The 47th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on August 10 issued a joint communiqué on its outcomes. Following is the full text of the Communiqué.
Joint Communiqué
47 th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
8 August 2014
Nay Pyi Taw , Myanmar
1. We, the Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast AsianNations (ASEAN), met on 8 August 2014 at the 47 th ASEAN ForeignMinisters’ Meeting (AMM) in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar . His Excellency UWunna Maung Lwin, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic ofthe Union of Myanmar chaired the Meeting. We had fruitful deliberationunder the theme “ Moving forward in Unity to a Peaceful and ProsperousCommunity ”.
Realising an ASEAN Community
2. We are encouraged by the adoption of the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration onthe Realisation of the ASEAN Community by 2015 at the 24 th ASEANSummit held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on 10-11 May 2014, whichprovided policy guidance to ensure the successful establishment of theASEAN Community by 2015. We welcomed the progress of implementation ofthe Roadmap for an ASEAN Community (2009-2015) and reiterated ourcontinued commitment for the realisation of a politically cohesive,economically integrated, socially responsible, people-oriented,people-centred ASEAN Community by 2015 and beyond.
ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 Vision
3. We welcomed the progress of work by the ASEAN Coordinating CouncilWorking Group on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 Vision in formulatingthe ASEAN Community’s post-2015 vision. We welcomed the submissions byall ASEAN Member States of their proposed central elements of the ASEANCommunity’s post-2015 vision and looked forward to the ACCWG’srecommendations on the central elements to be submitted to the 25 thASEAN Summit through the 15 th Meeting of the ASEAN CoordinatingCouncil.
ASEAN Charter
4. Wereaffirmed our commitment to undertake all necessary measures toeffectively implement the ASEAN Charter which provides the legal andinstitutional framework for the community building and integrationprocess as well as for ASEAN to be a rules-based organisation. Wewelcomed ASEAN Member States’ efforts in carrying out internalprocedures to ratify outstanding legal instruments under the ASEANCharter, and we encouraged the ratification of ASEAN agreements by allASEAN Member States. We welcomed the recent ratification of the Protocolto the ASEAN Charter on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms and the Agreementon Privileges and Immunities of the Association of Southeast AsianNations by Cambodia .
Promoting ASEAN’s Principles, Norms and Values
5. We agreed to maintain and promote ASEAN as a flag-bearer forregional norms of good conduct, through the Treaty of Amity andCooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the Treaty for the Southeast AsiaNuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ Treaty), the Declaration of the EastAsia Summit on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations, and theDeclaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)which have gained strong support from external partners both within andoutside the region.
ASEAN’s Centrality
6. Recognising the rapidly changing regional strategic landscape, weunderscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN’s unity andcohesiveness in advancing our collective regional interests in order topreserve ASEAN’s centrality in the regional architecture. We willcontinue to further enhance ASEAN’s common voice in matters of commoninterest and concern, particularly issues related to regional peace,stability, security, and development. In this regard, we welcomed theconstructive and fruitful discussion on strengthening ASEAN Centralityat the Special ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on ASEAN Centrality in HaNoi on 26-27 June 2014.
7. To maintain ASEAN’s credibility asa key regional and international player, we agreed to raise the role ofASEAN in the international arena through the implementation of the BaliConcord III Plan of Action (2013-2017). We agreed that ASEAN candemonstrate its centrality and leadership in the evolving regionalarchitecture by effectively responding to existing and emergingchallenges, and by being proactive in engaging Dialogue Partners andother external parties.
Narrowing the Development Gap and Initiative for ASEAN Integration
8. Recognising that seamless regional integration and full enjoymentof shared benefits is essential for the success of the ASEAN Community,we agreed to redouble our efforts of Narrowing Development Gap (NDG)among ASEAN Member States. In this respect, we expressed our support forthe full implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI)Work Plan II (2009-2015) and tasked our officials to initiate work ondeveloping the Post-2015 work plan for the IAI as decided by our Leadersat 24 th ASEAN Summit. We further looked forward to the outcomes ofthe IAI Task Force’s deliberation on its recommendations with a view toidentifying concrete practical actions and programmes to effectivelysupport CLMV’s integration efforts. In this regard, we welcomed thecontinued support and assistance by the ASEAN Member States andASEAN Dialogue Partners as well as other external partners in theefforts to contribute towards a full regional integration in ASEAN. Wealso emphasised the importance of enhancing our work on an ASEANFramework for Equitable Economic Development (AFEED).
9. Weacknowledged the achievements made by relevant sub-regional initiativessuch as the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS), the Indonesia –Malaysia – Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), theBrunei-Indonesia-Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area(BIMP-EAGA), Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Viet Nam (CLMV) andCambodia-Laos-Viet Nam (CLV) Development Triangle. We further welcomedcloser collaboration between relevant sub-regional mechanisms in theregion, including the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI), Friends of theLower Mekong Initiative (FLMI), the Mekong-Japan, Mekong-Korea,Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and Ayeyawady-ChoPhraya Mekong EconomicCooperation Strategy (ACMECS) . We also encouraged sharing ofexperience regarding the development and sustainable utilisation ofwater resources between countries in Danube and Mekong regions.
Enhancing efficiency and coherence of ASEAN institutions
10. We noted with satisfaction the progress of work of the High LevelTask Force (HLTF) on Strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat and Reviewingthe ASEAN Organs. This should ensure improved efficiency andcoordination of ASEAN organs and bodies together with deepened ASEAN’sexternal relations and a strengthened ASEAN Secretariat in accordancewith the ASEAN Charter and other ASEAN decisions, which would enable theASEAN Community to cope with the existing and emerging challengesfacing the region. We encouraged the HLTF to be bold in theirrecommendations, and looked forward to the HLTF ’s recommendations tothe 15 th ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting (15 th ACC) laterthis year.
ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY
11. Recognising that regional peace and stability was a preconditionfor growth and an important factor in ASEAN’s future, we reaffirmed ourcommitment to enhance our efforts in political and security cooperationto contribute to the peace and security of individual ASEAN MemberStates as well as for the whole ASEAN Community.
Implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint
12. We welcomed the significant progress in the implementation of theASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint which aims topromote peace and security in the region by elevating ASEAN’s politicaland security cooperation to a higher plane. We agreed to intensify workon the remaining action lines under the APSC Blueprint. We commended theefforts of ASEAN Member States to expedite the implementation of theAPSC Blueprint by volunteering to lead and co-lead the remaining actionlines. We also encouraged relevant sectoral bodies to expedite thecompletion of on-going action lines under their purview.
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia
13. We recognised the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in SoutheastAsia (TAC) as the key code of conduct governing inter-state relations inSoutheast Asia and provided a foundation for the maintenance ofregional peace and stability. We welcomed the growing interest of othernon-ASEAN Member States to accede to the TAC, and agreed to consider newapplications in accordance with the Revised Guidelines for Accession tothe TAC. We reaffirmed the importance of further upholding theprinciples enshrined in the TAC, which aim to promote perpetual peace,everlasting amity and cooperation among its parties, thus contributingto our strength, solidarity and closer relationship among the peoples ofthe region.
Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone
14. We stressed the importance of strengthening the nuclearnon-proliferation and disarmament regime to maintain peace, security andprosperity in the region. We reaffirmed our commitment to preserveSoutheast Asia as a nuclear weapon–free zone and free of all otherweapons of mass destruction as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter. Wefurther reaffirmed our commitment to uphold the SEANWFZ Treaty. Weunderlined the importance of full and effective implementation of theSEANWFZ Treaty and the Plan of Action to Strengthen the Implementationof SEANWFZ Treaty (2013-2017) which was adopted by the ASEAN ForeignMinisters on 30 June 2013.
15. We reiterated ourcommitment to work closely with the Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) on theearly signing and ratification of the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treatywithout reservations by NWS. We also acknowledged the need to workclosely with the NWS to address our concerns over the NWS’ proposedreservations to the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty.
16. Tosupport the realisation of the objective of the SEANWFZ Treaty and ASEANCharter, we envisaged the significance of the full adherence of theComprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in the region. Therefore,as an essential step to achieve it, we stressed the vital importance ofratification of the CTBT by all ASEAN Member States as soon as possible.
Cooperation between ASEAN and the International Atomic Energy Agency
17. Recognising the central role of the International Atomic EnergyAgency (IAEA) in nuclear non-proliferation and the promotion of peacefuluses of nuclear energy, we agreed to explore ways to formaliserelations between ASEAN and the IAEA.
Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in ASEAN
18. Underlining the importance of fostering the development andwell-being of our peoples, we reaffirmed our commitment to promote andprotect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of peoples in theregion in accordance with the principles of the ASEAN Charter, theASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) and the ASEAN Leaders’ PhnomPenh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD. We noted the 2014 annualreport of the AICHR and welcomed the progress of work undertaken by theASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), theoverarching human rights institution in ASEAN, including in thedissemination and implementation of the AHRD, which contributes activelyto the building of the ASEAN Community. We commended the efforts of theAICHR on its various programs and activities and encouraged it to workin close consultation, coordination and collaboration with the ASEANSectoral Bodies, engage in dialogue with other ASEAN bodies and entitiesassociated with ASEAN as well as consult, as may be appropriate, withother relevant institutions, external partners and entities concernedwith the promotion and protection of human rights.
19. Wewelcomed the completion of its Thematic Study on Corporate SocialResponsibility and Human Rights in ASEAN and noted the progress made atthe first Coordination Meeting for the AICHR Thematic Study on the Rightto Peace held on 18 July 2014 in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR. We alsowelcomed the Workshop on Human Rights, Climate Change and theEnvironment, which would be held in Myanmar and the workshop withASEAN Sectoral Bodies concerned on Comparative Law Studies, which isexpected to be held in Vientiane this year.
20. Cognizantof the fact that the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the AICHR shall beinitially reviewed five years after its entry into force by the ASEANForeign Ministers, we reiterated our commitment to review the TOR of theAICHR with a view to further enhancing the promotion and protection ofhuman rights in ASEAN.
21. We recognised the progress of workby the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights ofWomen and Children (ACWC) in implementing the ACWC Work Plan 2012-2016.We welcomed the progress on the implementation of the Declaration onthe Elimination of Violence Against Women and Elimination of ViolenceAgainst Children in ASEAN which was adopted by the Leaders at the 23 rdASEAN Summit in October 2013. We noted the convening of a trainingcourse in Singapore on 8-10 April 2014 for frontline ASEAN socialworkers who work with women and children victims of violence, so as toarm participants with new skills and training to help them push back thewall of violence and make a positive difference to those they serve intheir home countries.
22. Acknowledging that human rights is across-cutting issue, we encouraged enhanced coordination andconsultation among AICHR, the ACWC and other relevant sectoral bodies tofurther promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms ofthe peoples of ASEAN. Mindful of the structure of AICHR as anoverarching human rights institution in ASEAN, we tasked the ASEANSecretariat to extend full support to the AICHR as it endeavors topromote and protect human rights in ASEAN.
Promoting Good Governance, Democracy and the Rule of Law
23. We commended the activities being undertaken under the purviewof the ASEAN Conference on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM), includingactivities to promote transparency, accountability, participatory andeffective governance which reflect our commitment to the Rule of Law. Wewelcomed the convening of the Regional Workshop on Elections as a Meansto Promote Democracy and Security in ASEAN: Experiences and BestPractices as well as the meeting of the research team on experiences andlessons learned from the practice of democracy held on 7-9 July 2014 inJakarta . The Regional Workshop served as a forum for the discussionof experiences and best practices in the holding of elections in aprofessional, non-partisan and transparent manner and how the conveningof elections in such manner can promote democracy and security in ASEAN.We looked forward to the convening of other activities regarding thepromotion of the democratic principles.
ASEAN Security Outlook
24. We welcomed the first annual publication of the ASEAN SecurityOutlook (ASO) in 2013 which we believed would contribute to thepromotion of transparency in security-related policies and complementASEAN’s confidence building efforts in the region. We looked forward toits second publication later this year.
ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation
25. We welcomed the progress of work of the ASEAN Institute forPeace and Reconciliation (AIPR), especially the outcomes of the secondmeeting of Governing Council of the AIPR and the first meeting of theAdvisory Body of the AIPR in Bali in April 2014, and appreciated theirefforts to fully operationalise the AIPR . We welcomed the holding ofthe AIPR Symposium on Peace and Reconciliation Processes and Initiativesin Manila , the Philippines , on 7-8 April 2014 and the Symposium onPeace and Reconciliation: Principles and Best Practices in Bali ,Indonesia on 22-23 April 2014. To fulfill its role, we encouraged theAIPR to engage relevant stakeholders , including the civil society, topromote peace, reconciliation, conflict management, conflict resolution,and peace-building. We also encouraged the AIPR to collaborate withrelevant regional and international think-tanks.
ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre
26. We welcomed the efforts towards the operationalisation of theASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) which serves as a regionalcentre of excellence in addressing the humanitarian aspects of theexplosive remnants of war (ERW) for interested ASEAN Member States. Witha view to implementing the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on theEstablishment of the ARMAC, ASEAN Member States are invited to nominatetheir representatives to the Steering Committee of ARMAC as early aspossible in accordance with the TOR of ARMAC which was adopted at the 23rd ASEAN Summit on 9 October 2013 in Brunei Darussalam.
Maritime Cooperation
27. Acknowledging the significance of shipping and maritime tradefor countries in the region, we stressed the importance of greatercooperation and coordination to ensure peace, stability, safety ofsea-lanes, freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce, maritime securityand maritime safety as well as the sustainability of the marineenvironment in the region. In this respect, we emphasised the need tomake full use of the existing ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEANRegional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Defence Ministers’Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus, ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF)/Expanded ASEANMaritime Forum (EAMF), and ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on TransnationalCrime (AMMTC) to enhance cooperation and promote mutual trust andunderstanding.
28. Given the broad, multi-dimensional andcomplex nature of maritime issues, we acknowledged the importance of theAMF as a value-added forum for dialogue and coordination amongconcerned agencies in order to address regional maritime issues in aholistic and integrated manner. In this respect, we commended the AMF’sefforts in identifying the scope of action and future work to avoidduplication of work among sectoral bodies under all three pillars of theASEAN Community. We also stressed the importance of the EAMF as aplatform for ASEAN and its dialogue partners to discuss maritime-relatedissues across the political, economic, and socio-cultural pillars whilepromoting practical actions. We welcomed the convening of the fifthASEAN Maritime Forum and the third Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum on26-28 August 2014 in Viet Nam .
Defence and Security Cooperation
29. We were satisfied with the progress of defence cooperation underASEAN within the ADMM, between ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners underthe ADMM Plus, and the ASEAN Security Policy Conference (ASPC) as wellas the Defence Officials’ Dialogue under the ambit of the ARF. Weexpressed our support on the outcomes of the 8 th ADMM held on 20 May2014 in Nay Pyi Taw, including, among others, the adoption of the ADMMThree-Year Work Programme 2014-2016, the operationalisation of the ASEANDefence Industry Collaboration (ADIC), the adoption of the ConceptPaper on the Establishment of Direct Communication Link in the ADMMprocess, and the adoption of the Additional Protocol to the ConceptPapers for the Establishment of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus.
30. Weemphasised the importance of defence and military-to-militarycooperation to build mutual trust and confidence. We noted the goodprogress of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus’ action-oriented efforts to advancepractical cooperation amongst our militaries. We looked forward tofurther progress in practical cooperation led by the ADMM-Plus Experts’Working Groups.
ASEAN Regional Forum
31. Recognisingthe continued progress and increasing role of the ARF as the primaryforum to foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political andsecurity issues of common interest and concern in the Asia-Pacificregion, we expressed our commitment to work with participating partnersto further strengthen the ARF process. We reaffirmed the importance of aphased approach to the ARF process, moving from Confidence BuildingMeasures, Preventive Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at a pacecomfortable to all to address common regional challenges. In thisregard, we supported the efforts of the ARF Inter-sessional SupportGroup on Confidence-Building Measures and Preventive Diplomacy and theARF SOM in, inter alia , reviewing and making recommendations on theimplementation of the Ha Noi Plan of Action to Implement the ARF VisionStatement. This will also help the ARF cooperation process become moreaction-oriented so that it can effectively contribute to enduring peaceand stability in the region. We expressed our support to advance the ARFprocess to its second stage, through the implementation ofaction-oriented, practicable preventive diplomacy activities, includingthe Work Plan on Preventive Diplomacy. We welcomed the ARF’s work inDisaster Relief, Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime,Non-proliferation, and Disarmament and Maritime Security issues. Weunderscored the need for the ARF to continue pursuing synergy andeffective coordination with the ADMM-Plus and other ASEAN-ledmechanisms.
Non-traditional security issues
32.Recognising that greater regional integration brings additionalchallenges, we reaffirmed our resolve to respond to non-traditionalsecurity issues in an effective and timely manner, particularly incombating transnational crimes and trans-boundary challenges. In thisregard, we welcomed the outcomes of the 8 th AMMTC held in Lao PDR on15-19 September 2013 and the progress of the implementation of theSenior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Work Programme(2013-2015). We looked forward to the effective implementation of theeight priority areas under the SOMTC Work Programme, namely traffickingin persons, counter terrorism, illicit drugs trafficking, moneylaundering, arms smuggling, sea piracy, international economic crime,and cybercrime.
Trafficking in Persons (TIP)
33.Recalling the ASEAN Leaders’ Joint Statement in Enhancing Cooperationagainst Trafficking in Persons in Southeast Asia adopted at the 18 thSummit held on 8 May 2011 in Jakarta , we note the progress ondrafting an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP) and aRegional Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons (RPA).
Welooked forward to the conclusion of the ACTIP and RPA in 2014 and itssubmission to the 26 th ASEAN Summit in 2015. We emphasised theimportance of the continued engagement between the AMMTC and ourDialogue Partners in combating trafficking in persons.
Counter Terrorism
34. We welcomed the ratification of the ASEAN Convention onCounter-Terrorism (ACCT) by all ASEAN Member States in January 2013 andthe completion of the review process of the ASEAN Comprehensive Plan ofAction on Counter Terrorism (ACPoA on CT) in 27 March 2013. Weencouraged relevant sectoral bodies to enhance their cooperation andcoordination in addressing the root causes of terrorism, countering,preventing, and suppressing terrorism, disrupting terrorists’ networks,protecting the peoples of ASEAN and reducing the vulnerability ofcritical infrastructures against terrorist attacks. We must also promoteharmony, tolerance and understanding among the societies.
Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking
35. Mindful of the target year for a Drug Free ASEAN in 2015, weencouraged all relevant ASEAN bodies to intensify their efforts tofulfill the vision outlined in the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on aDrug-Free ASEAN 2015. We welcomed the convening of the ASEAN SpecialMinisterial Meeting on Drug Matters in 2012 and 2013. We looked forwardto the outcomes of the Third ASEAN Special Ministerial Meeting on DrugMatters to be hosted by Indonesia in December 2014.
Disaster Risk Reduction, Management, Relief and Rehabilitation
36. Emphasising ASEAN’s vision for disaster-resilient nations and asafer ASEAN Community, we were pleased to note the progress of ASEAN’swork on disaster management and the commencement of the implementationof the Work Programme Phase 2 (2013-2015) of the ASEAN Agreement onDisaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). We encouraged allrelevant sectoral bodies to implement the ASEAN Declaration on EnhancingCooperation in Disaster Management, which was adopted at the 23 rdASEAN Summit held in Bandar Seri Begawan in October 2013.
37. We welcomed the establishment and commencement of work of the JointTask Force comprising officials from the ASEAN Committee on DisasterManagement (ACDM) and senior officials from other relevant ASEAN bodiesto promote synergies on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief(HADR). We were satisfied with its work to develop processes for therapid deployment of resources from relevant ASEAN sectors as well as todevelop strategies to further utilise the resources and processesdeveloped by other ASEAN-led mechanisms, in particular the EAS, ADMMPlus and ARF, while maintaining ASEAN Centrality.
38. Notingthat our region is prone to natural disasters and recognising theimportance of disaster mitigation and preparedness, we welcomed theco-hosting of ARF Disaster Relief Exercises (DiREx) by Malaysia andChina in February 2015 in Malaysia . ARF DiREx aims to improvecivilian-military coordination efforts, create synergy, and synchroniseefforts towards supporting the effective implementation of AADMER as thecommon platform for disaster management of the region. We also welcomedthe adoption of the Terms of Reference of the Secretary-General ofASEAN as ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator (TOR-SG-AHAC) at the14 th ACC on 10 May 2014. The TOR-SG-AHAC provides a clearerdefinition of the role of the Secretary-General of as ASEAN humanitarianassistance coordinator as mandated at the 14 th ASEAN Summit inMarch 2009.
39. In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, werealised that developing community resilience against natural disastersthrough capacity-building activities and projects are crucial to thelong-term recovery and rehabilitation of affected areas. We noted theneed to focus also on disaster prevention and early warning systems anddisaster preparedness and mitigation programs. In this regard, wewelcomed the pre-conference meeting on continuing support for therecovery of the communities affected by the Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) on15 July 2014 at the ASEAN Secretariat and looked forward to theconvening of the ASEAN High-Level Conference on Assistance for theRecovery of Yolanda - Affected Areas (ARYA) and the ASEAN CommunityRebuilding Technical Workshop on 14 August 2014 in Manila.
40.We welcomed the convening of the 6 th Asian Ministerial Conferenceon Disaster Risk Reduction (6 th AMCDRR) held in Bangkok on 22-26June 2014 under the theme “Promoting Investments for Resilient Nationsand Communities”, which provided regional inputs to the post-2015framework for disaster risk reduction.-VNA
Joint Communiqué
47 th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
8 August 2014
Nay Pyi Taw , Myanmar
1. We, the Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast AsianNations (ASEAN), met on 8 August 2014 at the 47 th ASEAN ForeignMinisters’ Meeting (AMM) in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar . His Excellency UWunna Maung Lwin, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic ofthe Union of Myanmar chaired the Meeting. We had fruitful deliberationunder the theme “ Moving forward in Unity to a Peaceful and ProsperousCommunity ”.
Realising an ASEAN Community
2. We are encouraged by the adoption of the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration onthe Realisation of the ASEAN Community by 2015 at the 24 th ASEANSummit held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on 10-11 May 2014, whichprovided policy guidance to ensure the successful establishment of theASEAN Community by 2015. We welcomed the progress of implementation ofthe Roadmap for an ASEAN Community (2009-2015) and reiterated ourcontinued commitment for the realisation of a politically cohesive,economically integrated, socially responsible, people-oriented,people-centred ASEAN Community by 2015 and beyond.
ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 Vision
3. We welcomed the progress of work by the ASEAN Coordinating CouncilWorking Group on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 Vision in formulatingthe ASEAN Community’s post-2015 vision. We welcomed the submissions byall ASEAN Member States of their proposed central elements of the ASEANCommunity’s post-2015 vision and looked forward to the ACCWG’srecommendations on the central elements to be submitted to the 25 thASEAN Summit through the 15 th Meeting of the ASEAN CoordinatingCouncil.
ASEAN Charter
4. Wereaffirmed our commitment to undertake all necessary measures toeffectively implement the ASEAN Charter which provides the legal andinstitutional framework for the community building and integrationprocess as well as for ASEAN to be a rules-based organisation. Wewelcomed ASEAN Member States’ efforts in carrying out internalprocedures to ratify outstanding legal instruments under the ASEANCharter, and we encouraged the ratification of ASEAN agreements by allASEAN Member States. We welcomed the recent ratification of the Protocolto the ASEAN Charter on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms and the Agreementon Privileges and Immunities of the Association of Southeast AsianNations by Cambodia .
Promoting ASEAN’s Principles, Norms and Values
5. We agreed to maintain and promote ASEAN as a flag-bearer forregional norms of good conduct, through the Treaty of Amity andCooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the Treaty for the Southeast AsiaNuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ Treaty), the Declaration of the EastAsia Summit on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations, and theDeclaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)which have gained strong support from external partners both within andoutside the region.
ASEAN’s Centrality
6. Recognising the rapidly changing regional strategic landscape, weunderscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN’s unity andcohesiveness in advancing our collective regional interests in order topreserve ASEAN’s centrality in the regional architecture. We willcontinue to further enhance ASEAN’s common voice in matters of commoninterest and concern, particularly issues related to regional peace,stability, security, and development. In this regard, we welcomed theconstructive and fruitful discussion on strengthening ASEAN Centralityat the Special ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on ASEAN Centrality in HaNoi on 26-27 June 2014.
7. To maintain ASEAN’s credibility asa key regional and international player, we agreed to raise the role ofASEAN in the international arena through the implementation of the BaliConcord III Plan of Action (2013-2017). We agreed that ASEAN candemonstrate its centrality and leadership in the evolving regionalarchitecture by effectively responding to existing and emergingchallenges, and by being proactive in engaging Dialogue Partners andother external parties.
Narrowing the Development Gap and Initiative for ASEAN Integration
8. Recognising that seamless regional integration and full enjoymentof shared benefits is essential for the success of the ASEAN Community,we agreed to redouble our efforts of Narrowing Development Gap (NDG)among ASEAN Member States. In this respect, we expressed our support forthe full implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI)Work Plan II (2009-2015) and tasked our officials to initiate work ondeveloping the Post-2015 work plan for the IAI as decided by our Leadersat 24 th ASEAN Summit. We further looked forward to the outcomes ofthe IAI Task Force’s deliberation on its recommendations with a view toidentifying concrete practical actions and programmes to effectivelysupport CLMV’s integration efforts. In this regard, we welcomed thecontinued support and assistance by the ASEAN Member States andASEAN Dialogue Partners as well as other external partners in theefforts to contribute towards a full regional integration in ASEAN. Wealso emphasised the importance of enhancing our work on an ASEANFramework for Equitable Economic Development (AFEED).
9. Weacknowledged the achievements made by relevant sub-regional initiativessuch as the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS), the Indonesia –Malaysia – Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), theBrunei-Indonesia-Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area(BIMP-EAGA), Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Viet Nam (CLMV) andCambodia-Laos-Viet Nam (CLV) Development Triangle. We further welcomedcloser collaboration between relevant sub-regional mechanisms in theregion, including the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI), Friends of theLower Mekong Initiative (FLMI), the Mekong-Japan, Mekong-Korea,Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and Ayeyawady-ChoPhraya Mekong EconomicCooperation Strategy (ACMECS) . We also encouraged sharing ofexperience regarding the development and sustainable utilisation ofwater resources between countries in Danube and Mekong regions.
Enhancing efficiency and coherence of ASEAN institutions
10. We noted with satisfaction the progress of work of the High LevelTask Force (HLTF) on Strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat and Reviewingthe ASEAN Organs. This should ensure improved efficiency andcoordination of ASEAN organs and bodies together with deepened ASEAN’sexternal relations and a strengthened ASEAN Secretariat in accordancewith the ASEAN Charter and other ASEAN decisions, which would enable theASEAN Community to cope with the existing and emerging challengesfacing the region. We encouraged the HLTF to be bold in theirrecommendations, and looked forward to the HLTF ’s recommendations tothe 15 th ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting (15 th ACC) laterthis year.
ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY
11. Recognising that regional peace and stability was a preconditionfor growth and an important factor in ASEAN’s future, we reaffirmed ourcommitment to enhance our efforts in political and security cooperationto contribute to the peace and security of individual ASEAN MemberStates as well as for the whole ASEAN Community.
Implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint
12. We welcomed the significant progress in the implementation of theASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint which aims topromote peace and security in the region by elevating ASEAN’s politicaland security cooperation to a higher plane. We agreed to intensify workon the remaining action lines under the APSC Blueprint. We commended theefforts of ASEAN Member States to expedite the implementation of theAPSC Blueprint by volunteering to lead and co-lead the remaining actionlines. We also encouraged relevant sectoral bodies to expedite thecompletion of on-going action lines under their purview.
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia
13. We recognised the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in SoutheastAsia (TAC) as the key code of conduct governing inter-state relations inSoutheast Asia and provided a foundation for the maintenance ofregional peace and stability. We welcomed the growing interest of othernon-ASEAN Member States to accede to the TAC, and agreed to consider newapplications in accordance with the Revised Guidelines for Accession tothe TAC. We reaffirmed the importance of further upholding theprinciples enshrined in the TAC, which aim to promote perpetual peace,everlasting amity and cooperation among its parties, thus contributingto our strength, solidarity and closer relationship among the peoples ofthe region.
Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone
14. We stressed the importance of strengthening the nuclearnon-proliferation and disarmament regime to maintain peace, security andprosperity in the region. We reaffirmed our commitment to preserveSoutheast Asia as a nuclear weapon–free zone and free of all otherweapons of mass destruction as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter. Wefurther reaffirmed our commitment to uphold the SEANWFZ Treaty. Weunderlined the importance of full and effective implementation of theSEANWFZ Treaty and the Plan of Action to Strengthen the Implementationof SEANWFZ Treaty (2013-2017) which was adopted by the ASEAN ForeignMinisters on 30 June 2013.
15. We reiterated ourcommitment to work closely with the Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) on theearly signing and ratification of the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treatywithout reservations by NWS. We also acknowledged the need to workclosely with the NWS to address our concerns over the NWS’ proposedreservations to the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty.
16. Tosupport the realisation of the objective of the SEANWFZ Treaty and ASEANCharter, we envisaged the significance of the full adherence of theComprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in the region. Therefore,as an essential step to achieve it, we stressed the vital importance ofratification of the CTBT by all ASEAN Member States as soon as possible.
Cooperation between ASEAN and the International Atomic Energy Agency
17. Recognising the central role of the International Atomic EnergyAgency (IAEA) in nuclear non-proliferation and the promotion of peacefuluses of nuclear energy, we agreed to explore ways to formaliserelations between ASEAN and the IAEA.
Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in ASEAN
18. Underlining the importance of fostering the development andwell-being of our peoples, we reaffirmed our commitment to promote andprotect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of peoples in theregion in accordance with the principles of the ASEAN Charter, theASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) and the ASEAN Leaders’ PhnomPenh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD. We noted the 2014 annualreport of the AICHR and welcomed the progress of work undertaken by theASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), theoverarching human rights institution in ASEAN, including in thedissemination and implementation of the AHRD, which contributes activelyto the building of the ASEAN Community. We commended the efforts of theAICHR on its various programs and activities and encouraged it to workin close consultation, coordination and collaboration with the ASEANSectoral Bodies, engage in dialogue with other ASEAN bodies and entitiesassociated with ASEAN as well as consult, as may be appropriate, withother relevant institutions, external partners and entities concernedwith the promotion and protection of human rights.
19. Wewelcomed the completion of its Thematic Study on Corporate SocialResponsibility and Human Rights in ASEAN and noted the progress made atthe first Coordination Meeting for the AICHR Thematic Study on the Rightto Peace held on 18 July 2014 in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR. We alsowelcomed the Workshop on Human Rights, Climate Change and theEnvironment, which would be held in Myanmar and the workshop withASEAN Sectoral Bodies concerned on Comparative Law Studies, which isexpected to be held in Vientiane this year.
20. Cognizantof the fact that the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the AICHR shall beinitially reviewed five years after its entry into force by the ASEANForeign Ministers, we reiterated our commitment to review the TOR of theAICHR with a view to further enhancing the promotion and protection ofhuman rights in ASEAN.
21. We recognised the progress of workby the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights ofWomen and Children (ACWC) in implementing the ACWC Work Plan 2012-2016.We welcomed the progress on the implementation of the Declaration onthe Elimination of Violence Against Women and Elimination of ViolenceAgainst Children in ASEAN which was adopted by the Leaders at the 23 rdASEAN Summit in October 2013. We noted the convening of a trainingcourse in Singapore on 8-10 April 2014 for frontline ASEAN socialworkers who work with women and children victims of violence, so as toarm participants with new skills and training to help them push back thewall of violence and make a positive difference to those they serve intheir home countries.
22. Acknowledging that human rights is across-cutting issue, we encouraged enhanced coordination andconsultation among AICHR, the ACWC and other relevant sectoral bodies tofurther promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms ofthe peoples of ASEAN. Mindful of the structure of AICHR as anoverarching human rights institution in ASEAN, we tasked the ASEANSecretariat to extend full support to the AICHR as it endeavors topromote and protect human rights in ASEAN.
Promoting Good Governance, Democracy and the Rule of Law
23. We commended the activities being undertaken under the purviewof the ASEAN Conference on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM), includingactivities to promote transparency, accountability, participatory andeffective governance which reflect our commitment to the Rule of Law. Wewelcomed the convening of the Regional Workshop on Elections as a Meansto Promote Democracy and Security in ASEAN: Experiences and BestPractices as well as the meeting of the research team on experiences andlessons learned from the practice of democracy held on 7-9 July 2014 inJakarta . The Regional Workshop served as a forum for the discussionof experiences and best practices in the holding of elections in aprofessional, non-partisan and transparent manner and how the conveningof elections in such manner can promote democracy and security in ASEAN.We looked forward to the convening of other activities regarding thepromotion of the democratic principles.
ASEAN Security Outlook
24. We welcomed the first annual publication of the ASEAN SecurityOutlook (ASO) in 2013 which we believed would contribute to thepromotion of transparency in security-related policies and complementASEAN’s confidence building efforts in the region. We looked forward toits second publication later this year.
ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation
25. We welcomed the progress of work of the ASEAN Institute forPeace and Reconciliation (AIPR), especially the outcomes of the secondmeeting of Governing Council of the AIPR and the first meeting of theAdvisory Body of the AIPR in Bali in April 2014, and appreciated theirefforts to fully operationalise the AIPR . We welcomed the holding ofthe AIPR Symposium on Peace and Reconciliation Processes and Initiativesin Manila , the Philippines , on 7-8 April 2014 and the Symposium onPeace and Reconciliation: Principles and Best Practices in Bali ,Indonesia on 22-23 April 2014. To fulfill its role, we encouraged theAIPR to engage relevant stakeholders , including the civil society, topromote peace, reconciliation, conflict management, conflict resolution,and peace-building. We also encouraged the AIPR to collaborate withrelevant regional and international think-tanks.
ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre
26. We welcomed the efforts towards the operationalisation of theASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) which serves as a regionalcentre of excellence in addressing the humanitarian aspects of theexplosive remnants of war (ERW) for interested ASEAN Member States. Witha view to implementing the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on theEstablishment of the ARMAC, ASEAN Member States are invited to nominatetheir representatives to the Steering Committee of ARMAC as early aspossible in accordance with the TOR of ARMAC which was adopted at the 23rd ASEAN Summit on 9 October 2013 in Brunei Darussalam.
Maritime Cooperation
27. Acknowledging the significance of shipping and maritime tradefor countries in the region, we stressed the importance of greatercooperation and coordination to ensure peace, stability, safety ofsea-lanes, freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce, maritime securityand maritime safety as well as the sustainability of the marineenvironment in the region. In this respect, we emphasised the need tomake full use of the existing ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEANRegional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Defence Ministers’Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus, ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF)/Expanded ASEANMaritime Forum (EAMF), and ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on TransnationalCrime (AMMTC) to enhance cooperation and promote mutual trust andunderstanding.
28. Given the broad, multi-dimensional andcomplex nature of maritime issues, we acknowledged the importance of theAMF as a value-added forum for dialogue and coordination amongconcerned agencies in order to address regional maritime issues in aholistic and integrated manner. In this respect, we commended the AMF’sefforts in identifying the scope of action and future work to avoidduplication of work among sectoral bodies under all three pillars of theASEAN Community. We also stressed the importance of the EAMF as aplatform for ASEAN and its dialogue partners to discuss maritime-relatedissues across the political, economic, and socio-cultural pillars whilepromoting practical actions. We welcomed the convening of the fifthASEAN Maritime Forum and the third Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum on26-28 August 2014 in Viet Nam .
Defence and Security Cooperation
29. We were satisfied with the progress of defence cooperation underASEAN within the ADMM, between ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners underthe ADMM Plus, and the ASEAN Security Policy Conference (ASPC) as wellas the Defence Officials’ Dialogue under the ambit of the ARF. Weexpressed our support on the outcomes of the 8 th ADMM held on 20 May2014 in Nay Pyi Taw, including, among others, the adoption of the ADMMThree-Year Work Programme 2014-2016, the operationalisation of the ASEANDefence Industry Collaboration (ADIC), the adoption of the ConceptPaper on the Establishment of Direct Communication Link in the ADMMprocess, and the adoption of the Additional Protocol to the ConceptPapers for the Establishment of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus.
30. Weemphasised the importance of defence and military-to-militarycooperation to build mutual trust and confidence. We noted the goodprogress of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus’ action-oriented efforts to advancepractical cooperation amongst our militaries. We looked forward tofurther progress in practical cooperation led by the ADMM-Plus Experts’Working Groups.
ASEAN Regional Forum
31. Recognisingthe continued progress and increasing role of the ARF as the primaryforum to foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political andsecurity issues of common interest and concern in the Asia-Pacificregion, we expressed our commitment to work with participating partnersto further strengthen the ARF process. We reaffirmed the importance of aphased approach to the ARF process, moving from Confidence BuildingMeasures, Preventive Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at a pacecomfortable to all to address common regional challenges. In thisregard, we supported the efforts of the ARF Inter-sessional SupportGroup on Confidence-Building Measures and Preventive Diplomacy and theARF SOM in, inter alia , reviewing and making recommendations on theimplementation of the Ha Noi Plan of Action to Implement the ARF VisionStatement. This will also help the ARF cooperation process become moreaction-oriented so that it can effectively contribute to enduring peaceand stability in the region. We expressed our support to advance the ARFprocess to its second stage, through the implementation ofaction-oriented, practicable preventive diplomacy activities, includingthe Work Plan on Preventive Diplomacy. We welcomed the ARF’s work inDisaster Relief, Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime,Non-proliferation, and Disarmament and Maritime Security issues. Weunderscored the need for the ARF to continue pursuing synergy andeffective coordination with the ADMM-Plus and other ASEAN-ledmechanisms.
Non-traditional security issues
32.Recognising that greater regional integration brings additionalchallenges, we reaffirmed our resolve to respond to non-traditionalsecurity issues in an effective and timely manner, particularly incombating transnational crimes and trans-boundary challenges. In thisregard, we welcomed the outcomes of the 8 th AMMTC held in Lao PDR on15-19 September 2013 and the progress of the implementation of theSenior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Work Programme(2013-2015). We looked forward to the effective implementation of theeight priority areas under the SOMTC Work Programme, namely traffickingin persons, counter terrorism, illicit drugs trafficking, moneylaundering, arms smuggling, sea piracy, international economic crime,and cybercrime.
Trafficking in Persons (TIP)
33.Recalling the ASEAN Leaders’ Joint Statement in Enhancing Cooperationagainst Trafficking in Persons in Southeast Asia adopted at the 18 thSummit held on 8 May 2011 in Jakarta , we note the progress ondrafting an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP) and aRegional Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons (RPA).
Welooked forward to the conclusion of the ACTIP and RPA in 2014 and itssubmission to the 26 th ASEAN Summit in 2015. We emphasised theimportance of the continued engagement between the AMMTC and ourDialogue Partners in combating trafficking in persons.
Counter Terrorism
34. We welcomed the ratification of the ASEAN Convention onCounter-Terrorism (ACCT) by all ASEAN Member States in January 2013 andthe completion of the review process of the ASEAN Comprehensive Plan ofAction on Counter Terrorism (ACPoA on CT) in 27 March 2013. Weencouraged relevant sectoral bodies to enhance their cooperation andcoordination in addressing the root causes of terrorism, countering,preventing, and suppressing terrorism, disrupting terrorists’ networks,protecting the peoples of ASEAN and reducing the vulnerability ofcritical infrastructures against terrorist attacks. We must also promoteharmony, tolerance and understanding among the societies.
Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking
35. Mindful of the target year for a Drug Free ASEAN in 2015, weencouraged all relevant ASEAN bodies to intensify their efforts tofulfill the vision outlined in the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on aDrug-Free ASEAN 2015. We welcomed the convening of the ASEAN SpecialMinisterial Meeting on Drug Matters in 2012 and 2013. We looked forwardto the outcomes of the Third ASEAN Special Ministerial Meeting on DrugMatters to be hosted by Indonesia in December 2014.
Disaster Risk Reduction, Management, Relief and Rehabilitation
36. Emphasising ASEAN’s vision for disaster-resilient nations and asafer ASEAN Community, we were pleased to note the progress of ASEAN’swork on disaster management and the commencement of the implementationof the Work Programme Phase 2 (2013-2015) of the ASEAN Agreement onDisaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). We encouraged allrelevant sectoral bodies to implement the ASEAN Declaration on EnhancingCooperation in Disaster Management, which was adopted at the 23 rdASEAN Summit held in Bandar Seri Begawan in October 2013.
37. We welcomed the establishment and commencement of work of the JointTask Force comprising officials from the ASEAN Committee on DisasterManagement (ACDM) and senior officials from other relevant ASEAN bodiesto promote synergies on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief(HADR). We were satisfied with its work to develop processes for therapid deployment of resources from relevant ASEAN sectors as well as todevelop strategies to further utilise the resources and processesdeveloped by other ASEAN-led mechanisms, in particular the EAS, ADMMPlus and ARF, while maintaining ASEAN Centrality.
38. Notingthat our region is prone to natural disasters and recognising theimportance of disaster mitigation and preparedness, we welcomed theco-hosting of ARF Disaster Relief Exercises (DiREx) by Malaysia andChina in February 2015 in Malaysia . ARF DiREx aims to improvecivilian-military coordination efforts, create synergy, and synchroniseefforts towards supporting the effective implementation of AADMER as thecommon platform for disaster management of the region. We also welcomedthe adoption of the Terms of Reference of the Secretary-General ofASEAN as ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator (TOR-SG-AHAC) at the14 th ACC on 10 May 2014. The TOR-SG-AHAC provides a clearerdefinition of the role of the Secretary-General of as ASEAN humanitarianassistance coordinator as mandated at the 14 th ASEAN Summit inMarch 2009.
39. In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, werealised that developing community resilience against natural disastersthrough capacity-building activities and projects are crucial to thelong-term recovery and rehabilitation of affected areas. We noted theneed to focus also on disaster prevention and early warning systems anddisaster preparedness and mitigation programs. In this regard, wewelcomed the pre-conference meeting on continuing support for therecovery of the communities affected by the Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) on15 July 2014 at the ASEAN Secretariat and looked forward to theconvening of the ASEAN High-Level Conference on Assistance for theRecovery of Yolanda - Affected Areas (ARYA) and the ASEAN CommunityRebuilding Technical Workshop on 14 August 2014 in Manila.
40.We welcomed the convening of the 6 th Asian Ministerial Conferenceon Disaster Risk Reduction (6 th AMCDRR) held in Bangkok on 22-26June 2014 under the theme “Promoting Investments for Resilient Nationsand Communities”, which provided regional inputs to the post-2015framework for disaster risk reduction.-VNA
