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CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT ON THE POST MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE (PMC) 10 + 1 SESSIONS
9-10 August 2014, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
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 Nay Pyi Taw, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on 9 and 10 August 2014.
2. These meetings provided an opportunity to review dialogue relations, including the future cooperation and direction of relations, as well as exchange views on regional and international issues.
i) PMC+1 Session with Australia:
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. Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia.
3. The Meeting strongly condemned the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine on 17 July, which resulted in the tragic loss of 298 innocent civilians. Ministers expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims and called for the urgent and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2166. The Meeting demanded a full, thorough and independent investigation into the downing of Flight MH17 and called on all states and parties to cooperate towards this end. The Meeting also insisted that those responsible for this incident to be held to account and that all parties cooperate fully with efforts to establish accountability.
4. The Meeting welcomed the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia dialogue relations this year and looked forward to the ASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit in November in Nay Pyi Taw, with a view to holding more regular ASEAN- Australia leaders’ meetings in the future.
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5. The Meeting supported efforts to intensify people-to-people links especially in education. ASEAN Ministers welcomed the pilot program of the New Colombo Plan and its expansion to all ASEAN Member States from 2015. The Meeting noted Australia’s commitment of A$100 million over five years to implement the New Colombo Plan, which supports young Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the Indo-Pacific region. ASEAN Ministers also welcomed the Australia Awards program, which provides ASEAN youth long-term and short-term study and professional development opportunities in Australia.
6. The Meeting acknowledged Australia was a key partner in supporting the ASEAN Economic Community and deepening economic integration to increase prosperity and strengthen trade and investment. The Meeting recognized the strong linkages between Australia’s economic diplomacy and ASEAN’s economic integration agenda. The Meeting welcomed the joint Australia-Singapore workshop on infrastructure connectivity. The Meeting also welcomed the launching of the ASEAN Connectivity video clips on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
7. The Meeting highlighted work to implement the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA). The Meeting welcomed the finalization of the First Protocol to Amend the AANZFTA, which will assist in improving administrative efficiency and encourage enhanced business utilization of the Agreement. The Meeting welcomed the strong growth in trade, which has more than doubled in the past decade to A$92 billion.
8. The Meeting emphasized the importance of concluding a modern, comprehensive and high-quality Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The Meeting recognized the positive role that RCEP can play in supporting ASEAN’s regional economic integration objectives and the building of an ASEAN Economic Community.
9. The Meeting welcomed Australia’s presidency of the G20 and engagement with ASEAN Member States. The Meeting noted Australia’s aim to see the G20 Summit deliver concrete outcomes in jobs and global economic growth.
10. The Meeting agreed to deepen cooperation in the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum to help foster a stable strategic environment and rules-based, open and inclusive regional order.
11. The Meeting welcomed Australia's contribution to combatting human smuggling and trafficking in persons. ASEAN welcomed Australia’s co-chairing with Indonesia of the Bali Process and the $50 million Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons (APTIP), which is strengthening criminal justice responses to trafficking at regional and national levels.
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12. The Meeting highlighted the importance of regional efforts in disaster management and agreed to strengthen coordination and collaboration, and to implement lessons learned from the tragic Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).
13. The Meeting underscored shared interests in the maintenance of peace and stability, respect for international law, unimpeded trade and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.
14. The Meeting emphasized the need for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and early conclusion of a Code of Conduct.
15. The Meeting reaffirmed the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Partnership and adopted a new Plan of Action for 2015 to 2019. The Meeting also agreed that a Joint Statement would be drafted for adoption by Leaders at the ASEAN-Australia Commemorative Summit in November in Nay Pyi Taw, as an opportunity to set the mature partnership to a more strategic direction, founded on shared interests in regional peace and prosperity.
ii) PMC + 1 Session with Canada:
16. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with Canada was co-chaired by H.E. K Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law of Singapore, and the Hon. John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
17. The Meeting took note of the progress of implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action to implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2010-2015) in areas such as trade and investment, connectivity, human rights, disaster management and strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the positive developments in ASEAN-Canada cooperation, such as the inauguration of the Canada-ASEAN Business Forum by Canadian Minister of International Trade, the Hon. Ed Fast in Singapore in October 2013, and the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Roadshow to Canada from 1 to 5 June 2014.
18. The Meeting welcomed the ongoing implementation of the multi-faceted programme on the Mitigation of Biological Threats in ASEAN Countries (CAD6 million), and a project on Improving Counter-Terrorism Investigation and International Cooperation in ASEAN (CAD3 million). In addition, the Meeting noted Canada had contributed CAD4.5 million over three years to join Singapore and the Asian Development Bank in supporting the ASEAN Infrastructure Centre of Excellence. The Meeting also expressed appreciation for Canada's support for ASEAN Online, and looked forward to Canada's continued contributions to the strengthening of the ASEAN Secretariat.
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19. The Meeting welcomed Canada's plans to expand its diplomatic footprint in the ASEAN region. Canada announced plans to establish a stand-alone mission to ASEAN and to place diplomatic resources in Cambodia and Laos, thereby extending representation to all 10 ASEAN member states. Canada also announced several new cooperation projects to support peace and security in the ASEAN region.
20. 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.
21. The Meeting agreed on the importance of formulating a vision for the next phase of ASEAN-Canada cooperation, which would build on current achievements and support ASEAN’s Post-2015 priority areas as laid out in the Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 Vision and the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration of Realization of ASEAN Community in 2015. In this context, the Meeting discussed potential areas for cooperation, such as education and research, clean technology and small and medium enterprises, which could be included in the new ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action (2015-2020). The Meeting encouraged Canada to explore further cooperation in agriculture and infrastructure network linkages that would significantly contribute to the bridging of the development gap in ASEAN.
iii) PMC + 1 Session with China:
22. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with China was co-chaired by H.E. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary and acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and H.E. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
23. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress of ASEAN-China cooperation, especially the implementation of the Plan of Action (2011-2015) to implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, through a broad spectrum of cooperative activities in the political-security, economic, and socio- cultural fields. The Meeting further tasked the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) to undertake necessary preparations and identify priorities areas for a new Plan of Action for the period 2016-2020.
24. The Meeting welcomed the successful outcomes of the 20th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultations (ACSOC) on 22 April 2014 in Pattaya City, Thailand, and reaffirmed their commitment to follow-up the decisions made by the Leaders at the 16th ASEAN-China Summit to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership on 9 October 2013 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
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25. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance for China to continue its support for ASEAN Community Building efforts, as well as ASEAN’s unity and centrality in the evolving regional architecture.
26. The Meeting welcomed China’s proposals and initiatives under the 2+7 Cooperation Framework for ASEAN-China relations, and looked forward to working closely with China.
27. The Meeting underscored the value of regional economic integration and noted the encouraging process toward further trade liberalization and the upgrading of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) with a view to achieving the two-way trade goal of USD500 billion by 2015 and USD1 trillion by 2020, and two-way investment of USD150 billion by 2020.
28. The Meeting highlighted the importance of 2014 as the ASEAN-China Cultural Exchange Year and appreciated cooperation in organising meaningful cultural events and exchange programmes, which would help enhance mutual understanding between peoples of both sides.
29. The Meeting welcomed the 1st 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.
30. The Meeting expressed their support for enhanced cooperation between ASEAN and China on connectivity. ASEAN appreciated China’s continued support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) through the engagements between the Chinese Working Committee of the China-ASEAN Connectivity Cooperation Committee with the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee. The Meeting welcomed China’s proposal to set up the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to provide financial support to regional infrastructure projects, with an emphasis on supporting the implementation of the MPAC.
31. The Meeting underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
32. The Meeting reiterated the commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and to work towards the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). ASEAN reaffirmed its view that the objective of the COC is to promote trust and confidence, prevent incidents, and manage incidents should they occur, which would help create a conducive environment for the eventual resolution of disputes.
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33. The Meeting appreciated the continued ASEAN-China consultations and dialogue for mutual trust, confidence and cooperation, and acknowledged the successful outcome of the 10th Meeting of ASEAN-China Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the DOC (JWG on DOC) on 18 March 2014 in Singapore, the 7th Meeting of the ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC (SOM on DOC) on 21 April 2014 in Pattaya City, Thailand, and the 11th JWG on DOC on 25 June 2014 in Bali, Indonesia. The Meeting took note of the Progress Report on the Implementation of the DOC and Consultations on the COC and looked forward to the 8th SOM on DOC and 12th JWG on DOC in Bangkok in October 2014.
34. The Meeting reaffirmed its determination to ensure the successful outcome of the 17th ASEAN-China Summit in November this year and to promote constructive dialogue and cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.
iv) PMC + 1 Session with the EU:
35. The ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Session with the EU was co-chaired by H.E. Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, and H.E. Lady Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.
36. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, and the implementation of the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to Strengthen the ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership (2013-2017).
37. The EU reiterated its support for ASEAN centrality in the evolving regional architecture in East Asia and its important contribution to promoting dialogue and cooperation for peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The Meeting commended the EU for its contribution to the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and applauded the EU and Myanmar for the successful co-chairing of the ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Support Group on Confidence Building Measures and the related Defense Officials Dialogue (2013-2014).
38. The Meeting welcomed the agreement, made at the recent 20th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) on 23 July 2014 in Brussels, to enhance maritime security and safety cooperation, especially in information sharing and capacity building as well as building upon the outcomes of the ASEAN-EU High-level Dialogue on Maritime Co- operation which was held on 18-19 November 2013 in Jakarta.
39. The Meeting welcomed the resumption of the EU-ASEAN Senior Officials' consultations on Transnational Crime, which took place in June 2014 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The Meeting reaffirmed the commitment to intensify EU-
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ASEAN cooperation in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime, notably illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, cybercrime; as well as in the mitigation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risks.
40. The Ministers underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region and promoting maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and over-flight, unimpeded commerce, the exercise of self-restraint, including the use or threat to use of force, and the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the relevant standards and recommended practices by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
41. The EU Ministers noted that the ASEAN Ministers have called on all parties to undertake full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and emphasized the need for working towards an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
42. The Meeting noted the progress of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and discussions between individual ASEAN Member States and the EU and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two regions, 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.
43. The Meeting agreed to step up cooperation on Connectivity. The Meeting reaffirmed support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and to enhance connectivity between the two regions, particularly in the area of physical infrastructure, communication systems and sophisticated technologies. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the visit by the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Connectivity (ACCC) to Belgium and Luxembourg in February 2014 to explore ways to cooperate in this area.
44. The Meeting reiterated the commitment to enhance ASEAN-EU cooperation in the area of emergency response in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), including through the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and capacity building.
The Meeting welcomed the Post Haiyan Tacloban Declaration adopted at the ASEM Manila Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management held on 4-6 June 2014 as a template on best practices in DRRM.
45. The Meeting stressed the importance of sustainable development and management of water resources, environmental protection and renewable energy, which interlinks the three dimensions of development: economic, social and environmental sustainability. In this context, the Meeting welcomed the sharing of experiences regarding the
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development and sustainable utilization of water resources and other trans-boundary water issues between the countries in the Danube and Mekong river regions.
46. ASEAN Ministers welcomed the significant increase of EU financial support to Mekong countries to 170M€ (2014-2020) to help ASEAN Community building, and narrowing development gaps, including by maximising synergies with the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI).
v) PMC + 1 Session with India
47. 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. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India. The Meeting congratulated India on the recent elections and in this regard, welcomed H.E. Sushma Swaraj to her first ASEAN PMC+1 Session with India.
48. The Meeting expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed its contribution to regional growth and prosperity and global peace and security. 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) and noted the Mid- Term Review of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action and agreed to task officials to begin the drafting of the new ASEAN-India Plan of Action. The Ministers mandated the officials to examine inclusion of further collaboration in areas such as education and vocational skills training, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and medical training in the new PoA.
49. The Meeting welcomed India’s engagement in the region through ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ARF, EAS and ADMM Plus. The Meeting also 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.
50. The Meeting agreed to further strengthen efforts to tackle trans-national security challenges particularly in the areas of terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and cybercrimes. The Meeting also encouraged efforts to implement the ASEAN-India Joint Declaration for Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism.
51. The Meeting agreed to promote maritime cooperation including through engagement in the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) and its expanded format to address common challenges on maritime issues, sea piracy, search and rescue at sea, maritime
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environment, maritime security, maritime connectivity, freedom of navigation, fisheries and other areas of cooperation.
52. The Meeting welcomed the conclusion of negotiations of the Trade in Services and Investment Agreements and looked forward to the signing of the agreements by the end of 2014.
53. The Meeting discussed and agreed to task officials to finalize the modalities for operationalization of the ASEAN-India Centre. The Meeting also noted that India's proposal under economic cooperation to set up an ASEAN-India Trade and Investment Centre would be further discussed at the upcoming 12th AEM-India Consultations.
54. 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. The Meeting encouraged both sides to look into the possibility of taking concrete steps towards the development of the Mekong-India Economic Corridor. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the convening of the Inter-Sessional Meeting between ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) and India on Connectivity held on 6-8 March 2014, New Delhi, India, to explore greater cooperation for ASEAN-India connectivity.
55. The Meeting encouraged the ongoing development of the India-Myanmar- Thailand Trilateral Highway and its extension to Laos and Cambodia as an initiative to increase greater ASEAN-India physical connectivity. The Meeting also highlighted the importance of linking the ASEAN and India regions through maritime connectivity, under the umbrella of the MPAC, and welcomed India's participation at the ASEAN Maritime Working Group Meetings.
56. 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) with the objective of narrowing the development gap. The Meeting highlighted 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.
57. The Meeting welcomed India’s proposal to hold the Delhi Dialogue VII on 11-12 March 2015 and welcomed Foreign Ministers to attend.
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58. The Meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening ASEAN and India cooperation on global issues of concern such as food security, energy security, disaster management and climate change.
vi) PMC + 1 Session with Japan
59. The ASEAN PMC + 1 Session with Japan was co-chaired by H.E. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, and H.E. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
60. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the good progress in the implementation of the Plan of Action (2011-2015) to carry out the Joint Declaration for Enhancing ASEAN- Japan Strategic Partnership for Prospering Together, and agreed to speed up the implementation of the PoA in an effective and timely manner.
61. The Meeting welcomed the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo, Japan, in 2013, to mark the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, and reaffirmed their determination to effectively implement the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and its Implementation Plan. The Meeting also stressed the need to further enhancing and accelerating cooperation and support towards the establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015 and the ASEAN’s Post-2015 Vision.
62. The ASEAN Ministers appreciated Japan’s continued support for ASEAN’s central role in the evolving regional architecture, including the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Plus Three, the East Asia Summit, and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus.
63. The Meeting appreciated Japan's support to the convening of the AIPR Symposium on Peace and Reconciliation Initiative in Manila in April 2014. The Meeting also welcomed Japan's intention to support a regional seminar on the establishment and operationalization of ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC).
64. In view of promoting maritime security, unimpeded trade, and freedom of navigation and over flight on the high seas, the Meeting called for self-restraint and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Meeting noted the three principles of international law of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
65. The Meeting underscored the need for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and recognized the
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need for ASEAN and China to reach an early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
66. The Meeting exchanged views on the Korean Peninsula and the need to exercise maximum self-restraint and create conducive environment for the resumption of the Six- Party Talks and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
67. The Meeting reaffirmed the commitment to collaborate on human rights and support the work of ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the visit of AICHR representatives to Japan in April 2014.
68. The Meeting hailed the launch of the ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (1st AMMTC + Japan) Consultation in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in September 2013 as well as the successful continuation of the ASEAN-Japan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue since 2006. The ASEAN Ministers looked forward to adopting the Joint Declaration for Cooperation in the Fight against Terrorism and Transnational Crime to be adopted at the ASEAN-Japan Summit in 2014.
69. The Meeting welcomed the progress of cooperation in the area of cyber security, including through capacity building, technical cooperation, critical information infrastructure protection, joint awareness raising activities, establishing information sharing framework and exchange of information on Anti-Spam measures, and hailed the Inaugural ASEAN-Japan Cybercrime Dialogue which was held on May 28, 2014 in Singapore.
70. The ASEAN Ministers expressed thanks to Japan for its continued strong support to ASEAN integration and welcomed the additional contribution of USD 100 million to the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF 2.0) as announced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to support the Implementation Plan of the Vision Statement of the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation adopted by the Leaders at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in 2013.
71. The Meeting reaffirmed the important and continued role played by the ASEAN- Japan Centre to promote trade, investment, tourism and exchange of persons between ASEAN and Japan. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the Centre’s active contribution to the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation through conducting more than 250 events and programme activities.
72. The Meeting reaffirmed its intention to strengthen “ASEAN-Japan Disaster Management Cooperation”, which was stated at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in December 2013. In this connection, the Meeting decided to collaborate for
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the success of the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, to be held in Sendai, Japan, from 14 to 18 March 2015.
73. Recognizing that urgent and concrete actions are required to address climate change, the Meeting welcomed the initiative by Japan and interested ASEAN Member States to implement the Joint Crediting Mechanism as a tool to achieve low carbon and sustainable growth in the region, in pursuit of the ultimate objective of the Convention.
74. Underscoring the importance of people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges, ASEAN Ministers highly appreciated the exchange program of Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) 2.0. The Meeting welcomed the various sports exchange projects between ASEAN and Japan under the Japan’s initiative, “Sport for Tomorrow” programme. The Meeting also expressed appreciation to Japan for its relaxation of visa requirement which lead to the increase of tourism in both ASEAN and Japan.
vii) PMC + 1 Session with the Republic of Korea (ROK)
75. The ASEAN PMC+1 Session with ROK was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. R. M. Marty.
M. Natalegawa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and H.E. Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.
76. The Meeting welcomed various commemorative activities in 2014 to mark the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations. The Meeting looked forward to the successful convening of the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit, scheduled to be held in Busan, ROK, on 11-12 December 2014, which would renew the commitment to bring ASEAN-ROK relations to new heights.
77. The Meeting noted the substantial progress in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement ASEAN-ROK Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity 2011- 2015. The Meeting also stressed the need to prioritise the remaining measures of the PoA since it would expire by the end of next year, and tasked their officials to draft a new and more comprehensive PoA to reflect the nature of the ASEAN-ROK Strategic Partnership as soon as possible.
78. The Meeting welcomed the progress in further strengthening political and security cooperation between ASEAN and the ROK, through a dedicated agenda on security- related matters during the 18th ASEAN-ROK Dialogue in Busan, ROK, on 18-20 June 2014.
79. The Meeting highlighted with satisfaction the increasing trade volume between ASEAN and the ROK and noted the encouraging progress toward further liberalization and improvement of the ASEAN-ROK Free Trade Area (AKFTA) for mutual economic
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benefit. The Meeting reaffirmed the commitment to reach the target of USD150 billion in two-way trade by 2015.
80. The Meeting welcomed the ROK’s initiative to inaugurate an ASEAN-ROK Business Council during the forthcoming ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit to intensify economic cooperation, particularly among private sectors. The Meeting further noted the ROK’s intention to hold a CEO Summit at the sidelines of the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit in December 2014.
81. The Meeting welcomed the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) and recognized its significant role in promoting ASEAN-ROK cooperation. The Meeting also expressed its appreciation for the ROK’s continuous commitment and support to the ASEAN-Korea Centre with its increased contribution to the Centre’s financial budget year 2014. The Meeting further encouraged the optimization of the Centre’s activities to further promote trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange, and to raise the awareness of ASEAN in the ROK, including those to celebrate the commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations, while maintaining close consultation with AMS in the conduct of its activities.
82. The Meeting welcomed the extension of the ASEAN-ROK Forest Cooperation (AFoCo) Agreement signed by the Permanent Representatives to ASEAN/relevant ASEAN Officials and the Ambassador of the ROK to ASEAN in Jakarta. The Meeting encouraged the efforts to implement projects in the area of forestry to support the sustainable forest management and addressing the impact of climate change.
83. The Meeting also encouraged the ROK to support the work and full operationalization of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center), as well as the implementation of the second phase of the Work Programme of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) 2013-2015.
84. The Meeting looked forward to the launch of the ASEAN Community in 2015 and encouraged additional efforts to be made to implement the remaining measures under the three ASEAN Community Blueprints. In this regard, the Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to enhance regional connectivity particularly through the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) in all dimensions including physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity. The Meeting also encouraged further cooperation in promoting innovative financing mechanism such as Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) to properly address the challenge of resource mobilization needed for connectivity related projects. The Meeting looked forward to an active and fruitful discussion at the next meeting between ACCC and the ROK’s Task Force on Connectivity.
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85. The Meeting appreciated the role of the ROK’s mission to ASEAN in Jakarta and welcomed the successful outcomes of the 1st ASEAN-ROK Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) between the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and the ROK Ambassador to ASEAN. The Meeting took note of and recognized the benefits of ROK’s proposal at the JCC Meeting on the transition to a programme- based approach in utilizing the ASEAN-ROK Cooperation Fund.
86. The Meeting stressed the need to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula and encouraged the resumption of Six Party Talks in accordance with the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement. The Meeting reiterated its support for all efforts to achieve the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner as well as creating the positive atmosphere for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks conducive to substantial progress on the denuclearization.
87. The Meeting reaffirmed its support for the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative (NAPCI) by recalling the welcoming position expressed in the Chairman’s Statement of the 16th ASEAN-ROK Summit. The meeting appreciated the on-going efforts by the ROK to promote regional peace and cooperation through NAPCI.
88. The Ministers welcomed Indonesia's efforts for a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in the wider Indo-Pacific region developed from the spirit of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in the Southeast Asia (TAC) and the 2011 Declaration of the East Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations (Bali Principles).
89. We noted the progress of the work of the High Level Task Force (HLTF) on strengthening ASEAN Secretariat and reviewing the ASEAN organs. We look forward for recommendations that would strengthen the ASEAN Secretariat, improve efficiency and coordination among ASEAN organs and bodies as well as in deepening ASEAN's external relations.
viii) PMC + 1 Session with New Zealand:
90. The ASEAN PMC + 1 Session with New Zealand was co-chaired by H.E.
Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, and the Hon. Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand.
91. The Meeting reviewed the progress of ASEAN-New Zealand relations and expressed satisfaction with the overall progress made over the past year in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN- New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership 2010-2015, including the Areas of Focus of the Plan of Action for the period 2013-2014 and the Four Flagship Initiatives.
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92. The Meeting agreed that ASEAN and New Zealand would continue to discuss ways to strengthen two-way cooperation over 2014/15, including in the areas of business-to-business interactions, people-to-people contacts, education, SME development, technology and innovation, connectivity, agriculture, food and energy security, disaster management and sanitary and phytosanitary matters.
93. The Meeting looked forward to the convening of the Commemorative Summit to mark the 40th year of ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue relations in 2015 and welcomed New Zealand’s commitment to deliver high-level initiatives and programmes as part of the Commemorative Summit. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the New Zealand Inc. ASEAN Strategy for ASEAN announced by New Zealand Prime Minister in July 2013 as a whole of Government commitment to build New Zealand's political, economic and people-to-people relationships with the ASEAN region.
94. The Meeting noted the successful outcomes of the 21st ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue including the timelines for conclusion of the Joint Outcome Documents of the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit. In this connection, the Meeting noted the progress in preparing a new ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action 2015-2020, and expressed the hope that the refreshed Plan of Action would enable New Zealand to make a practical and valuable contribution to ASEAN's Community building process.
95. The Meeting appreciated New Zealand’s continued support to combating terrorism and transnational crime in the region, including through the Work Programme to Implement the ASEAN-New Zealand Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism. The Meeting noted the importance of furthering trade and economic relations through supporting the implementation of the ASEAN-Australia- New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and advancing the negotiations towards a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The Meeting also acknowledged New Zealand's efforts in narrowing the development gap within ASEAN through the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI).
96. Looking ahead to the 2015-2020 period, the Meeting underscored the importance of further enhancing cooperation including in ASEAN connectivity initiatives; trade, investment and economic integration: investing in future leaders; climate change and disaster risk management; agriculture; and knowledge and skills.
97. The Meeting welcomes the recent appointment of New Zealand's first stand-alone Ambassador to ASEAN in an effort to deepen its relations with ASEAN.
ix) PMC + 1 Session with the Russian Federation:
98. The ASEAN PMC + 1 Session with the Russian Federation was co-chaired by H.E. Dato’ Sri Anifa Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, and H.E.
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Morgulov Igor Valdimirovich, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
99. The Meeting expressed profound sorrow and deep condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic downing of a civilian aircraft of the Malaysian Airlines MH17 on 17 July over Ukrainian territory. The Meeting stressed the need for a swift, full and thorough, transparent, objective and independent investigation into the plane crash, in line with the UNSC Resolution 2166 on 21 July 2014.
100. The Meeting emphasized the significance of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership as an important factor contributing to peace, stability and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific, and expressed mutual desire to upgrade it to a qualitatively new level and agreed to start preparation for a third ASEAN-Russia Summit.
101. The Meeting noted that the year 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the Russian Federation’s accession to the TAC. This reflected the importance it attached to the TAC as an essential code of conduct governing inter-states relations and its continuous commitment to promote regional peace and stability. The Meeting noted Russia’s proposal for a new regional architecture and agreed that all dialogue on emerging architecture of security and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific should be built upon ASEAN Centrality and existing documents, including the TAC.
102. The Meeting underscored the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability by promoting maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
103. The Meeting welcomed Russia’s support towards the cooperation of ASEAN and China for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and for the early conclusion of Code of Conduct (COC).
104. 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 agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of political and security, economic and socio-cultural priorities, trade and economy, investment, energy, transport, agriculture and food security, science and technology and management of natural resources and environment. The Meeting recognized the valuable role that the Russian Federation could play in contributing towards the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, especially in the transportation and infrastructure sectors.
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105. The Meeting noted the important role of the ASEAN Centre in promoting people- to-people connectivity through education, tourism and culture. The Meeting welcomed the convening of the First ASEAN-Russia Youth Summit and performances of ASEAN- Russia Symphony Orchestra of Young Musicians in 2013. The Meeting looked forward to organizing more activities to enhance the awareness of ASEAN through education, sports and culture exchanges. The Meeting further encouraged all ASEAN Member States that have not ratified ASEAN-Russia Agreement on Cultural Cooperation to do so expeditiously to enable the implementation of these initiatives in the agreement.
106. The Meeting noted the status of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership Financial Fund (ARDPFF) and encouraged both sides to propose Joint projects to ensure better utilization of the existing Fund.
107. The Meeting noted that the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Promote Cooperation between ASEAN and the Russian Federation (2005-2015) was expiring in 2015 and underlined the need to start work on a new CPA in line with the priority areas of Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration on ASEAN’s Post-2015 Vision and Nay Pyi Taw Declaration of Realization of ASEAN Community in 2015.
x) PMC + 1 Session with the United States of America (U.S.)
108. ASEAN PMC +1 with the United States of America was co-chaired by H.E. U Wunna Maung Lwin, Union 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.
109. The Meeting discussed the progress and future direction of ASEAN-U.S Dialogue Relations and agreed to promote closer engagement between ASEAN and the U.S.
through ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Relations as well as through ASEAN-led mechanisms such as East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus), Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF).
The Meeting underlined the importance of the United States’ continued support to ASEAN Community building, and ASEAN integration efforts through various programs including through sub-regional initiatives such as the Lower Mekong Initiative.
110. The Meeting took note of the progress in implementing the Plan of Action on the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership for Enduring Peace and Prosperity (2011-2015). In this respect, ASEAN and the U.S. agreed to pursue a comprehensive and multi- dimensional approach of cooperation, encompassing political and security, economic, socio-cultural as well as developmental matters.
111. The Meeting agreed to work together to promote the rule of law, good governance, democracy, human rights and to address traditional and non-traditional
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security issues such as terrorism, maritime security, cybercrime and trafficking in persons through greater engagement, information and exchange and cooperation. In this respect, ASEAN welcomed the U.S.’s support program, the ASEAN-U.S. Partnership for Good-Governance, Equitable and Sustainable Development and Security (ASEAN- U.S. Progress).
112. The Meeting 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.
113. The Meeting emphasized that ASEAN Member States and China should fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) particularly Article 5 of the DOC. The U.S. Secretary of State underscored this point, commenting that clarifying and freezing “activities that would complicate or escalate disputes” would help lower tensions and lower the risk of conflict. The Meeting urged all parties to work towards the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), which will contribute to further enhancing peace, stability and security in the region.
114. The Meeting recognized efforts by ASEAN and the United States to promote positive maritime cooperation in the region. The Meeting highlighted the Philippines and U.S. led Expanded ASEAN Seafarer Training (EAST) program, congratulated Indonesia and the United States for completing a successful three-year co-chairmanship of Maritime Security Inter-Sessional Meetings, and encouraged the Philippines and the United States as they assume the co-chairmanship through 2017.
115. The Meeting reaffirmed the commitment to promote disarmament, non- proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy towards a safer and better world through, among other things, collective efforts on nuclear security, nuclear safety, and capacity building to ensure safeguards and standards in accordance with the IAEA guidelines. The Meeting shared the views that the early signature by nuclear powers to the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty, which will contribute positively to keeping the region free of nuclear weapons. In this respect, the Meeting discussed the possibility of developing a Joint ASEAN-U.S. Vision on Nuclear Disarmament and Non-proliferation to support the goal of a world without nuclear weapons and the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone.
116. The Meeting noted the progress of implementation of the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and recognized the importance of the U.S.- ASEAN Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) initiative and its contribution to the ASEAN Economic Community.
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117. The Meeting welcomed the U.S. support program, ASEAN Connectivity through Trade and Investment Project (ACTI), for ASEAN Single Window, Trade and Investment facilitation and SME development. The Meeting noted that there are other potential areas for support such as trade finance, trade logistics development, productivity enhancement programs, trade related capacity development including enhancement of capacity for ASEAN services.
118. The Meeting recognized the contribution of the U.S. ASEAN Business Council in enhancing the ASEAN-U.S. commercial relations and welcomed the ASEAN-U.S.
Business Summit scheduled in August, 2014 in Nay Pyi Taw.
119. The Meeting agreed to enhance cooperation in areas of climate change, clean energy, food security and noted the progress of implementing the U.S. Asia Pacific Comprehensive Energy Partnership (USACEP) for clean, renewable and sustainable energy as well as for development of energy infrastructure. As the energy issue is closely linked with climate change, the Meeting took note of the progress of work in drafting the ASEAN-US Joint Statement on Climate Change to be announced at the 2ndASEAN-US Summit in November 2014.
120. The Meeting recognised that climate change and unsustainable human activities pose a great threat to wildlife and depletion of biodiversity causing negative impacts to current and future generations and agreed to work together to preserve biodiversity, maintain ecosystems and protect wildlife and natural habitats in the region. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the United States’ support for the ASEAN/EAS declaration on Combating Wildlife Trafficking to be issued in November 2014.
121. The Meeting agreed to deepen socio-cultural and people-to-people ties through continued cooperation in areas of education, health, environment protection and cultural exchanges. In this respect, the Meeting took note of the English Language Program being jointly organized by U.S. and Brunei Darussalam and the ASEAN-U.S. Fulbright initiative and the Young Southeast Asia Leaders Initiatives (YSEALI), a new youth initiative launched in December 2013.
122. The Meeting recognised the growing frequency and severity of disasters in the Asia Pacific region and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in disaster mitigation and preparedness and welcomed the United States’ continued support for the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistant on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
123. The Meeting agreed to strengthen ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Relations by drafting a post-2015 ASEAN-U.S. Plan of Action that will sustain our collective efforts to
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maintain peace, stability in the region and by strengthening collaboration for mutual benefits and progress through closer trade, investment and people-to-people ties.
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