Chairman's Statement of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Sessions with the Dialogue Partners

4 AUGUST 2018

Click here [PDF, 242 KB] to download the Chairman's Statement of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Sessions with the Dialogue Partners.

1. The ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+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 Singapore from 2 to 3 August 2018.

2. ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners reviewed their cooperation over the past year and discussed avenues to strengthen cooperation, including the implementation of their respective Plans of Action.

3. The Ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern, including the situation in the Korean Peninsula, recent developments in the South China Sea (SCS), trade, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and transboundary challenges such as terrorism and cyber threats. The Ministers reaffirmed the positive advances brought about in the inter-Korean Summits and the US-DPRK Summit. They agreed on the importance of international efforts to achieve the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, the fulfilment of relevant UN obligations, and the establishment of lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Ministers further agreed to continue cooperation on counter-terrorism, including the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2396; and on cybersecurity. The Ministers discussed the importance of promoting a rules-based order in the region, including through upholding international law such as the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the SCS. They 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. They also emphasised the importance of non-militarisation and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states.

4. The Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintain and promote peace, security and stability in the region, as well as to promote the habit of dialogue and cooperation, uphold international law and adhere to rules and standards that govern relations among states. They underscored the importance of ASEAN Centrality, unity and leadership in the evolving regional architecture. In light of recent initiatives, they reaffirmed the need to reinforce an ASEAN-centric regional architecture that is open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based. They agreed that any initiatives should build upon 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).

5. The Ministers of the Dialogue Partners expressed support for Singapore’s Chairmanship themes of resilience and innovation, and welcomed the positive outcomes of the 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore on 28 April 2018. They noted the adoption of the ASEAN Leaders' Vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN, which articulated ASEAN’s strategic position and intent amidst a shifting geopolitical and economic landscape. They welcomed ASEAN’s establishment of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN), with 26 ASCN pilot cities. They expressed interest in stepping up their support for smart cities development in Southeast Asia, especially through project partnerships, and noted the positive outcomes of the inaugural ASCN meeting on 8 July 2018. They looked forward to further conversations with the ASCN cities, with a view to announcing an initial list of partnerships by the 33rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in November 2018.

6. The Ministers reaffirmed ASEAN’s ongoing Community-building efforts and the realisation of the goals enshrined in the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan III.

7. The Ministers underscored their commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system amidst the escalation of global trade tensions, including the trend of protectionism and anti-globalisation. The Ministers of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Participating Countries noted the progress made to date and encouraged all Parties to intensify efforts to resolve outstanding issues and bring the RCEP negotiations to a conclusion expeditiously.

Australia

8. The ASEAN-Australia Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. U Kyaw Tin, Union Minister for International Cooperation of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and the Honourable Julie Bishop, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia.

9. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Sydney from 17 to 18 March 2018, themed, “Enhancing Regional Security and Prosperity”, and the adoption of the Sydney Declaration. The landmark Summit further strengthened the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Partnership. The Meeting looked forward to the implementation of the 15 new cooperation initiatives announced at the Special Summit, and noted with satisfaction the progress achieved in implementing the ASEAN-Australia Plan of Action (2015-2019) to implement the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Partnership. The Meeting committed to work closely to implement the outcomes of the Special Summit in order to shape a secure and prosperous region.

10. The Meeting welcomed Australia’s support for a strong and united ASEAN, and noted Australia’s commitment to ASEAN’s role at the centre of an open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The Meeting reaffirmed its desire to continue to strengthen the EAS, and for ASEAN to work with Australia through ASEAN-centric architecture to discuss security challenges in the region. The Meeting acknowledged the importance of ASEAN and Australia working to strengthen the rules-based order and guarantee the rights of all states, including through engagement on issues such as cybersecurity and maritime security.

11. The Meeting agreed to deepen political-security cooperation including on traditional and non-traditional security issues. The Meeting reiterated its commitment to enhance cooperation to counter terrorism and violent extremism in the region through the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between ASEAN and the Government of Australia on Cooperation to Counter International Terrorism signed on 17 March 2018, and the package of supporting initiatives that give effect to the ASEAN- Australia Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism on 7 September 2016 at the 1st ASEAN-Australia Biennial Summit. The Meeting welcomed the convening of the ASEAN-Australia Counter-T errorism Conference, which discussed measures to address terrorism and violent extremism in the region, at the margins of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.

12. The Meeting expressed its appreciation for Australia’s ongoing efforts to promote safe and legal migration, and prevent exploitation of migrant workers in the region. The Meeting welcomed Australia’s ongoing commitment to combat trafficking in persons, through the AUD 80 million ASEAN-Australia Counter-Trafficking investment, building on 15 years of partnership, including under the Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons (AAPTIP). The Meeting noted Thailand’s proposal to co-host an ASEAN-Australia workshop on ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP) capacity building for ASEAN Member States.

13. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the ASEAN-Australia Business Summit at the margins of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit to deepen economic ties between ASEAN and Australia, as well as the Leaders’ announcement of the ASEAN-Australia Digital Trade Standards Cooperation Initiative at the ASEAN- Australia Special Summit. The Meeting welcomed the Stage One Report of the General Review of the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and looked forward to finalising the recommendations from Stage Two of the General Review. The Meeting expressed its appreciation to Australia for extending the AANZFTA Economic Cooperation Support Programme (AECSP) until 31 December 2021, which will further contribute to ASEAN’s goal of deepening regional economic integration under the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025. The Meeting also acknowledged the significant contribution of the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program Phase II (AADCP II) in supporting ASEAN’s efforts to deepen economic integration, including the effective implementation of MPAC 2025 and IAI Work Plan III. The Meeting acknowledged the contribution of Special Summit initiatives such as the ASEAN-Australia Smart Cities and ASEAN-Australia Infrastructure Cooperation initiative, towards principles-based and sustainable infrastructure development in the region. The Meeting looked forward to furthering cooperation between ASEAN and Australia on the digital economy, digital standards, cybersecurity and smart cities development to boost innovation and economic development. The Meeting looked forward to the first ASEAN-Australia Cyber Dialogue at the margins of the Singapore International Cyber Week in September 2018.

14. The Meeting appreciated the expansion of the New Colombo Plan to all ASEAN Member States, an initiative to deepen Australia's relationship with the region, and welcomed new education initiatives announced by Australia at the Special Summit, including the Australia Awards-ASEAN Scholarships, ASEAN-Australia Infrastructure Skills Dialogue and a New Colombo Plan ASEAN Fellow. The Meeting looked forward to the continuation of such programmes for the further strengthening of the ASEAN- Australia partnership. The Meeting took note of several programmes under the Australia-ASEAN Council (AAC) such as the BRIDGE School Partnerships Program and the Australia-ASEAN Emerging Leaders’ Program in intensifying business and education linkages between ASEAN and Australia. The Meeting took note of opportunities to explore further cooperation on women’s empowerment, and youth, arts, sports and cultural exchanges.

15. The Meeting welcomed new mechanisms for ASEAN-Australia dialogue and expanding cooperation on human rights, disaster management, health security, disability inclusion, gender equality and promoting sustainable development.

16. The Meeting looked forward to developing a new Plan of Action after the completion of the current Plan of Action (2015-2019), taking into consideration the decisions and outcomes of the Special Summit to further expand and deepen the Strategic Partnership. The Meeting tasked the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) to start negotiating the new Plan of Action with the Australian Ambassador to ASEAN in Jakarta in 2019.

17. The Meeting thanked Myanmar as the outgoing Country Coordinator and welcomed Malaysia as the incoming Country Coordinator.

Canada

18. The ASEAN-Canada Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Alan Peter Cayetano, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, and the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.

19. The Meeting welcomed the convening in November 2017 of the Commemorative Summit on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations, marking the first ever ASEAN-Canada Leaders’ meeting. The Meeting emphasised the commitment of all parties to build on this momentum to realise the potential of ASEAN and Canada as partners for peace, security, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia and beyond. The Meeting also noted with satisfaction the progress achieved in implementing the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration of ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2016-2020).

20. The Meeting appreciated Canada’s ongoing financial contribution to 30 projects worth over CAD 94 million in support of all three ASEAN Community pillars. The Meeting encouraged both sides to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the areas of transnational crime, counter-terrorism, trade, connectivity, innovation, environment and climate change, green energy, disaster risk reduction, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and people-to-people exchanges through areas such as cultural exchanges, education and tourism, youth and women empowerment, including women peacekeepers. The Meeting appreciated Canada’s support for countering transnational crime and terrorism through the new capacity building program to reinforce ASEAN Counter-Terrorism Capacity and Expertise (Project Trace), complemented by the Manila Declaration to Counter the Rise of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism. The Meeting also noted Canada’s new CAD 2.9 million project to address transnational organised crime and migrant smuggling, with a special focus on building capacity to address the needs of women and girls. Working with UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), UN Women and ASEAN member states, the project will increase women’s participation in border management and strengthen capacity to respond to the needs of women and girls in the context of crime and migrant smuggling.

21. On education in particular, the Meeting welcomed the successful recruitment of the first group of Southeast Asian students under Canada’s flagship CAD 10 million ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme. The Meeting noted that the initiative provided opportunities for Southeast Asian youth and mid-career professionals, particularly women, to undertake short-term studies in Canada that will help equip them with the critical knowledge and skills to contribute to poverty reduction efforts in the region. Both sides committed to realising the potential for this scholarship to significantly increase people-to-people linkages between ASEAN and Canada.

22. The Meeting reaffirmed ASEAN’s and Canada’s shared commitment to preserving and promoting the rules-based international order to the benefit of all their citizens. The Meeting underscored free and open trade as an important pillar of the ASEAN-Canada partnership, and emphasised the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system. The Meeting commended the progress made in advancing exploratory discussions and the finalisation of the joint Feasibility Study towards a potential ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement. The Meeting also commended the progress towards the implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Joint Declaration on Trade and Investment, including the convening of the second annual ASEAN-Canada Trade Policy Dialogue in 2018.

23. The Meeting noted Canada’s desire to elevate ASEAN-Canada relations and expand its engagement with ASEAN-led mechanisms including by joining the EAS and ADMM- Plus at the appropriate time.

24. The Meeting thanked the Philippines as the outgoing Country Coordinator and welcomed Myanmar as the incoming Country Coordinator.

China

25. The ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, and H.E. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

26. The Meeting welcomed the commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of the ASEAN- China Strategic Partnership in 2018. The Meeting endorsed the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 statement, which will chart the future direction of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership, and looked forward to the adoption of the statement by the Leaders at the 21st ASEAN-China Summit in November 2018. The Meeting also welcomed the activities held by ASEAN and China to commemorate the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation 2018, and welcomed continued progress on China’s proposed ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Science, Technology and Innovation, to be issued at the 21st ASEAN-China Summit in November 2018. The Meeting noted that ASEAN Member States and China had agreed on a Single Draft Code of Conduct in the SCS (COC) Negotiating Text at the 15th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the SCS in Changsha, China on 27 June 2018, and encouraged further progress towards an effective COC. The Meeting welcomed the conduct of the ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise in 2018 to enhance confidence and trust amongst the ASEAN and Chinese navies.

27. The Meeting reiterated its commitment to sustaining the momentum for global and regional economic liberalisation through, among others, consolidating the multilateral trading system and enhancing regional economic integration frameworks. The Meeting agreed to further promote trade, investment, and tourism flows. This includes the full implementation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and the Protocol to Amend the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Certain Agreements thereunder between ASEAN and China, such as the advancement of the Future Work Programme in the ACFTA Upgrade Protocol for mutually beneficial economic cooperation. These efforts will support the joint target of two-way trade of USD 1 trillion, and USD 150 billion in investments, by 2020. The Meeting also looked forward to continued ASEAN-China cooperation in the digital economy and e- commerce, to further develop MSMEs in the region.

28. The Meeting looked forward to working towards the full liberalisation of the ASEAN- China Air Transport Agreement (AC-ATA), which will further enhance regional connectivity. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to enhance synergies between MPAC 2025 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

29. The Meeting looked forward to closer people-to-people exchanges to promote mutual trust and understanding. The Meeting also welcomed the designation of 2019 as the ASEAN-China Year of Media Exchanges. The Meeting welcomed China’s initiative to establish an ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund (ACCF) Project Management Team as a deliverable of the 21st ASEAN-China Summit in November 2018.

30. The Meeting welcomed China’s commitment to support and assist ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing the development gap among ASEAN Member States, including through the implementation of the IAI Work Plan III as well as strengthening cooperation under relevant frameworks and cooperation mechanisms.

31. The Meeting thanked Singapore as the outgoing Country Coordinator and welcomed the Philippines as the incoming Country Coordinator.

European Union

32. The ASEAN-European Union (EU) Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, and H.E. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

33. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the Commemorative Summit to mark the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations and the participation of the President of the European Council Donald Tusk as Guest of the Chair at the lunch hosted by the ASEAN Chair in honour of EAS Heads of State/Government and Guests of the Chair in November 2017 in Manila, which reaffirmed both sides’ continued commitment to further strengthen Dialogue Relations for mutual benefit.

34. The Meeting welcomed the growing dialogue and engagement between ASEAN and the EU, and the interest of the EU in furthering engagement with the region through all ASEAN-led processes. The Meeting noted the importance of working towards a strategic partnership between ASEAN and the EU, and looked forward to discussing this objective at the ASEAN-EU Leaders' Meeting at the margins of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit and at the 22nd ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels.

35. The Meeting noted the progress of the implementation of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action (2018-2022) adopted at the PMC+1 with the EU in August 2017. The Meeting underscored the commitment of ASEAN and the EU to regional integration and cooperation to promote multilateralism, a free and fair global trade environment and a rules-based international order.

36. The Meeting was encouraged by the strong trade and investment ties between ASEAN and the EU, including the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN-EU Trade and Investment Work Programme for 2017-2018, and noted both sides’ commitment to developing parameters for the future ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement.

37. The Meeting noted the progress made by both sides to strengthen cooperation on civil aviation and enhance air connectivity between and beyond ASEAN and the EU. In this regard, the Meeting looked forward to the conclusion of an ambitious ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (CATA).

38. The Meeting discussed some concerns related to palm oil and shared the commitment to cooperate in addressing the issue in a fair and comprehensive manner.

39.   The Meeting appreciated the EU’s continued support and contribution towards ASEAN regional integration through various development cooperation programmes across the three ASEAN Community pillars. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU (ARISE) Plus, supporting ASEAN economic and trade connectivity, and the Enhanced Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (E-READI) which were launched at the first ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Sustainable Development in November 2017 in Bangkok.

40.    The Meeting welcomed the EU’s continued engagement with ASEAN in the areas of disaster management and emergency response, especially in capacity building for officers through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre), and in priority areas of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme 2016 – 2020.

41.    The Meeting noted several joint and individual programmes and activities carried out to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations for the mutual benefit of our peoples including the EU-ASEAN Run in May 2017 in Jakarta, ASEAN- EU Youth Camp for Sustainable Development in August 2017 in Bangkok, and the EU- ASEAN Young Leaders Forum and Strategic Thinkers Forum in February 2018 in Brussels.

42.     The Meeting thanked Thailand as the outgoing Country Coordinator and welcomed Singapore as the incoming Country Coordinator.

India

43. The ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, and H.E. Gen. V.K. Singh (Ret’d), Minister of State for External Affairs of India.

44. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi on 25 January 2018 with the theme “Shared Values, Common Destiny” and the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, which reaffirmed its shared commitment to further strengthen the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership. The Meeting welcomed India’s reaffirmation of its strong support for ASEAN Centrality, and took note of India’s Indo-Pacific concept.

45. The Meeting welcomed India's proposal to further strengthen ASEAN-India cooperation in the maritime domain including in areas such as maritime connectivity, and advancing regional understanding and support of the blue economy, including efforts to combat marine plastic debris. The Meeting also noted the efforts by Viet Nam and India in co- hosting and co-chairing the 2nd Workshop on Blue Economy in New Delhi on 18 July 2018.

46. The Meeting also welcomed the successful meeting of the 4th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting of Agriculture And Forestry in New Delhi on 12 January 2018 that expressed support for the prioritisation of joint collaborative projects in the areas of: agroforestry interventions for livelihood opportunities; demonstration and exchange of farm implement and machinery; and genetic improvement of parental lines and development of heterotic rice hybrids; and also noted the endorsement of the Medium Term Plan of Action for ASEAN-India Cooperation in Agriculture and Forestry for 2016–2020 by the SOM AMAF and India.

47. The Meeting valued India’s commitment to support ASEAN Connectivity. In this regard, the Meeting noted the successful convening of the first-ever ASEAN-India Connectivity Summit in December 2017. The Meeting also noted the ongoing efforts to complete the India-Thailand-Myanmar Trilateral Highway and utilise the USD 1 billion credit line for digital and infrastructure connectivity projects. The Meeting looked forward to the expeditious conclusion of the ASEAN-India Air Transport Agreement and the ASEAN-India Maritime Transport Agreement, in accordance with the decision of the ASEAN Transport Ministers on this matter. The Meeting also looked forward to the establishment of air transport cooperation on technical, economic, and regulatory matters between ASEAN and India.

48. The Meeting underlined the importance of further enhancing people-to-people cooperation including through education, youth exchanges and conducting cultural events to further ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations. The Meeting looked forward to better engagement on programs designated for women. The Meeting also welcomed India’s proposal to designate 2019 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.

49. The Meeting underlined the need to further strengthen ASEAN-India economic relations including through the full utilisation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area. The Meeting also looked forward to the completion of the ratification of the ASEAN-India Trade in Services and Investment Agreements and encouraged closer private sector engagement and business-to-business networking, including through the ASEAN-India Business Council.

50. The Meeting expressed appreciation to India for hosting the Delhi Dialogue X from 19 to 20 July 2018 in New Delhi.

51. The Meeting thanked Viet Nam as the outgoing Country Coordinator and welcomed Thailand as the incoming Country Coordinator.

Japan

52. The ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by The Honourable Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II of Brunei Darussalam, and H.E. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

53. The Meeting resolved to further deepen the strategic partnership between ASEAN and Japan in all areas and committed to effectively implement the Revised Implementation Plan of the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.

54. The Meeting welcomed Japan’s reaffirmation of its commitment to ASEAN Centrality, and took note of Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy”. As strategic partners, ASEAN and Japan continue to further deepen cooperation through various ASEAN- led mechanisms such as the EAS, APT, ARF and ADMM-Plus.

55. The Meeting agreed to continue enhancing cooperation in addressing non-traditional security issues and transnational crime, including terrorism, maritime security and cybersecurity. The Meeting looked forward to the completion of a new Work Plan for Cooperation to Combat Terrorism and Transnational Crime and encouraged continued engagement at all levels through capacity building and information sharing activities. The Meeting further noted the importance of enhancing cooperation among maritime law enforcement agencies, including capacity building assistance, joint exercises and information sharing. The Meeting looked forward to the convening of the 11th ASEAN-Japan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue and 3rd ASEAN-Japan Cybercrime Dialogue to be held in Brunei Darussalam. The Meeting also welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre in Thailand.

56. In the context of discussions on the situation in the Korean Peninsula, some Ministers emphasised the importance of addressing humanitarian concerns of the international community, including the resolution of the abductions issue.

57. The Meeting agreed to further deepen and expand trade and investment relations including through the ASEAN-Japan Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap 2016-2025, the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement and existing Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). The Meeting looked forward to the signing of the Protocol to Amend the AJCEP Agreement. The Meeting welcomed cooperation to promote digitalisation of the economy between ASEAN and Japan. The Meeting also acknowledged the ASEAN-Japan Centre and Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) in contributing to economic integration efforts.

58. The Meeting looked forward to the successful conclusion of a more liberal and mutually beneficial ASEAN-Japan Air Services Agreement that is over and above what has been exchanged bilaterally between Japan and individual ASEAN Member States to enhance regional connectivity.

59. The Meeting also agreed to continue to enhance collaboration in the areas of health, environment, climate change and disaster management. To this end, the Meeting expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued support for the AHA Centre. In particular, the Meeting appreciated Japan’s contribution to enable the enhancement of the ICT operational capacity and resilience of the AHA Centre. The Meeting welcomed Japan's suggestion and implementation to expand the target areas under the Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative (AHWIN) from elderly care-oriented matters to all matters of medical care, elderly care, prevention and society development which enables healthy living and reaffirmed the importance of enriching and balancing these areas. The Meeting further appreciated Japan’s continued support in envisioning an environmentally-sustainable ASEAN through the ASEAN-Japan Dialogue on Environmental Cooperation (AJDEC). The Meeting welcomed the opportunity to explore avenues of cooperation on environmental issues through the APT Environment Ministers Meeting and APT Senior Officials Meeting on Environment.

60. The Meeting appreciated Japan’s continued support for people-to-people contacts and sports and cultural exchanges, particularly among the youth and intellectuals of ASEAN and East Asia, through various programmes including the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS), WA Project, Sport for Tomorrow and the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) which continue to promote mutual trust and understanding and build a basis for deeper friendship and cooperation between ASEAN and Japan. The Meeting noted Japan’s initiative to launch an “ASEAN-Japan Day” to promote further mutual understanding.

61. The Meeting also appreciated Japan’s generous contributions over the years towards ASEAN’s development, including through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). In this connection, the Meeting welcomed the fact that ASEAN and Japan reached in- principle agreement on the Agreement on Technical Cooperation between ASEAN and Japan which will provide an additional platform to enhance cooperation.

62. The Meeting stressed the importance of further promoting the implementation of the IAI Work Plan III, the MPAC 2025 as well as any program to foster human resource development in order to narrow the development gap within ASEAN Member States. In this regard, the Meeting appreciated the completion of Japan’s “Industrial Human Resource Development Cooperation Initiative” which supported human resource development for approximately 80,000 recipients, twice as much as the original target. The Meeting welcomed Japan’s “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure” and “Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure” programmes.

63. The Meeting expressed appreciation for the ASEAN-Japan Centre’s continued contribution to promote ASEAN-Japan trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges and took note of Japan’s view on the need to further reform the Centre to enable it to address new challenges faced by ASEAN and Japan.

64. The Meeting also welcomed the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations in 2018, and looked forward to the convening of the 21st ASEAN-Japan Summit and the issuance of a Joint Statement to commemorate the milestone.

65. The Meeting thanked Brunei Darussalam as the outgoing Country Coordinator and welcomed Viet Nam as the incoming Country Coordinator.

New Zealand

66. The ASEAN-New Zealand Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Right Honorable Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand.

67. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen and deepen the ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership, and to building a peaceful, prosperous and integrated region, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the EAS, ARF and ADMM- Plus. The Meeting also reaffirmed New Zealand’s support for ASEAN Centrality and both sides’ common pursuit of an open, inclusive and rules-based order, where international law prevails. In this context, the Meeting further acknowledged the importance of ASEAN and New Zealand working together as global players in responding to existing and emerging challenges and in maintaining prosperity, security, and stability in the region.

68. Reflecting a high level of political interest between both sides, the Meeting acknowledged the substantial progress of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Statement for ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership (2016–2020), and its two key pillars of the “People Strategy” and the “Prosperity Strategy” which has enhanced cooperation and contributed towards the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

69. In advancing peace, security, and stability in the region, the Meeting also welcomed New Zealand’s ongoing engagement and cooperation on important regional defense, security and maritime issues, including counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and transnational crime through the various ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the EAS, ARF and ADMM-Plus. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed New Zealand’s active contributions in co-chairing (a) the EAS Conference on Combating Marine Plastic Debris in Bali, Indonesia, September 2017, with Indonesia; (b) ARF Defence Officials’ Dialogue and the Inter-Sessional Support Group Meeting on Confidence-Building Measures and Preventive Diplomacy in Auckland, May 2018, with Singapore; (c) ARF Workshop on Preventive Diplomacy: Skills and Tools towards Effective Peacebuilding in Nay Pyi Taw, September 2018, with Myanmar and the United States; and (d) ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Cybersecurity, from 2017 to 2020, with the Philippines.

70. The Meeting looked forward to the adoption of the EAS Leaders’ Statement on Regional Plan of Action on Combating Marine Plastic Debris, co-sponsored by New Zealand and Indonesia, at the 13th EAS in Singapore in November 2018. The Meeting also welcomed the ongoing cooperation between ASEAN and New Zealand on the ARF Work Plan on Preventive Diplomacy, including the Inter-Sessional Support Group Meeting co-chaired by New Zealand and Singapore in Auckland in May 2018, and looked forward to the upcoming Preventive Diplomacy workshop being co-hosted by New Zealand, Myanmar and the United States in Nay Pyi Taw in September 2018.

71. To further strengthen our trade and economic cooperation, the Meeting noted the endorsement of the Report on Stage One of the General Review of the Agreement Establishing the AANZFTA and looked forward to the recommendations from Stage Two of the General Review being presented to the ASEAN Economic Ministers-Closer Economic Relations (AEM-CER) in 2018. The Meeting acknowledged the great potential to advance the AANZFTA for mutual benefit, especially in improving MSME access to the region’s value chain. The Meeting expressed its appreciation to New Zealand for extending the AECSP until 31 December 2021 to enhance the trade and economic capacity of ASEAN Member States in implementing the Free Trade Area.

72. The Meeting looked forward to New Zealand’s further support for the implementation of the IAI Work Plan III, MPAC 2025 and the post-2015 agenda for ASEAN Connectivity. The Meeting also looked forward to further cooperation between ASEAN and New Zealand in the area of sustainable development, in order to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including through the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue which is expected to be launched in 2019 in Thailand.

73. The Meeting expressed appreciation for the various programmes in education and leadership cooperation under the People Strategy, including the ASEAN-New Zealand Prime Minister’s Fellows Award, the Young ASEAN Diplomats Study Tour to New Zealand, the Young Business Leaders’ Initiatives (YBLI), the New Zealand-ASEAN Postgraduate (NZ) Scholarships (NZAS), the in-country English Language Awards, the Short Term Training Scholarships, the English Language Training for Officials (ELTO) Programme and New Zealand’s ASEAN@50 Fellowship which will further solidify the strong and enduring links between ASEAN and New Zealand.

74. The Meeting also appreciated New Zealand’s continued support for building capacity and increased resilience in the region particularly its support for the implementation of the AADMER and operationalisation of the AHA Centre, including through the AHA Centre’s Executive Leadership Development Programme (2017-2019) to improve capacities in disaster management. The Meeting noted with appreciation New Zealand’s initiatives especially in the areas of agriculture including food safety, foot and mouth disease control and dairy excellence project, IUU fishing, technical assistance and training in the sector of renewable energy, and tourism.

75. The Meeting noted that the next three years of the ASEAN-New Zealand relationship will oversee two significant milestones. Firstly, the 45th anniversary of Dialogue Relations between ASEAN and New Zealand in 2020, which New Zealand hoped would be marked with a Leaders’ level Summit. Secondly, the new Plan of Action for the period 2021 to 2025, which will provide an opportunity for both sides to further enhance their cooperation and strategic partnership.

76. The Meeting thanked Indonesia as the outgoing Country Coordinator and welcomed Cambodia as the incoming Country Coordinator.

Republic of Korea

77. The ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, and H.E. Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROK.

78. The Meeting welcomed the ROK’s commitment to further strengthen relations with ASEAN under the New Southern Policy initiated by President Moon Jae-in in 2017, aimed at further strengthening and deepening the ROK’s relations with ASEAN under the three pillars of “people, prosperity and peace”. The Meeting agreed to further enhance political-security cooperation, particularly in areas such as transnational crime, terrorism and violent extremism, maritime security and cybersecurity.

79. The Meeting also appreciated the ROK’s efforts to improve inter-Korean relations for the betterment of the Korean peoples and contribute to the peace and stability of the region.

80. The Meeting expressed its commitment to strengthen ASEAN-ROK economic cooperation for mutual benefits. The Meeting agreed to continue to work closely to enhance trade and investment relations, including through the further liberalisation of Sensitive Track Products within the ASEAN-ROK Free Trade Area (AKFTA), to achieve the two-way trade target of USD 200 billion by 2020. The Meeting looked forward to the ratification and full implementation of the Third Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-ROK Trade in Goods Agreement to complement our efforts in this connection. The Meeting noted the importance of the ASEAN-Korea Business Council (AKBC) and Technology Advice and Solutions from Korea (TASK) in promoting MSMEs cooperation through supporting human resource development, and sharing best practices.

81. The Meeting appreciated the ROK’s continued cooperation and support in connectivity and narrowing the development gaps among ASEAN Member States, through the effective implementation of MPAC 2025, including the convening of the annual ASEAN Connectivity Forum, and the IAI Work Plan III. In this regard, the Meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the ASEAN-ROK Transport Ministers to further enhancing air transport connectivity between ASEAN and the ROK, and looked forward to the convening of the 2nd Meeting of the ASEAN-ROK Working Group on Regional Air Services Arrangements, to conclude a more liberal and mutually beneficial air services agreement.

82. The Meeting appreciated the ROK’s important and continued support to the ASEAN integration process and looked forward to the ROK’s sharing of best practices and experiences in combining rapid economic growth with poverty reduction, clean energy, green growth, and ICT. The Meeting further appreciated the ROK’s continued support towards various cooperation initiatives under the ASEAN-Korea Environmental Cooperation Project (AKECOP), which has now entered Phase IX.

83. The Meeting welcomed initiatives to enhance people-to-people ties, in particular, among the youth, media, and through educational exchanges. The Meeting welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Culture House in Busan in September 2017 as an important way to enhance closer cultural cooperation and people-to-people interaction, and also recognised the important role of the ASEAN-Korea Centre in enriching our relationship. The Meeting also agreed to enhance cooperation in areas such as education, environment, and disaster management. The Meeting looked forward to further exchanges, scholarship programmes and other initiatives on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to complement both sides’ efforts in promoting human capital development, enhancing people-to-people exchanges and deepening mutual understanding, trust and friendship among their youth. The Meeting discussed the ROK’s proposal to convene the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit in the ROK in 2019 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations, and decided that the proposal would be tabled for the ASEAN Leaders’ consideration at the 33rd ASEAN Summit in November 2018.

84. The Meeting thanked Cambodia as the outgoing Country Coordinator and welcomed Brunei Darussalam as the incoming Country Coordinator.

Russian Federation

85. The ASEAN-Russia Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, and H.E. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

86. The Meeting reiterated its commitment to further strengthen the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and shared responsibility to promote peace, stability, security, prosperity, economic growth, sustainable development, people-to-people exchanges, and social progress in the Asia-Pacific region with a view to working towards elevating it to a strategic partnership.

87. The Meeting welcomed the decision to convene the 4th ASEAN-Russia Summit in Singapore on 14 November 2018 which will further strengthen the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership.

88. The Meeting noted the progress made in the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA) to Promote Cooperation between ASEAN and the Russian Federation 2016-2020 and the Implementation Roadmap of the ASEAN-Russia Eminent Persons Group (AREPG) Report. The Meeting further welcomed the convening of the inaugural meeting of the Network of ASEAN-Russia Think Tanks (NARTT) in April 2018 in Moscow and looked forward to the next meeting in 2019 in Indonesia.

89. The Meeting emphasised the importance of deeper cooperation in combating traditional and non-traditional security threats such as international terrorism and transnational crime in accordance with the Statement of ASEAN and Russia Ministers of Foreign Affairs on Joint Efforts to Counter International Terrorism, issued in Manila on 6 August 2017, through intensifying activities under the ASEAN-Russian Federation Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC-Russia), ASEAN-Russia Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, the ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters – Russia Coordination Meeting, and within the framework of the ARF. The Meeting welcomed Russia’s decision to co-chair with Indonesia the 17th ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting (ISM) on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) in the inter-sessional year 2018-2019.

90. The Meeting was pleased to note the continued commitment by ASEAN and Russia to implement the ASEAN-Russia Trade and Investment Cooperation Roadmap which is aimed at institutionalising a comprehensive dialogue mechanism on trade-related issues with the view to promoting cooperation in sectors of mutual interest to ASEAN and Russia, taking into account regional and global developments. The Ministers looked forward to the 7th AEM-Russia Consultations to be held in August 2018 in Singapore.

91. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the growing mutual interest by business communities of ASEAN Member States and Russia in various joint projects and activities in areas such as energy, agriculture, MSMEs and environment. The Meeting looked forward to a successful ASEAN-Russia Business Dialogue at the 4th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2018.

92. The Meeting underscored the importance of further promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to mobilise private sector investment for mutual benefit, as well as develop private sector engagement particularly in the area of MSMEs and business- to-business relations. The Meeting agreed to explore the opportunity to further enhance cooperation in other areas of mutual interests such as regional connectivity, tourism, education, energy, agriculture, science and technology, and countering terrorism and violent extremism.

93. The Meeting discussed the prospects of implementation of the MOU between the ASEAN Secretariat and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Secretariat of 2005 and positively noted the efforts of the Russian Federation to enhance cooperation between two organisations.

94. The Meeting encouraged Russia’s support for the implementation of the MPAC 2025 and the IAI, and the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development as stipulated in the IAI Work Plan III. Both sides looked forward to enhancing connectivity between ASEAN and Russia, and between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union.

95. The Meeting noted the potential of the ASEAN Centre in Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) University to further promote greater awareness of ASEAN-Russia cooperation and facilitate activities in developing people-to-people ties, including academic and youth and cultural exchanges between ASEAN and Russia.

96. The Meeting looked forward to the further strengthening of people-to-people connectivity through the 5th ASEAN-Russia Youth Summit to be held in Manila, the Philippines, and the ASEAN-Russia Forum of Young Diplomats to be held in 2019.

97. The Meeting thanked Lao PDR as the outgoing Country Coordinator and welcomed Indonesia as the incoming Country Coordinator.

United States of America

98. The ASEAN-United States of America (US) Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, and H.E. Michael Pompeo, Secretary of State of the US.

99. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the 5th ASEAN-US Summit to Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations held in November 2017 in Manila and recognised the importance of building on this momentum. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based regional architecture, and welcomed the US’ support for ASEAN Centrality through ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN Plus One, EAS, ARF and ADMM-Plus. The Meeting took note of the United States’ concept for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and welcomed the United States’ commitment to further strengthen relations with ASEAN across the three pillars, particularly with a view towards promoting two-way trade, investment, regional connectivity, maritime cooperation, and cooperation on shared challenges such as countering terrorism and violent extremism, cybersecurity and environmental management.

100. The Meeting acknowledged the significance of ASEAN-US economic relations and underlined shared desire to deepen economic ties, including the implementation of the US-ASEAN Connect, the ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) and the Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Work Plan. The Meeting welcomed the implementation of the US-ASEAN Connect Digital Economy Series, a flagship initiative that continues to serve as a strategic framework for economic engagement between ASEAN and the US.

101. The Meeting appreciated the United States’ continued support to ASEAN’s economic integration and efforts to promote community building, and support through various development cooperation programmes, including the ASEAN Connectivity through Trade and Investment (ACTI), the ASEAN-US Partnership for Good Governance, Equitable and Sustainable Development and Security (ASEAN-US PROGRESS), and the IAI Work Plan III. The Meeting noted the conclusion of the ACTI and the PROGRESS in 2018 and looked forward to its successor programmes, namely Inclusive Growth in ASEAN through Innovation, Trade, and E-Commerce (IGNITE) and the ASEAN-US Partnership for Regional Optimization within the Political-Security and Socio-Cultural Communities (PROSPECT).

102. The Meeting also expressed appreciation for initiatives that enhance people-to- people contacts and empower women and youth such as the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), the Fulbright US-ASEAN Visiting Scholars Initiative, the ASEAN Youth Volunteers Programme (AYVP), ASEAN-US Internship Programme and the ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women, among others.

103. The Meeting thanked Malaysia as the outgoing Country Coordinator and welcomed Lao PDR as the incoming Country Coordinator.

. . . . .