MFA Press Statement: ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Retreat, 17 January 2014

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in the ancient city of Bagan, Myanmar today.  It was a historic setting for a historic occasion.  The Retreat is the first ASEAN Ministerial Meeting hosted by Myanmar under its inaugural ASEAN Chairmanship.

At the Retreat, the Foreign Ministers took stock of ASEAN’s Community-building and regional integration efforts.  Noting that two years remained to the establishment of an ASEAN Community on 31 December 2015, the Ministers affirmed the need to energize efforts to fulfil the Blueprint goals for the three Community pillars.  They agreed to enhance cooperation on important issues affecting the region and explored ways for ASEAN to support the Philippines’ reconstruction efforts in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.  With the dry season approaching, Ministers were urged to take steps to tackle the issue of transboundary haze pollution to protect the health and welfare of their peoples.

The Foreign Ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues, including recent developments in the East China Sea and South China Sea, as well as on the Korean Peninsula.  They reaffirmed ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea and the importance of maintaining peace and stability, maritime security, freedom of navigation and overflight.  They urged self-restraint in the conduct of activities.  They also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining ASEAN’s unity and centrality in promoting regional peace and stability in today’s complex geopolitical environment. 

In this connection, the Foreign Ministers expressed support for Myanmar’s ASEAN Chairmanship and its theme “Moving Forward in Unity towards a Peaceful and Prosperous Community”.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

17 JANUARY 2014