The 35th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, Thailand

Welcome to Thailand - the 35th ASEAN Summit in BKK, Thailand

By Janpha Thadphoothon

Please cite as:

Thadphoothon, J. (2019, November 5th). "The 35th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, Thailand". Retrieved from https://janpha.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-35th-asean-summit-in-bangkok.html

Introduction

Once again, it's the kingdom of Thailand's turn to host several important meetings, including the 35th ASEAN Summit. Welcome to the beautiful Thailand.

Looking back into the history, we have come a long way. In August 1967, at the Laem Thaen, Bang Saen Beach, five statesmen from five neighboring lands huddled together, hammering out the final text of a short and simple document containing just five articles which marked a new beginning for their countries in the region.

ASEAN has, once again, returned to where it was originated. Thailand takes it seriously, it always does. This years the government has declared a two-day holidays for government offices, which means that all schools and educational institutes are requested to close their operations.

Members of ASEAN

Stated in Article 4, the members are as follows

1. Brunei Darussalam

2. The Kingdom of Cambodia

3. The Republic of Indonesia

4. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 

5.  Malaysia, 

6. The Union of Myanmar, 

7. The Republic of the Philippines, 

8. The Republic of Singapore, 

9. The Kingdom of Thailand 

10. The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. 

Based on the Charter -Article 7 is the section on the summit. Let's have a look.

ARTICLE 7.  ASEAN SUMMIT 

1. The ASEAN Summit shall comprise the Heads of State or Government of the Member States. 

2. The ASEAN Summit shall: 

(a) be the supreme policy-making body of ASEAN; 

(b) deliberate, provide policy guidance and take decisions on key issues pertaining to the realisation of the objectives of ASEAN, important matters of interest to Member States and all issues referred to it by the ASEAN Coordinating Council, the ASEAN Community Councils and ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies;  

That's why in Bangkok in November 2019, we also held several other meetings.

(c) instruct the relevant Ministers in each of the Councils concerned to hold ad hoc inter-Ministerial meetings, and address important issues concerning ASEAN that cut across the Community Councils. Rules of procedure for such meetings shall be adopted by the ASEAN Coordinating Council;  

(d) address emergency situations affecting ASEAN by taking appropriate actions; 

(e) decide on matters referred to it under Chapters VII and VIII; 

(f) authorise the establishment and the dissolution of Sectoral Ministerial Bodies and other ASEAN institutions; and 

(g) appoint the Secretary-General of ASEAN, with the rank and status of Minister, who will serve with the confidence and at the pleasure of the Heads of State or Government upon the recommendation of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting. 

3. ASEAN Summit Meetings shall be:  

(a) held twice annually, and be hosted by the Member State holding the ASEAN Chairmanship; and 

(b) convened, whenever necessary, as special or ad hoc meetings to be chaired by the Member State holding the ASEAN Chairmanship, at venues to be agreed upon by ASEAN Member States. 

Every summit means a new statement, usually official. This is the statement of the 35th summit.

The Chairman's official statement as published on https://asean.org/storage/2019/11/Chairs-Statement-of-the-35th-ASEAN-Summit-FINAL.pdf

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT OF THE 35 TH ASEAN SUMMIT

BANGKOK/NONTHABURI, 3 NOVEMBER 2019

ADVANCING PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABILITY

1. We, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States, gathered in

Bangkok for the 35th ASEAN Summit on 2-3 November 2019. 

We reiterated the importance of continuity and sustainability in ASEAN Community-building

efforts and commit to continue promoting partnership for sustainability, within

ASEAN and in ASEAN’s relations with the international community, in order to

realise a people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN Community that leaves no

one behind and looks to the future.

2. We reaffirmed our commitment to realise ASEAN as a region of lasting peace,

security and stability, sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and social

progress. We recognised the rapidly changing geostrategic landscape and the

need for ASEAN to be increasingly proactive, in order to remain relevant as

well as to maintain ASEAN centrality and ASEAN’s role as the primary driving

force in the regional architecture.

3. We acknowledged that realising the goals and aspirations of ASEAN integration

requires strong partnerships with our Dialogue Partners and other external

partners. We therefore underscored the need to continue promoting synergy

among the various ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN Plus One,

ASEAN Plus Three (APT), East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum

(ARF) and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).

4. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to maintaining and promoting peace,

security and stability in the region, as well as to the peaceful resolution of

disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes without

resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with the universally

recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations

Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

5. We noted with satisfaction the work that has been done in implementing the

ASEAN Leaders’ Vision Statement on Partnership for Sustainability. We

reiterated our goal of moving towards a sustainable ASEAN, through enhancing

sustainable security, promoting a seamless ASEAN that is connected to the

world and pursuing sustainable development in order to increase ASEAN’s

strategic value-added and bring about regional stability and prosperity. We

encouraged harnessing technological advances to enhance resilience and

ASEAN’s competitiveness in addressing the growing change and complexities

in the regional and global environment, including those arising from the Fourth

Industrial Revolution (4IR).

6. We were encouraged by the immense progress in leveraging regional

cooperation and partnerships to attain the Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs) and realise its complementarities with the ASEAN Community Vision

2025. We reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to the SDGs and welcomed the

statement delivered by Thailand on behalf of ASEAN at the SDG Summit on 24

September 2019 in New York. We commended ASEAN’s collective effort in

developing the Complementarities Roadmap, which will serve as guidance for

further advancing the Complementarities Initiative during 2020 – 2025. We also

welcomed the launch of the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development

Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD) in Thailand. We welcomed the convening of

the ASEAN Forum on SDGs with National Development Planning Agencies:

Accelerating SDGs Implementation in ASEAN. We looked forward to more

engagements of ASEAN sectoral bodies with the national development

planning agencies on SDGs implementation. We also welcomed the convening

of the Directors-General Forum of ASEAN Countries on Development

Cooperation. We commended the convening of the 4th ASEAN-China-United

Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Symposium: Innovation in

Achieving the SDGs and Eradicating Poverty and looked forward to the 5

th Symposium in 2020.

7. We commended the significant progress of the Master Plan on ASEAN

Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 in strengthening ASEAN Community-building and

promoting sustainable development. We welcomed the completion of the Initial

Rolling Priority Pipeline of ASEAN Infrastructure Projects which presents

opportunities for sustainable infrastructure development and investment in

ASEAN. We were pleased to note the ongoing efforts to implement the project

on the “Development of an ASEAN Database on Trade Routes and Framework

for Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency” to create a more seamless and

connected ASEAN, as well as the initiatives on technical and vocational

education and training (TVET) and higher education to enhance human capital

and foster people mobility. We reiterated the importance of ASEAN centrality

and the need to create links and synergies between MPAC 2025 and various

key connectivity initiatives within and beyond ASEAN through the “Connecting

the Connectivities” approach. We underscored the need to safeguard such

enhanced regional connectivity from transnational crime and other cross-border

challenges and thus welcomed efforts to enhance border management

cooperation in the ASEAN region as reflected in the ASEAN Community Vision

2025 and in accordance with respective domestic laws and policies. We expressed appreciation to the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee

(ACCC), the Lead Implementing Bodies (LIBs) and relevant ASEAN sectoral

bodies for their concerted efforts to advance MPAC 2025, and the continuous

support from our Dialogue Partners and external partners.

8. We noted the completion of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan

III (2016-2020) implementation review and expressed our appreciation to the

ASEAN Secretariat and the Government of Australia for its support in this

important undertaking, as well as to ASEAN Member States, Dialogue Partners

and external parties for the implementation of the IAI Work Plan III. Recognising

the importance of monitoring, review and evaluation of the capacity building

projects and technical assistance to Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and

Viet Nam (CLMV), we tasked the IAI Task Force to follow up on the

recommendations from the review to improve the effectiveness of the Work

Plan III. We welcomed the drawing up of the succeeding work plan to continue

the efforts to narrow the development gap and deepen regional integration.

9. We also welcomed the efforts of sub-regional frameworks that involve ASEAN

Member States such as the Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic

Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth

Triangle (IMT-GT), the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines

East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), the Cambodia–Laos–Myanmar–

Viet Nam (CLMV) cooperation, the Cambodia–Laos–Viet Nam Development

Triangle Area, the Singapore–Johor–Riau (SIJORI) Growth Triangle.

We encouraged closer coordination between ASEAN sectoral bodies and subregional cooperation frameworks in achieving our goal of narrowing the

development gap among and within ASEAN Member States.

10. We welcomed the continued progress in the ASEAN Smart Cities Network

(ASCN), particularly in the implementation of the Smart City Action Plans, which

contribute to the development of smart and sustainable cities. We noted the

adoption of the ASCN Terms of Reference at the Second Annual ASCN

Meeting on 23 August 2019 in Bangkok, and the enhanced interaction with

external partners including Dialogue Partners and G20 countries, as well as

congratulated Singapore for being appointed as the ASCN Shepherd who will

provide advice and support to the ASCN Chair for the next two years. We also

acknowledged the support of ASEAN Dialogue Partners in facilitating

partnerships for ASCN cities, and in providing support to develop ASCN

capacity on smart city planning.

11. We congratulated Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, founder of Mercy Malaysia, for

receiving the ASEAN Prize 2019 in recognition of her leading role in various

humanitarian missions and disaster management.

ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY

12. We were pleased to note the progress in the implementation of the APSC

Blueprint 2025 and encouraged the relevant sectoral bodies to continue their

work in addressing the remaining action lines while sustaining momentum in

taking further action on the implemented action lines. We looked forward to the

Mid-Term Review of the Blueprint to be undertaken in 2020 with an aim to

further improving its effective implementation.

13. We reaffirmed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) as

the key code of conduct governing inter-State relations in the region and a

foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability. We are committed to

further promoting the principles embodied in the TAC in the wider region and

emphasised the importance of all High Contracting Parties fulfilling their

obligations under the Treaty and welcomed the accession of new High

Contracting Parties.

14. We reiterated our commitment to preserve the Southeast Asian region free of

nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction as enshrined in

the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone (SEANWFZ

Treaty) and the ASEAN Charter. We stressed the importance of the full and

effective implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty, including under the Plan of

Action to Strengthen the Implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty (2018-2022).

We reaffirmed our commitment to engage the Nuclear Weapon States (NWS)

and intensify the ongoing efforts of all Parties to resolve all outstanding issues

in accordance with the objectives and principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty. We

underscored our commitment to strengthen our common resolve in making

substantive progress, including through the biennial SEANWFZ Resolution at

the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

15. We welcomed the signing of the Practical Arrangements between ASEAN and

the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by the Secretary-General of

ASEAN and the Acting Director-General of the IAEA on 16 September 2019 in

Vienna and looked forward to closer cooperation with the IAEA in the areas of

nuclear safety, security, and safeguards as well as nuclear technologies and

their applications.

16. We reaffirmed our continued commitment in the fight against transnational

crimes. We took note of the implementation of the Bohol Trafficking in Persons

(TIP) Work Plan 2017-2020 and the discussion of the Work Plan of the ASEAN

Plan of Action to Prevent and Counter the Rise of Radicalisation and Violent

Extremism 2018-2025 led by the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational

Crime and the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime

(AMMTC/SOMTC). This progress signifies the strengthening of cross-sectoral

and cross-pillar collaboration in preventing and combating transnational crime.

We noted that the AMMTC will discuss greater cooperation in border

management, where Thailand plans to propose at the AMMTC a roadmap that

could lead to an ASEAN-wide border management arrangement based on

existing institutions and guided by domestic laws and regulations of ASEAN

Member States. We noted the on-going efforts to facilitate the movement of

people through discussions on the development of the ASEAN Visa Portal and

the feasibility of the ASEAN Business Travel Card under the ASEAN DirectorsGeneral of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions

of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (DGICM). We also noted the progress on

operationalising the Guidelines on Consular Assistance by ASEAN Member

States Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of Other ASEAN Member

States, which demonstrates ASEAN’s efforts as a people-oriented, peoplecentred Community and enhances ASEAN’s abilities to provide assistance to

our nationals.

17. We expressed serious concerns regarding global moves to reschedule certain

types of illicit drugs and encouraged ASEAN Member States to reaffirm its

commitment towards a drug-free region and a zero-tolerance approach towards

illicit drugs to reinforce ASEAN’s centrality and unity in mitigating undue

influences that are against ASEAN’s stand. In the light of this, we reaffirmed

our full support to the cooperation to fight illicit drugs under the ambit of the

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters and the ASEAN Senior Officials

on Drug Matters (AMMD/ASOD). We took note of the outcome of the First

Internal Review of the ASEAN Work Plan in Securing Communities Against

Illicit Drugs 2016-2025 (ASEAN Work Plan 2016-2025), which highlighted 79

per cent of implementation rate. We also commended the good work of the

ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation Center (ASEAN NARCO) in publishing the

fourth series of the ASEAN Drug Monitoring Report (ADM) 2018. We reiterated

our call for all ASEAN Member States to intensify efforts to fight the drug

menace.

18. We noted with appreciation the thorough implementation of the ASEAN

Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Three-Year Work Programme 2017-2019

as well as the seven ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups Work Plans 2017-

2020. In this regard, we acknowledged that the defence sector has continued

to deepen cooperation in the existing areas and strengthen relationship with the

Plus Countries. We welcomed the issuance of the Joint Declaration of the

ASEAN Defence Ministers on Sustainable Security and the adoption of various

initiatives at the 13th ADMM including the Concept Paper on the Guidelines for

the Assessment of the ADMM Initiatives, Concept Paper on the Role of ASEAN

Defence Establishments in Supporting Border Management, Concept Paper on

Expansion of the ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure (ADI) in the

ADMM Process, Concept Paper on the Establishment of ASEAN Military

Medicine Conference, Terms of Reference of ASEAN Our Eyes and ADMM

Guidelines for Maritime Interaction. These initiatives reflected the ADMM’s

commitment to promote sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in the region

and to strengthen ASEAN centrality in the regional security architecture while

enhancing mutual trust and confidence amongst the ASEAN Member States

and Plus Countries. We were pleased to see the inclusion of the ASEAN Center

of Military Medicine as a subsidiary body under the ADMM in Annex I of the

ASEAN Charter and the annualisation of the ASEAN Military Medicine

Conference (AMMC), which will further deepen practical cooperation among

ASEAN military medical practitioners, within the ADMM. In addition, we

observed the sustained endeavour to enhance interoperability through the

successful conduct of several ADMM and ADMM-Plus exercises this year,

including the ASEAN-United States (U.S.) Maritime Exercise and the inaugural

ASEAN Peacekeeping Centres Network Staff Exercise. We looked forward to

further progress in defence cooperation in 2020, which marks the 10th

anniversary of the ADMM-Plus.

19. We reaffirmed our commitment to work together in addressing cross-cutting

maritime issues of common concern in our region comprehensively within the

framework of the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) and Expanded ASEAN

Maritime Forum (EAMF). We agreed on the need to strengthen the role and

function of the AMF and the EAMF and appreciated the ongoing work and

discussions on these matters. We looked forward to the convening of the 9th

AMF and 7th EAMF this year in Viet Nam.

20. We recognised the growing sophistication and transboundary nature of

cyberthreats and underlined the need to address cybersecurity challenges in a

holistic manner to ensure an open, secure, stable, accessible and resilient

cyberspace to support the ASEAN digital economy. We emphasised the need

to enhance regional cybersecurity cooperation through a feasible cross-pillar

cybersecurity coordination mechanism, strengthening a rules-based

cyberspace, as well as supporting the cybersecurity activities and training

programmes of the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre

(AJCCBC) in Bangkok and the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of

Excellence (ASCCE) in Singapore, which will complement existing ASEAN

efforts in cybersecurity capacity building. We welcomed the convening of the

International Conference on Cybersecurity: Implications on Peace & Security in

the ASEAN Region on 10-11 May 2019 in Bangkok, the 4

th ASEAN Ministerial

Conference on Cybersecurity (AMCC) in Singapore and other activities held at

the margins of the Singapore International Cyber Week 2019 in October 2019

in Singapore that has contributed to enhancing multi-stakeholder dialogue and

cooperation on cybersecurity issues.

21. We welcomed the renaming of the ASEAN ICT ministerial and senior officials'

bodies to ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) and ASEAN Digital

Senior Officials Meeting (ADGSOM) to reflect the role of ICT as an enabler of

digital transformation in other sectors, and the ICT Ministers' endorsement of

the establishment of an ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Cybersecurity

which shall comprise of representatives from relevant sectoral bodies to

strengthen the cross-sectoral coordination on cybersecurity while preserving

the exclusive work domains of the sectoral bodies.

22. We commended the work of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on

Human Rights (AICHR) in the promotion and protection of human rights in

ASEAN over the past decade. In this regard, we expressed confidence that the

AICHR, as the overarching ASEAN human rights body, will continue to build on

the past achievements and experiences to enhance its institutional capacity and

procedures in promoting and protecting human rights in order to contribute to

ASEAN Community-building for the benefit of the peoples of ASEAN. We noted

with appreciation the AICHR’s efforts to broaden and deepen their thematic

areas of work in alignment with ASEAN’s cross-pillar, cross-sectoral areas,

including business and human rights, environment and human rights, and the

rights of persons with disabilities. We supported the AICHR’s effort in

developing a strategic plan to set out a vision for the AICHR over the next five

years and beyond in responding to a changing socio-economic landscape and

the emerging priorities of the region and its peoples. We also supported the ongoing efforts by the AMM to review the TOR of AICHR. We also encouraged

the AICHR to reinforce its commitment of working in partnership with ASEAN

bodies and entities, civil society organisations and private sector as a catalyst

to the promotion and protection of human rights in ASEAN, and to strengthen

its relevance as a knowledgeable and trusted partner in order to provide

advisory services and technical assistance on human rights upon the request

of ASEAN Sectoral Bodies.

23. We noted with appreciation the launching of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and

Reconciliation’s (ASEAN-IPR) first research study on the Lessons Learned

from a Process of Conflict Resolution between Government of the Republic of

Philippines (GRP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as Mediated

by Indonesia (1993-1996). We welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN

Women for Peace Registry (AWPR) as well as various initiatives and actions

on women’s role in peace processes, in line with the Joint Statement on

Promoting Women, Peace and Security in ASEAN, namely the convening of

the first regional symposium on Implementing Women, Peace and Security

Agenda in ASEAN, on 22-23 August 2019 in Phnom Penh, which aimed at

promoting the role of women in peace and reconciliation efforts and the

Regional Training on Women, Peace and Security held in Jakarta from 8-10

April 2019. We also noted with appreciation efforts to promote women

negotiators in the region. We also encouraged the ASEAN-IPR GC to continue

their ongoing discussions on the long-term financial sustainability of the

ASEAN-IPR in furtherance of the Institute’s work and objectives.

24. We noted with appreciation the organizing of the ARMAC’s International Day

for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2019 under the theme

“Raising Mine/Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) Awareness for Peace,

Stability and Resilience in ASEAN through Youth” on 3-4 April 2019 in Phnom

Penh. We commended the National Consultative Meetings for Mine Risk

Education Project, with the collaboration from the local stakeholders in

Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam and Thailand. We also welcomed

the ARMAC Regional Workshop on Gender Equality and Empowerment in the

ASEAN Mine/ERW on 21-22 October 2019 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

25. We noted the successful convening of the APSC Fact-Finding Mission (FFM)

to Timor-Leste from 3-5 September 2019, and encouraged the ASEAN

Economic Community (AEC) and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)

Pillar to expeditiously conduct their respective FFMs. We also noted TimorLeste’s strong political will to become a member of ASEAN and reaffirmed our

commitment to continue supporting Timor-Leste’s development through

capacity building assistance, at the bilateral and regional levels.

ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY

26. We were pleased to note that ASEAN, as a region, continued to register a

positive performance in output, trade and investment. The region’s economy

grew by 5.2 per cent in 2018, reaching a combined GDP of USD 3.0 trillion in

2018, to retain its position as the fifth largest economy in the world. We noted

ASEAN’s total merchandise trade reached USD 2.8 trillion in 2018, of which

23.0 per cent was intra-ASEAN; and ASEAN’s total services trade reached

USD 778.6 billion in 2018, of which 15.7 per cent was intra-ASEAN. On

investment, we noted that inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) to ASEAN

reached USD 154.7 billion in 2018, the highest to date, of which 15.9 per cent

was intra-ASEAN. We acknowledged, however, that global and regional growth

outlook for output, trade, and investment remained subdued given the

prolonged trade tensions and economic uncertainties. We expressed concern

on the developments relating to the trade tensions between our major trading

partners and reaffirm our strong commitment to upholding a transparent, open,

inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system as embodied in the World

Trade Organization (WTO). We recognised the urgency to ensure the

continued relevance of the WTO, through appropriate reforms to ensure that

the system is more inclusive, its functions - particularly its dispute settlement

mechanism - remain effective and are strengthened, to take into account the

changing realities of the global economic environment.

27. We welcomed the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic

Partnership (RCEP) negotiations and the commitment to sign the RCEP

Agreement in 2020. This will significantly contribute to an open, inclusive and

rules-based international trading system and expansion of value chains.

28. We welcomed efforts to upgrade ASEAN’s existing free trade agreements,

including, but not limited to, the full implementation of the ASEAN-China Free

Trade Area (ACFTA) Upgrading Protocol; further liberalisation of Sensitive

Track products under the ASEAN-Korea Trade in Goods Agreement; the Work

Plan for the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA)

Upgrade Negotiations; and the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods

Agreement to make this more user-friendly, simple and trade-facilitative for

businesses. We also expressed our appreciation to ASEAN’s FTA and

development partners for their continued support to ASEAN’s Communitybuilding efforts through the various economic cooperation programs that they

have established under the ASEAN Plus One FTAs. We welcomed, in

particular, the economic cooperation activities being organised by ASEAN’s

Dialogue Partners to prepare ASEAN for the challenges and opportunities

brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including to enhance the capacity

and readiness of ASEAN towards a digital economy.

29. We welcomed the progress in the implementation of the Priority Economic

Deliverables for Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship. On the strategic driver of

future orientation, recalling the Leaders’ recognition of the need for ASEAN to

be well-prepared and able to maximise the opportunities from 4IR, we issued

the ‘ASEAN Declaration on Industry Transformation to Industry 4.0,’ which,

among others, reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment to advance Industry 4.0 through

the development of an ASEAN consolidated strategy on the 4IR as well as

explores the possibility of establishing new mechanisms and open platforms to

support government, academia and industry to accelerate the ASEAN

transformation to Industry 4.0. We are pleased to note the adoption of the

‘ASEAN Digital Integration Framework Action Plan (DIFAP) 2019 – 2025’, the

‘Guidelines on Skilled Labour/Professional Services Development in Response

to 4IR’, the ‘ASEAN Declaration on Industrial Transformation to Industry 4.0’

and the ‘Policy Guideline on Digitalisation of ASEAN Micro Enterprises’ at the

51st AEM Meeting in September 2019; and the endorsement of the DIFAP

2019-2025’ and look forward to the adoption of the ‘ASEAN Innovation

Roadmap 2019-2025’ by the AEC Council. We welcomed the onboarding of

7 ASEAN Member States in the live-operation for the exchange of the ATIGA

e-form D via the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) and looked forward to the

participation of all ASEAN Member States in the ASW by this year. We

commended the launch of innovative financing facilities namely the Inclusive

Finance Facility and the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility (ACGF) under

the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund. The $1.3 billion ACGF, supported by green

development partners intends to catalyse private sector financing into green

infrastructure projects in ASEAN. We looked forward to the adoption of the

‘ASEAN Gastronomy Tourism Master Plan’ by the ASEAN Tourism Ministers in

2019 which will serve as non-mandatory guidelines for gastronomy best

practices in ASEAN Member States. We also noted the progress in the

development of the Guideline on ASEAN Local Currency Settlement

Cooperation Framework. On the strategic driver of sustainability for all, we

commended the endorsement of the Roadmap for ASEAN Sustainable Capital

Markets and the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between

the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and the National Science and Technology

Development Agency of Thailand on 5 September 2019 to support higher

utilisation of bioenergy, human resource capacity development and the work

towards the establishment of an ASEAN Research and Development Network

Center on Biofuels and Bioenergy in the region. We also welcomed the

commencement of a feasibility study on an ASEAN General Fisheries Policy

and the adoption of the Concept Proposal on the Establishment of the ASEAN

Network for Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing at

the 41st ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) Meeting.

30. We reaffirmed our commitment to make ASEAN a more connected and

integrated region, leveraging on the possibilities presented by the digital

economy and the interlinkages of global value chains. We looked forward to

more initiatives to address the Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) in the region through

the implementation of the principles in the Guidelines on Non-Tariff Measures

(NTMs). We looked forward to the signing of the Mutual Recognition

Arrangements (MRA) on Type Approval for Automotive Products (APMRA) and

welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Guidelines on Good Regulatory Practice

(GRP) for technical regulations, as well as the ASEAN Principles on

Harmonisation of Regulatory Regime. We commended the acceleration of

Patent Cooperation by nine ASEAN Member States to process artificial

intelligence (AI)-related inventions through the ASEAN Patent Examination Cooperation (ASPEC) Acceleration for Industry 4.0 Infrastructure and

Manufacturing (ASPEC-AIM) and the continued implementation of the ASEAN

Framework on Digital Data Governance. We recognised that technology is a

strategic enabler of financial inclusion and were pleased with the publication of

two Guidance Notes on Financial Education and Consumer Protection and the

Digital Financial Services which will serve as guidelines for the pursuit of

prospective activities to promote digital financial inclusion, financial education

with focus on digital financial literacy, and consumer protection in the region.

We welcomed the signing of the Protocol to Amend the Mutual Recognition

Arrangements for Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP), which would enable more

tourism professionals to be recognised under the MRA-TP, thus enhancing

mobility of certified tourism professionals across and beyond the ASEAN region

and increasing competitiveness in the tourism sector.

31. We noted the on-going work to promote sustainable economic development on

various fronts. We commended the continuing efforts to sustain regional power

integration and promote multilateral power trade in the ASEAN Power Grid

through the conclusion of the Feasibility Study on Multilateral Power Trade and

the ASEAN Renewable Integration Analysis Study on integrating renewable

energy into cross-border power trade, and looked forward to follow through the

recommendations in 2020. We were encouraged by the region surpassing its

energy intensity reduction target of 30 per cent by 2025, based on 2005 levels,

and welcomed intensified efforts to achieve ASEAN’s renewable energy

aspirational target of 23 per cent share of renewable energy in the region’s total

energy mix by 2025. We also committed to further strengthen our cooperation

to advance the fight against illegal wildlife trade, especially: (i) global and

regional wildlife trade policy, (ii) demand reduction, (iii) law enforcement, and

(iv) wildlife cybercrime.

32. We underscored the need to ensure that the AEC is inclusive and participatory

and delivers real benefits to the people. We commended public and private

sector efforts, culminating at the 2

nd ASEAN Inclusive Business Summit held

on 1 November 2019 in producing economic opportunities and improving Micro,

Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with new socio-economic

development paths. We noted the strong involvement of ASEAN Business

Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) and its Joint Business Council partners, and

called for more collaboration between medium and large enterprises with

governments to promote inclusive business through conducive rules and

regulations; enhance access to financial resources, education; and build

capacity for entrepreneurs and underprivileged communities. We supported the

ASEAN-BAC initiatives including the ASEAN Human Empowerment and

Development towards 4.0 (AHEAD 4.0), digital trade connectivity and the

ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network that will help prepare ASEAN

for the 4IR, as well as for the long-term future. We affirmed the importance of

strengthening outreach and communication to keep stakeholders informed and

updated on the progress of the initiatives and available opportunities in the

AEC. We welcomed the publication of the ASEAN Integration Report 2019,

which provides key updates on the implementation of the AEC Blueprint 2025.

We welcomed the endorsement of the concept note for the AEC Blueprint 2025

Mid-Term Review by the AEC Council, and looked forward to the completion of

the review, which will be undertaken by the ASEAN Secretariat from 2020 to

early 2021.

33. We noted the deep concern of some ASEAN Member States on issues relating

to unfair market access and treatment for palm oil. These will bring negative

impact on palm oil producing countries and their strenuous efforts to attain

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), palm oil sustainability and

environmental protection. We reaffirmed our support for the concerned Member

States’ efforts to address the sustainability of palm oil, including their continued

engagement with relevant parties.

ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY

34. We noted the endorsement of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 Results Framework

and its imminent operationalisation, including gathering baseline data and

training desk officers on Monitoring and Evaluation. We also noted that, as

mandated by ASCC Blueprint 2025, a Mid-Term Evaluation (MTE), covering

the period 2016-2020, will be conducted to monitor and evaluate the progress

of the ASCC Blueprint 2025. We noted encouraging efforts by the ASCC in

strengthening cross-sector and cross-pillar work, including through initiatives

such as the development of the ASEAN Development Outlook.

35. We reaffirmed our commitment to developing the human capital of our countries

and our region, as a critical element in driving competitiveness, prosperity and

resilience for a sustainable future, amidst challenges from rapid demographic,

environmental and technological transformations. To this end, we adopted the

Bangkok Declaration on Advancing Partnership in Education for 2030 Agenda

for Sustainable Development in ASEAN and noted the Regional Action Plan for

the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Education for

Out-of-School Children and Youth as a sign of our unwavering commitment to

create more and equal opportunities for inclusive quality education and lifelong

learning. We noted the progress of regional initiatives by our ASEAN Education

Ministers on higher education, student mobility, scholarships, technical and

vocational education and training (TVET), and engagement with industries and

other stakeholders. We welcomed the convening of the ASEAN High-Level

Meeting on Human Capital Development in Bangkok on 9 September 2019, coorganised with the World Bank and UNICEF, which was a follow-up to the Bali

ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering in 2018. We welcomed the progress made on

efforts to facilitate regional cooperation on TVET. Recognising the importance

of health for human capital development, we looked forward to regional

initiatives on whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches in

promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening health systems including

achieving universal health coverage. We are also pleased to note the progress

of initiatives by our ASEAN Labour Ministers, including the establishment of the

ASEAN informal employment statistics database to support evidence-based

policy development towards decent work promotion in ASEAN. Acknowledging

the importance of preparing a capable, effective and responsive civil service in

the digital era, we welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Statement on

Promotion of Good Governance and Acceleration of an Agile Civil Service in a

Digital Economy by the ASEAN Heads of Civil Service to promote good

governance among civil servants at all levels.

36. We reaffirmed our commitment to promoting inclusion and respect of rights,

especially of the elderly, women, children and persons with disabilities to

reinforce an ASEAN Community that leaves no one behind. We welcomed the

establishment of the ASEAN Training Centre for Social Work and Social

Welfare (ATCSW) and ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI)

and looked forward to fostering synergy between ACAI and relevant ASEAN

Sectoral Bodies on generating knowledge, innovation, support to active ageing

policies and the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Action Plan to

Implement the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: Empowering Older

Persons in ASEAN. We also reaffirmed our commitment to the implementation,

subject to each Member State’s reservations of the Convention of the Rights of

the Child (CRC), which all ASEAN Member States have ratified. The 30th

anniversary of implementing the CRC heralds new opportunities and

challenges for our region in ensuring that the rights and welfare of every child

in ASEAN is recognised, respected, protected, and promoted. We adopted the

Declaration on the Protection of Children from All Forms of Online Exploitation

and Abuse in ASEAN. We also noted the progress of implementation of the

ASEAN Enabling Master Plan 2025: Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and commended the convening of the Public-Private-People

Conference on ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025 held in Singapore. We

support the vision of the ASEAN Confederation of Women’s Organisations

(ACWO) to leverage on its network to bridge the advantages of smart

technologies for women, to enhance the quality of women’s lives in ageing and

to empower women in the economy.

37. We noted the briefing by Myanmar on the situation in Rakhine State. We

reaffirmed our support for a more visible and enhanced role of ASEAN to

support Myanmar in providing humanitarian assistance, facilitating the

repatriation process, and promoting sustainable development in Rakhine State.

We welcomed the opportunity to communicate ASEAN’s efforts to facilitate the

repatriation process with the displaced persons in Cox’s Bazar. We appreciated

the efforts of the Secretary-General of ASEAN in leading the implementation of

the recommendations of the ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment

Team (ERAT) Preliminary Needs Assessment (PNA) to facilitate the

repatriation of displaced persons in Rakhine State. We welcomed the outcomes

of the 2nd Technical Working Group Meeting held on 29 October 2019 in Nay

Pyi Taw, and the identification at that Meeting of prioritised projects to

implement the recommendations of the PNA on enhancing capacity of

Reception and Transit Centres, strengthening of information dissemination and

support to the provision of basic services in Rakhine State as the first step and

looked forward to their implementation. We supported the proposal of the

Secretary-General of ASEAN to establish an Ad-Hoc Support Team of the

ASEAN Secretariat to focus on implementing the recommendations of the PNA.

We noted the preparation and looked forward to the conduct of the

Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA). We also underscored the

importance of exploring possible areas of cooperation with our Dialogue

Partners in supporting ASEAN activities, including the prioritised projects in

Rakhine State to facilitate the repatriation process.

38. We encouraged the continued and effective dialogue between Myanmar and

Bangladesh to facilitate the repatriation process of displaced persons from

Rakhine State. We recalled the Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons

from Rakhine State between the Government of Myanmar and the Government

of Bangladesh signed in 2017 and looked forward to the voluntary return of

displaced persons in a safe, secure and dignified manner. We support the

implementation of the three points reached at the Informal Foreign Ministers’

Meeting among Myanmar, Bangladesh, and China on 23 September 2019 in

New York to facilitate the implementation of the bilateral agreements between

Myanmar and Bangladesh on repatriation. We reiterated the need to find a

comprehensive and durable solution to address the root causes of the conflict

and to create a conducive environment so that the affected communities can

rebuild their lives. We encouraged Myanmar to continue to implement the

remaining recommendations of the final report of the Advisory Commission on

Rakhine State. We expect that the Independent Commission of Enquiry

established by the Government of Myanmar would seek accountability by

carrying out an independent and impartial investigation into alleged human

rights violations and related issues. We also reaffirmed ASEAN’s continued

support for Myanmar’s efforts to bring peace, stability, the rule of law, to

promote harmony and reconciliation among the various communities as well as

to ensure sustainable and equitable development in Rakhine State.

39. We welcomed the progress made in enhancing environmental protection and

cooperation, particularly on climate change, marine debris, and transboundary

haze pollution. We reiterated our commitment to implementing our obligations

under the Paris Agreement, taking effective climate change mitigation and

adaptation measures, strengthening science-policy interface, and adopting an

intergenerational people-oriented and people-centred approach to climate

action. To underscore our commitments to the United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), we delivered the ASEAN Joint

Statement at the UN Climate Action Summit on 23 September 2019 in New

York and we adopted the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change to the

25th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP25) in

Spain. Recognising the urgent need for strong regional collaboration among

ASEAN Member States and with partners to effectively address marine debris

pollution, we looked forward to the expeditious implementation of the Bangkok

Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in ASEAN Region and the ASEAN

Framework of Action on Marine Debris. We expressed concern over the recent

dry season and transboundary haze pollution affecting various ASEAN

countries this year. We reaffirmed our strong commitment to the ASEAN

Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and the Roadmap on ASEAN

Cooperation towards Transboundary Haze Pollution Control with Means of

Implementation towards a haze-free ASEAN by 2020. While we noted with

appreciation the various initiatives and actions undertaken by ASEAN Member

States and the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre, as well as the

continuous efforts in strengthening national capabilities and regional

cooperation in assessment, prevention, mitigation and management of land

and/or forest fires and the resulting haze, we urged ASEAN Member States to

step up preventive measures and immediate fire suppression procedures to

mitigate land and forest fires and to minimise the occurrence of transboundary

haze during periods of dry weather. We noted the progress towards the

finalisation of the Establishment Agreement and Host Country Agreement of

the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control

(ACC THPC) in Indonesia.

40. We welcomed the signing of the MOU between ASEAN and the Fédération

Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) that would support football

cooperation and complement efforts in ASEAN’s joint bid to host the FIFA World

Cup 2034.

41. We noted the cultural events held in ASEAN and the ‘ASEAN Cultural Troupe:

Oneness to the World’ performances in Europe and the Republic of Korea

(ROK) as part of the celebrations of the ASEAN Cultural Year 2019. We looked

forward to the tour of cultural troupes and exhibitions in China and Japan to

further bring ASEAN cultures to wider audiences. To further promote the culture

of peace and intercultural understanding in strengthening regional identity, we

commended efforts and progress under Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN

Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) and Senior Officials

Meeting on Culture and Arts (SOMCA) 2018-2020 to establish “the Narrative of

ASEAN Identity” and invite dialogue partners to support this initiative. We also

supported the designation of 2020 as the Year of ASEAN Identity.

42. We acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the ASEAN Foundation to partner with

the private sector to prepare for ASEAN youth to be future-ready by addressing

their digital skills development through initiatives like the ASEAN Digital

Innovation Programme and ASEAN Data Science Explorer and by promoting

volunteerism through the eMpowering Youth across ASEAN programme to

strengthen community bonds. We recognised that the ASEAN Foundation

Model ASEAN Meeting continues to strengthen youth involvement and

participation by developing their leadership and soft-skills. We appreciated the

effort of the ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship to generate innovative

solutions to tackle socio-economic challenges and the effort of the ASEAN

Farmers’ Organisations Support Programme to develop the ASEAN Roadmap

for Enhancing the Role of Agricultural Cooperative in the Global Value Chain.

We looked forward to the convening of the inaugural meeting of the Network of

ASEAN Associations of ASEAN Member States in Thailand in December 2019.

43. We underscored that it is crucial for ASEAN to have in place a productive and

efficient mechanism in coordinating cross-sectoral and cross-pillar issues

across the three ASEAN Community Pillars. Recalling the recommendations of

the High Level Task Force (HLTF) on Strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat

and Reviewing the ASEAN Organs which were adopted in 2014, we

commended the work of the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) and the

ASEAN Community Councils, with the support of the Committee of Permanent

Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), relevant Senior Officials and the ASEAN

Secretariat, in addressing the recommendation lines. In line with the efforts to

strengthen the ASEAN Secretariat, we welcomed the new ASEAN Secretariat

building inaugurated by the President of Indonesia and the Foreign Ministers of

ASEAN Member States and their representatives on 8 August 2019, and

encouraged more ASEAN meetings to be convened at the new building to

underline ASEAN centrality and unity. We encouraged all relevant stakeholders

to continue efforts in improving cross-sectoral and cross-pillar issues

coordination, strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat and ensuring the

effectiveness of ASEAN’s mechanisms towards realising the ASEAN

Community Vision 2025.

ASEAN EXTERNAL RELATIONS

44. We were pleased with the progress of ASEAN’s relations with Dialogue

Partners as reported in the Progress of Implementation of Plans of Action

(POA) and agreed to further enhance and strengthen our partnerships by

working on successor POAs to continue efforts towards the realisation of the

ASEAN Community Vision 2025. We underscored the importance of advancing

our partnership with Dialogue Partners, Sectoral Dialogue Partners,

Development Partners, Regional and International Organisations, and other

external parties through relevant frameworks and the implementation of various

plans of action of cooperation. We welcomed the continuous support of our

Dialogue Partners to ASEAN Community-building efforts as demonstrated by a

notable increase in their technical assistance and financial contribution to

multiple regional cooperation programmes and projects. We looked forward to

the 22nd ASEAN-China Summit, the 22nd ASEAN-Japan Summit, the 16th

ASEAN-India Summit, the 7th ASEAN-U.S. Summit, and the 10th ASEAN-UN

Summit on 3-4 November 2019 as well as the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative

Summit to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue

Relations. We also looked forward to the ASEAN-New Zealand Leaders’

Summit following the conclusion of the 36th ASEAN Summit in Danang in April 2020.

45. We were pleased to note the growing interest from countries and regional

organisations to engage and develop stronger cooperation with ASEAN and

welcomed Chile becoming a Development Partner of ASEAN. We noted the

role of the CPR in promoting ASEAN external relations including with the 93

Ambassadors of non-ASEAN Member States accredited to ASEAN. We also

welcomed the role of the ASEAN Committees in Third Countries and

International Organisations to promote ASEAN’s interest and to forge

partnerships in the respective host countries and international organisations.

We further highlighted the importance of ASEAN’s partnerships with external

partners as well as international and regional organisations to address global

issues and to promote sustainable development for the benefit of our people.

In this connection, we looked forward to a fruitful exchange of views on

sustainable development with our external partners and relevant international

organisations at the Special Lunch on Sustainable Development on 4

November 2019.

46. We reaffirmed the importance of the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) cooperation

framework in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the East Asian region.

We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen and deepen functional

cooperation under the APT process which plays a key role in regional

community building in East Asia, with ASEAN as the driving force. We agreed

to further enhance APT cooperation in wide ranging areas by implementing the

APT Cooperation Work Plan 2018-2022. We also looked forward to the

continued implementation of the East Asian Vision Group II recommendations

aimed at promoting East Asian cooperation.

47. We reaffirmed the importance of the East Asia Summit (EAS) as a Leaders-led

forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political, and economics issues of

common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and

economic prosperity in the region. We agreed to further strengthen EAS

cooperation by implementing the Manila Plan of Action to Advance the Phnom

Penh Declaration on the EAS Development Initiatives (2018-2022). We

welcomed the continued discussion and efforts to strengthen the EAS, in line

with the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the 10th Anniversary of the EAS

and based on the established objectives, principles and modalities of the EAS.

We noted the importance of the EAS Ambassadors in Jakarta in discussing the

implementation of Leaders’ decisions as well as exchanging information on

regional development cooperation initiatives and security policies and

initiatives, as provided in the KL Declaration. We encouraged enhancing

synergy between the EAS and other ASEAN-led mechanisms, and noted the

need to strengthen EAS cooperation in response to emerging issues and

challenges that affect peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

48. We emphasised the significance of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as the

primary platform to promote peace, security and stability in the region through

constructive dialogues and consultations among the ARF Participants. In this

connection, we welcomed the outcomes of the 26th ARF held in Bangkok on 2

August 2019 and the adoption of the ARF Statement on Aviation Partnership:

Soaring Ahead Together, ARF Statement on Preventing and Countering

Terrorism and Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism (VECT), Joint

Statement on Promoting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and the ARF

Work Plan on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime 2019-2021, which

reaffirmed ARF’s commitment in addressing the increasingly complex

challenges amidst the evolving regional landscape. Noting the continued efforts

to strengthen confidence-building measures and promoting preventive

diplomacy, we encouraged ARF Participants to further undertake preventive

diplomacy activities in accordance with the ARF Work Plan on Preventive

Diplomacy. As the current ARF Vision Statement and the Hanoi Plan of Action

to Implement the ARF Vision Statement will expire in 2020, we welcomed

further efforts from all ARF Participants, especially the ASEAN Member States,

to enhance the efficiency of the ARF process, procedures and working

methods, with a view to emphasise, strengthen and enhance ASEAN centrality.

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENTS

49. We reaffirmed our commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security

and stability in the region, as well as to promoting dialogue and cooperation,

upholding international law and adhering to rules and standards that govern

relations among states. We underscored the importance of ASEAN centrality,

unity and leadership in the evolving regional architecture. We reaffirmed the

need to reinforce an ASEAN-centred regional architecture that is open,

transparent, inclusive and rules-based. We encouraged external partners to

work with ASEAN in promoting the principles as contained in the ASEAN

Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and to undertake cooperation with ASEAN on the

four key areas of cooperation, namely maritime cooperation, connectivity,

sustainable development and economic cooperation, in order to realise practical

projects. In this regard, we noted with appreciation Indonesia’s initiative to convene

the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Infrastructure and Connectivity Forum in 2020. We shared

the view that all initiatives on the Indo-Pacific should advance ASEAN centrality

and build upon ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN Plus One, APT,

EAS, ARF, and ADMM-Plus.

50. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security,

stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South

China Sea and recognised the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea

of peace, stability and prosperity. We also reaffirmed the importance of the full

and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties

in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety. We warmly welcomed the

continued improvement in cooperation between ASEAN and China and were

encouraged by the progress of the substantive negotiations towards the early

conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China

Sea (COC) within a mutually-agreed timeline. We welcomed the completion of

the first reading of the Single Draft COC Negotiating Text in July 2019. We

emphasised the need to maintain an environment conducive to the COC

negotiations, and thus welcomed practical measures that could reduce tensions

and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings and miscalculation. We stressed

the importance of undertaking confidence building and preventive measures to

enhance, among others, trust and confidence amongst parties.

51. We discussed the matters relating to the South China Sea and took note of

some concerns on the land reclamations and activities in the area, which have

eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace,

security and stability in the region. We reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual

trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and

avoid actions that may further complicate the situation and pursue peaceful

resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982

UNCLOS. We emphasised the importance of non-militarisation and selfrestraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states,

including those mentioned in the DOC that could further complicate the situation

and escalate tensions in the South China Sea.

52. We stressed the importance of continued peaceful dialogue amongst all concerned parties in order to realise lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised Korean Peninsula by all concerned parties. We urged all concerned parties to resume peaceful dialogue and continue working towards

the realisation of lasting peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula, including through the full and expeditious implementation of the Panmunjom Declaration, the Pyongyang Joint Declaration and the Joint Statement by the U.S. and DPRK Leaders. We welcomed the recent meeting between the leaders of the U.S. and the DPRK at the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), as well as the resumption

of the working level negotiation between both sides in Stockholm. We reiterated

our commitment to the full implementation of all relevant United Nations

Security Council Resolutions and noted international efforts to bring about the

complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

We also underscored the importance of ASEAN-led platforms such as the ARF

in promoting a conducive atmosphere to peaceful dialogue amongst the concerned parties.

***

News

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bangkok today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bangkok on Saturday for a three-day visit to Thailand.

2. The cabinet has approved a two-day holiday for all government offices in Bangkok and Nonthaburi province during the Asean summit and other meetings to be held at Impact Muang Thong Thani early next month.

3. 

Videos related to the 35th summit in BKK

1. 

Sources:

PM Modi to attend ASEAN summit in Bangkok today. (November 2nd, 2019).

Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pm-modi-to-attend-asean-summit-in-bangkok-today/articleshow/71873508.cms

The ASEAN Charter (3 November 2019) Retrieved from 2019). https://asean.org/storage/images/archive/publications/ASEAN-Charter.pdf

Chairman's Staement of the 35th ASEAN Summit Retrieved from https://asean.org/storage/2019/11/Chairs-Statement-of-the-35th-ASEAN-Summit-FINAL.pdf

ASEAN Coordinating Council (3 November 2019). 

Retrieved from https://asean.org/asean/asean-structure/asean-coordinating-council/

The Bangkok Post (15 October 2019). Two-day govt holiday for Asean summit.

Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1772634/two-day-govt-holiday-for-asean-summit

ASEAN-Thailand Secretariat, 35th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits (3 November 2019). Retrieved from 

https://www.asean2019.go.th/en/meeting/35th-asean-summit-and-related-summits/