MFA Press Statement: Singapore's Ratification of the ASEAN Charter

Singapore deposited its instrument of ratification of the ASEAN Charter on 7 January 2008. The instrument signed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was transmitted to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, by Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo. Attached are the instrument of ratification and Minister Yeo's letter.

Singapore is the first ASEAN country to ratify the Charter following its signing at the 13th ASEAN Summit on 20 November 2007. All ASEAN countries are committed to try to bring the Charter into force by the time of the next ASEAN Summit in Thailand.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
7 JANUARY 2008

TEXT OF INSTRUMENT OF RATIFICATION OF THE ASEAN CHARTER

WHEREAS the Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ("the ASEAN Charter") was signed at Singapore on 20 November 2007,

AND WHEREAS the ASEAN Charter was signed on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore on that date,

AND WHEREAS Paragraph 2 of Article 47 of the ASEAN Charter provides that it shall be subject to ratification by all ASEAN Member States in accordance with their respective internal procedures,

NOW THEREFORE I, Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, declare that the Government of the Republic of Singapore, having considered the above mentioned Charter, ratifies the same and undertakes faithfully to perform and carry out the stipulations therein contained.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this instrument of ratification at Singapore on 18 December 2007.

LEE HSIEN LOONG
PRIME MINISTER
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE

TEXT OF PRIME MINISTER LEE HSIEN LOONG'S LETTER TO ASEAN HEADS OF STATE/GOVERNMENT INFORMING THEM OF SINGAPORE'S DEPOSITION OF THE INSTRUMENT OF RATIFICATION

7 January 2008

I am pleased to inform you that Singapore has deposited its instrument of ratification of the ASEAN Charter with the Secretary General of ASEAN.

ASEAN has taken a bold step at its 40th anniversary with the signing of the ASEAN Charter. It is important for ASEAN's credibility that we see through the ratification of the Charter by the time we next meet in Thailand. This will send a strong signal to the international community that we are serious in our commitment to ASEAN.

I am confident that under your leadership, ASEAN will take this important step of transforming itself into a more effective regional grouping that will benefit this and future generations.

Yours Sincerely

LEE HSIEN LOONG

TEXT OF MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS GEORGE YEO'S LETTER TO ASEC ON SINGAPORE'S INSTRUMENT OF RATIFICATION

2 January 2008

Dr Surin Pitsuwan
Secretary-General of ASEAN
ASEAN Secretariat
Jakarta

At their recent summit in Singapore, ASEAN Leaders endorsed the ASEAN Charter and agreed to expedite its ratification . I am therefore pleased to enclose Singapore's instrument of ratification . As the first ASEAN country to ratify the Charter, Singapore hopes to pave the way for its implementation.

The Charter is a crucial milestone in ASEAN's history. Early ratification by ASEAN countries will send a strong signal to the international community of ASEAN's seriousness to bring the Charter into effect. Apart from ratification at the national level, we should proceed with the transitional arrangements needed to implement the Charter. It is crucial that we maintain the momentum in taking ASEAN into its next phase of development .

GEORGE YEO

cc All ASEAN Foreign Ministers