting the ASEAN-China Plan of Action on Culture Cooperation.
94. We noted with satisfaction the progress in the implementation of the 2011-2015 Plan of Action (POA) to implement the Joint Declaration on the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity.
95. We welcomed the First Country Coordinators Meeting of the Network of ASEAN-China Think-Tanks (NACT CCM) which was held on 3 July 2014 in Beijing , China , and looked forward to an increase in academic exchanges between ASEAN and China .
ASEAN-EU
96. We noted with satisfaction the progress in the implementation of the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to Strengthen the ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership (2013-2017). We welcomed the EU’s continued support for ASEAN to successfully build the ASEAN Community by 2015 through various development cooperation programmes such as the ASEAN Regional Integration Support by the EU (ARISE), the ASEAN Air Transport Integration Project (AATIP) and the Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (READI).
97. We welcomed the successful convening of the 20 th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) on 23 July 2014 in Brussels and noted the positive outcomes of the meeting , including the decision to enhance connectivity between the two regions and support for the implementation of the MPAC; enhancing maritime security and safety cooperation such as information sharing and capacity building; and working towards upgrading the partnership to a strategic one.
98. We appreciated the EU’s support for ASEAN’s institution building and 2015 Community building goals through its commitment of €170 million for the period of 2014 - 2020, including its significant contribution to enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and narrowing the development gap. We also encouraged the EU to constructively engage with and support ASEAN sub-regional cooperative mechanisms and initiatives.
99. We welcomed cooperation between ASEAN and the EU on maritime issues and noted the outcomes arising from in-depth discussions of the ASEAN-EU High Level Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation in Jakarta in November 2013.
100. We welcomed the convening of the 1 st ASEAN-EU Policy Dialogue on Connectivity on 24-28 February 2014 in Brussels and called for the EU’s continued support and cooperation in the implementation of the MPAC to forge greater ASEAN-EU connectivity. We also noted with satisfaction that the EU, including the European Investment Bank, agreed to explore financial support to the infrastructure connectivity inspired by the MPAC.
101. We welcomed the adoption of the Joint Declaration on EU-ASEAN Aviation Cooperation at the 1 st EU-ASEAN Aviation Summit held on 11-12 February 2014 in Singapore, and noted the EU’s intent to start negotiations on a comprehensive EU-ASEAN air transport agreement. In this regard, we looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN-EU Aviation Working Group which will discuss and monitor progress in the entire range of areas of cooperation in aviation.
102. We reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and the EU, including the possibility of resuming negotiations of an ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement, upon realisation of the ASEAN Economic Community by the end of 2015. We noted the progress of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and discussion between individual ASEAN Member States and the EU, and we looked forward to the convening of the 13 th Consultations between ASEAN Economic Ministers and the EU Trade Commissioner which is expected to be held in August 2014 in Myanmar .
103. We welcomed the ASEAN-EU Emergency Management Programme (AEEMP), which would provide support to ASEAN Member States , the AHA Centre, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
ASEAN-India
104. We noted the progress of work under the ASEAN-India Plan of Action to implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (2010-2015). We looked forward to the effective implementation of the Vision Statement of the 2012 ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit.
105. We encouraged ASEAN-India cooperation to further address transnational and non-traditional security challenges, particularly in the field of combating terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, maritime security and cyber-crime.
106. We agreed to further promote maritime cooperation to address common challenges on maritime issues, including sea piracy, search and rescue at sea, maritime environment, maritime connectivity, freedom of navigation, fisheries and other areas of cooperation.
107. We noted that the total two-way trade between ASEAN and India grew by 5.3% in the past years and called for further encouragement and promotion of business-to-business contact to achieve greater trade and investment between ASEAN and India . In this regard, we looked forward to the signing of the ASEAN-India Services and Investment Agreements at the forthcoming 12 th AEM-India Consultations in August 2014.
108. We expressed our appreciation on the support of India in the implementation of the MPAC as it will enhance regional integration and better linkages between ASEAN and India . We encouraged further India ’s support, especially in the field of maritime connectivity and information and communication technology (ICT). We looked forward to the expeditious conclusion of the existing ASEAN-India transport initiatives including the ASEAN-India Air Transport Agreement and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project and its extension to Lao PDR and Cambodia, and the development of the new highway also linking Viet Nam, which will enhance connectivity between and beyond both sides, and strengthen trade, investment, businesses and tourism flows.
109. We recognised that ASEAN and India are moving forward in enhancing cooperation in the field of science and technology by utilising the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund.
110. We also noted with satisfaction the successful convening of the Delhi Dialogue VI in March 2014 and the 2 nd Round Table on ASEAN- India Network of Think Tank (AINTT) in September 2013 in Vientiane .
111. We reiterated the need to strengthen ASEAN-India cooperation in agriculture and energy in order to ensure long-term food security and energy security, especially with the use of appropriate technologies, for the benefit of the peoples in our region.
ASEAN-Japan
112. We noted with satisfaction the progress made in ASEAN-Japan relations in the past year, including the outcomes of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit to commemorate the 40 th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. In this connection, we agreed to further strengthen our cooperation across all areas of political-security, economic and social-cultural development.
113. We appreciated Japan for establishing the Japan – ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) 2.0, which amounts to USD 100 million, as the continuation of JAIF to support the implementation of projects under the ASEAN-Japan Plan of Action 2011-2015 and the Implementation Plan of the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. We also welcomed effort to realise the Heart-to-Heart Partner pillar of the ASEAN-Japan Vision Statement through the WA Project.
114. We valued Japan ’s important role and significant contribution to the implementation of the MPAC. We welcomed Japan ’s initiative for the conclusion of a regional air services agreement with ASEAN at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in December 2013. We looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN-Japan Working Group on Regional Air Services Arrangements, and recognised that it is important for ASEAN to pursue a mutually beneficial, liberal and substantial agreement with Japan to strengthen air connectivity in support of tourism, trade and investment flows.
115. We noted the contribution of Japan to the efforts in narrowing development gap toward ASEAN integration through the promotion of sharing and exchange of experience and good practices between ASEAN Member States, particularly the CLMV countries.
ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK)
116. We noted with satisfaction that this year marks the 25 th Anniversary of ASEAN-ROK dialogue relations and welcomed the overall progress of cooperation over the years. In this respect, we welcomed a series of commemorative activities throughout the year and looked forward to the successful convening of the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit in Busan, ROK, on 11-12 December 2014 to give momentum to substantively enhance partnership cooperation between ASEAN and the ROK in the years to come.
117. We welcomed the progress of the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement ASEAN-ROK Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity 2011-2015.
118. We noted the discussion on political and security cooperation between ASEAN and the ROK, through a dedicated agenda on political security-related matters during the 18 th ASEAN-ROK Dialogue in Busan, ROK.
119. We emphasised the importance of fully utilising the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA) and ASEAN-Korea Business Council to reach the target of USD150 billion trade volume by 2015.
120. We welcomed the Extension of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Forest Cooperation (AFoCo) Agreement. We looked forward to the effective implementation of the Agreement to support sustainable forest management and other forest-related activities, including prevention of deforestation and forest degradation as well as address the impact of climate change.
121. We looked forward to the conclusion of the ASEAN-ROK Air Services Agreement, and recognised that it is important for ASEAN to pursue a mutually beneficial, liberal and substantial agreement with the ROK to strengthen air connectivity in support of tourism, trade and investment flows.
ASEAN-New Zealand
122. We noted the progress of implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (2010-2015) and the successful implementation of the four flagship initiatives, namely the ASEAN-New Zealand Scholarships Programme, Young Business Leaders Exchange Programme, Initiatives on Disaster Risk Management Programme and the Agricultural Diplomacy Programme.
123. We looked forward to the convening of an ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit in 2015 in Malaysia and other commemorative activities to celebrate the 40 th Anniversary of the ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue relations. We noted that the 21 st ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue in February 2014 in Vientiane , Lao PDR, had discussed the deliverables of the Commemorative Summit, including the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (2015-2020), with a view to renewing the commitments to further broaden and deepen the dialogue relations.
124. We noted with satisfaction New Zealand's continued support to ASEAN in the education sector, particularly the English Language Training for Officials (ELTO) programme and the ASEAN – New Zealand Scholarship Flagship Programme to build capacity for to the ASEAN Member States, especially the CLMV.
125. We noted with appreciation New Zealand ’s continued support to ASEAN in strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat through the AANZFTA Support Unit of the ASEAN Secretariat.
ASEAN-Russia
126. We noted the progress of the implementation of the Roadmap of the Comprehensive Programme of Action between ASEAN and the Russian Federation for 2005-2015. We looked forward to implementing more concrete activities, focusing on industry, finance, SMEs, information, sports, and disaster management, ICT, environment management cooperation, and people to people interactions between ASEAN and Russia.
127. We appreciated Russia ’s commitment in contributing USD1.5 million annually to the ASEAN-Russian Federation Dialogue Partnership Financial Fund (ARDPFF) since 2011 . We encouraged the utilisation of the ARDPFF to facilitate and expedite the remaining work of the current Comprehensive Programme of Action.
128. We continued to work with Russia to further enhance our cooperation to implement the ASEAN-Russia Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism through dialogue and capacity building.
129. We welcomed Russia ’s interest to support ASEAN Connectivity and noted their intention to work with the ACCC.
ASEAN-US
130. We noted with satisfaction the successful convening of the First ASEAN-US Summit held in October 2013 in Bandar Seri Begawan , which symbolised efforts of both sides to elevate the ASEAN-US partnership to a strategic level, and acknowledged the progress of implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership for Enduring Peace and Prosperity (2011 – 2015).
131. We welcomed the US ’ continued support for the ASEAN Community building efforts through various development cooperation programmes, including the ASEAN Connectivity through Trade and Investment project (ACTI) and the ASEAN-US Partnership for Good Governance, Equitable and Sustainable Development and Security (ASEAN-US PROGRESS) launched in December 2013.
132. We encouraged both sides to fully utilise the ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) initiative to further create economic opportunities and shared prosperity. We welcomed the US-ASEAN Business Summit scheduled to take place in August 2014.
133. We welcomed the progress of ASEAN-US 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.
ASEAN Plus Three
134. We expressed our satisfaction with the comprehensive ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Framework and took note of the progress of implementation of the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work Plan (2013-2017) and on-going work to undertake a review and assessment of the recommended actions in the Report of the East Asia Vision Group II.
135. Recognising the importance of enhancing exchanges among businesses, peoples and information among the ASEAN Plus Three participating countries, we looked forward to the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Cooperation at the forthcoming 14 th Meeting of the ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Ministers, which would be held in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, in January 2015.
136. We noted the intention of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat to institutionalise and consolidate its cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat.
137. Encouraged by the substantial progress made on the implementation of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Agreement, we further recommended deeper cooperation among the ASEAN Plus Three countries to strengthen food security cooperation in the region. We also underlined our support for the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) to be further strengthened and developed into the ASEAN Plus Three food security information system.
138. We welcomed the steady and continued focus on finance and monetary cooperation, in particular the implementation of the CMIM and the Asian Bond Market Initiative (ABMI). We noted that the 17 th Meeting of the ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (AFMGM+3) on 3 May 2014 in Astana, Kazakhstan, welcomed the completion of the revised Operational Guidelines of the amended CMIM agreement and agreed to endorse the “Guidelines for the Further Cooperation with the International Monetary Fund” to help enhance CMIM’s effectiveness.
139. We looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN Plus Three forum on good governance on 25 September 2014 in Myanmar . We believed the forum would contribute to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of public administration, enhancing institutional capacity within the ASEAN Community and increasing the independence and transparency of judicial and legislative systems in the region.
140. We took note of the importance of the Trilateral cooperation as complementary part of the ASEAN Plus Three partnership. In this regard, we encouraged the holding of dialogue or other consultation mechanisms among China , Japan and the Republic of Korea to ensure smooth and swift transition of the ASEAN Plus Three co-coordinatorship.
East Asia Summit
141. We welcomed the significant progress made by the East Asia Summit process. We reaffirmed our commitment to further promote the EAS as a Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest based on the principles, objectives and modalities of the EAS as reflected in the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the East Asia Summit, the 2010 Ha Noi Declaration on the Commemoration of the 5 th Anniversary of the East Asia Summit, and the 2011 Declaration of the East Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations (Bali Principles), with ASEAN as the driving force.
142. We looked forward to the adoption of the Plan of Action to Implement the 2012 Phnom Penh Declaration on EAS Development Initiative at the 4 th EAS Foreign Ministers Meeting to be held on 10 August 2014 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
143. We expressed our appreciation to the non-ASEAN EAS Participating Countries for their unwavering support to the ASEAN Community building process through various initiatives, including the implementation of the MPAC.
144. Further to our Leaders’ commitment in promoting food security and cooperation, we welcomed the convening of three study group meetings of the East Asia Summit Track II Study Group on Enhancing Food Security through Sustainable Fisheries Management and Marine Environment Conservation.
145. We underscored the importance of promoting maritime cooperation so that we could effectively manage maritime-related issues, including maritime security, maritime connectivity, freedom of navigation, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and fisheries.
Engagement with other external parties
146. We agreed to adopt the Joint Statement on ASEAN-Norway Partnership, which would serve as a roadmap for the ASEAN-Norway Partnership that is action-oriented, mutually beneficial and forward-looking, and comprising political and security cooperation, economic cooperation and socio-cultural cooperation.
ASEAN Regional Forum
147. We reaffirmed the importance of the ARF as a primary forum to foster constructive dialogue, consultation, and cooperation on political and security issues of common interest and concern. We reiterated ASEAN’s centrality and active role as the driving force within the ARF process. We also reiterated our commitment to implement the Ha Noi Plan of Action to Implement the ARF Vision Statement to advance the ARF process toward a Preventive Diplomacy phase, while continuing efforts in Confidence Building Measures, through the implementation of concrete, action-oriented, and practical activities. We underscored the need for the ARF to continue pursuing synergy and effective coordination with the ADMM Plus and other ASEAN-led mechanisms.
REGIONAL SECURITY ARCHITECTURE
148. We reiterated the importance of preserving ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture. Recalling the Leaders’ decision in the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration on Realisation of the ASEAN Community by 2015, we tasked the officials to explore the possibility for a regional framework, such as a TAC-like treaty, based on the principles contained in the TAC and in line with the spirit of the 2011 Declaration of the East Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations (Bali Principles). In this regard, we welcomed Indonesia ’s effort to propose a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in the wider Indo-Pacific region and looked forward to further details from Indonesia . We therefore welcomed Indonesia ’s proposal to host the 3 rd EAS Workshop on Regional Security Architecture.
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
South China Sea
149. We remained seriously concerned over recent developments which had increased tensions in the South China Sea and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, maritime security as well as freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the South China Sea.
150. We reaffirmed our commitments to the principles stipulated in the 2012 Statement of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers on ASEAN's Six Point Principles on the South China Sea, the 2012 Joint Statement of the 15 th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10 th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and the ASEAN Foreign Minister’s Statement on the Current Developments in the South China Sea which was issued on 10 May 2014.
151. We urged all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions which would complicate the situation and undermine peace, stability, and security in the South China Sea and to settle disputes through peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, including friendly dialogue, consultations and negotiations, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
152. We further stressed the importance of the collective commitments of ASEAN Member States and China to peace, stability, maritime security and mutual trust in the region and the need to create conditions conducive for the peaceful settlement of disputes. We agreed to intensify consultations with China on measures and mechanisms to ensure and further enhance the full and effective implementation of the DOC in its entirety, particularly Articles 4 and 5 as well as substantive negotiations for the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). We tasked our Senior Officials to follow up on this matter.
153. We took note of the Progress Report on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to be submitted to the ASEAN-China Post-Ministerial Conference, and tasked officials to work with China to finalise the objective and structure and elaborate the substance of the COC, including concrete elements which would promote trust and confidence, prevent incidents, manage incidents should they occur. We also tasked officials to work on a series of early-harvest measures.
154. We underscored the importance of maintaining the momentum of consultations and expeditiously working towards the early conclusion of the COC following the constructive outcomes of the 7 th ASEAN-China Senior Officials Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC (SOM on DOC) held on 21 April 2014 in Pattaya, Thailand and the 10 th and 11 th ASEAN-China Joint Working Groups on the Implementation of the DOC (JWG on DOC) held on 18 March 2014 in Singapore and 25 June 2014 in Bali, Indonesia, respectively. In this regard, we looked forward to more substantive discussions at the 8 th SOM on DOC to be convened back-to-back with the 12 th JWG on DOC in October 2014 in Bangkok , Thailand .
155. We noted the paper on the Triple Action Plan introduced by the Philippines and other proposals on Article 5 of the DOC raised by other ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the South China Sea .
Korean Peninsula
156. We welcomed the holding of inter-Korean family reunions in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the outcome of the recent dialogue between Japan and the DPRK to settle pending issues. However, we expressed our concern over the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, particularly over the testing of ballistic missiles, and reiterated calls for full compliance with relevant UNSC Resolutions and commitments under the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. We highlighted the importance of enhancing dialogue and creating an atmosphere conducive for the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks which would pave the way for a peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula . To this end, we highly recommended that the ARF, of which all Six-Party Talks participants are members, could contribute to forging a conducive atmosphere for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
Ukraine
157. We expressed our support for the peaceful efforts taken by all parties to resolve the situation in Ukraine . We reiterated our concern over the situation in Ukraine and called upon all parties concerned for a broad dialogue aimed at de-escalation and peaceful political solution in compliance with the fundamental principles of international law. We thus underlined the urgent need to de-escalate tensions in Eastern Ukraine , and for all parties to agree on an immediate, genuine and sustainable ceasefire. We urged all concerned parties to come together to negotiate a resolution peacefully in accordance with international law.
The Downing of Malaysia Airlines MH-17
158. We recalled our Joint Statement issued on 19 July 2014 condemning the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine , on 17 July 2014 which killed 298 people. While recognising that parties controlling the area of the crash site and surrounding areas have facilitated efforts towards gaining access thereto, more needs to be done to ensure that all remains may be gathered and repatriated as soon as possible and in a dignified manner. We demanded that all military activities, including by armed groups, be halted in the immediate and surrounding crash site to allow safe and unimpeded access to the site by the international investigation team probing the cause of the crash. We further demanded that those responsible for the heinous act be held to account and swiftly brought to justice.
Middle East
159. We strongly condemned the loss of thousands of civilian lives and countless wounded, and the targeting of schools designated as safe-houses/shelters managed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) as well as civilian institutions in Gaza, including the Al-Shifa Hospital, the Al-Aqsa Hospital and the Islamic University of Gaza and places of worship. We also strongly condemned the hiding of weapons in UN premises and the use of human shields, which put innocent civilians in the harm’s way. We called on the international community, in particular the United Nations Security Council to act swiftly and decisively to end the current crisis through dialogue and negotiation. We demand full respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and the provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance.
Syria
160. We expressed deep concern over the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria and condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria which has caused the loss of lives. We supported the joint efforts of the United Nations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in dismantling Syria ’s chemical weapons stockpiles. We supported the provision of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of civilians and underlined the need to ensure unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance. We underscored the importance of resolving the crisis in a peaceful manner and supported all efforts, particularly by the United Nations, including the adoption of the UNSC Resolutions 2118, 2139 and 2165.
Iraq
161. We condemned the recent attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Iraq which threatened the peace and stability of the region. We called on the Iraqi government to effectively resolve the situation and called on all parties to ensure access to humanitarian assistance to those affected by insecurity and conflict.
Afghanistan
162. We welcomed the recent elections in Afghanistan , which marked an important step towards a peaceful political transition in the country. We reaffirmed our commitment to Afghanistan ’s transition and looked forward to the orderly and peaceful transition to a new administration.
G-20
163. We welcomed the outcomes of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meetings, as well as the recently concluded G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in July 2014. We appreciated the G-20’s commitment to develop ambitious but realistic policies with the aim of increasing global growth by more than two percent over the next five years and developing new measures, in the context of maintaining fiscal sustainability and financial sector stability, to significantly raise global growth. We were pleased with the opportunities to share ASEAN’s views on current issues affecting the global economy in the G-20 through the regular participation of the ASEAN Chair at the G-20 meetings. We continued to support the work of the G20 to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth. In this regard, we expressed our support for Australia ’s hosting of the 2014 G-20 Summit .
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
164. We noted APEC's on-going contribution to the promotion of open trade and investment, regional economic integration, economic development and prosperity, and welcomed progress towards achieving the Bogor Goals of free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific by 2020. We expressed our support for the APEC Blueprint on Connectivity taking into account of the MPAC. We looked forward to the APEC Blueprint on Connectivity providing concrete outcomes to enhance connectivity in both Southeast Asia and the greater Asia Pacific region. We expressed our support for China ’s hosting of the 2014 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
World Trade Organisation (WTO)
165. We reaffirmed our support and commitment to a balanced, transparent and rules-based multilateral trading system as embodied by the WTO. We welcomed the outcomes of the 9 th WTO Ministerial Conference held in December 2013 in Bali , Indonesia , including the “Bali Package” of decisions on trade facilitation, agriculture and development, including issues of interest to least-developed countries. Effective implementation of these decisions will provide a huge boost the global economy by streamlining customs procedures globally, strengthening food security, and ensuring greater integration of developing countries, and in particular Least Developed Countries (LDCs), into the global trading system.
48 th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting
166. We looked forward to the 48 th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and Post Ministerial Conferences(48 th AMM/PMC)/16 th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (16 th APT FMM)/ 5 th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (5 th EAS-FMM) and 22 nd ASEAN Regional Forum (22 nd ARF) to be held in Malaysia in 2015./.
