Leaders commit to build resilient, innovative ASEAN
Published Apr 28, 2018 03:19 pm
By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
SINGAPORE---Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) vowed to address the increasing change and growing uncertainties in the global strategic landscape and the implications that evolving major power dynamics have on the region.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and other heads of states from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries pose for a photo during the opening ceremony of the 32nd ASEAN Summit at the Shangri-la Hotel on April 28, 2018. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN
In one of the three outcome documents during the 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore, the 10 leaders committed to build a resilient and innovative ASEAN that is able to navigate these challenges in a coordinated, integrated and effective manner.
Based on the outcome document titled "ASEAN Leaders Vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN," the 50-year-old regional bloc committed to remain united in promoting the region's vital interests, ideals and aspiration. They also reiterated to promote the rule of law and uphold a rules-based regional order, anchored in respect for international laws and norms.
Peace and security
The ASEAN leaders reiterated that the region should remain an area of peace, freedom, and security where differences and disputes are resolved by peaceful means. They also stated that the region should be free from nuclear weapons or any weapon of mass destruction.
The leaders vowed to work on an ASEAN Extradition Treaty to strengthen the region's capacity to combat transnational crimes. They also agreed to develop guidelines for air and maritime safety of ASEAN militaries.
They also reaffirmed to strengthen ASEAN's capability and capacity to detect and respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, by facilitating the sharing of information and best practices.
The leaders also agreed to strengthen ASEAN capacity in conflict prevention and conflict resolution, and work actively towards the conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Terrorism
To counter terrorism, the leaders resolved to cooperate effectively with partners within and beyond the region to counter the rise of radicalization and violent extremism of all forms.
Based on the outcome document, ASEAN will pursue its commitment to the formulation and development of an ASEAN Plan of Action to Prevent and Counter the Rise of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism as stated in the Manila Declaration to Counter the Rise of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism.
The leaders will also address emerging non-traditional threats such as climate change, cyber threats, pandemics, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
They vowed to strengthen cooperation on border management to jointly address matters of common concerns including combating transnational crimes, particularly drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, and smuggling of goods, people and weapons.
The leaders committed to work towards an ASEAN Joint Statement which affirms the importance of rules-based order for cyberspace, and the need for basic, operational and voluntary cyber norms of behavior in the region which will serve as an enabler for economic progress and improved living standards across ASEAN.
Other commitments
Meanwhile, the ASEAN leaders also committed to keep its markets open and competitive, deepen economic integration towards targets such as the doubling of intra-ASEAN trade by 2025.
They also vowed to forge high quality and mutually beneficial economic agreements with external partners that reflect modern business realities to strengthen resilience against rising protectionism and global volatilities.
ASEAN will also embrace the opportunities afforded by new technologies and innovation arising from the digital revolution, to implement smart and innovative solutions.
The leaders vowed to nurture and invest in its youth to fully realize the energy and potential of its youthful demographic, as well as provide social protection for the elderly and promote active ageing so that they can continue to contribute to the region.
The ASEAN also reaffirmed its commitment to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) and Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD, as well as international instruments to which ASEAN Member States are parties.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and other heads of states from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries pose for a photo during the opening ceremony of the 32nd ASEAN Summit at the Shangri-la Hotel on April 28, 2018. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN
In one of the three outcome documents during the 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore, the 10 leaders committed to build a resilient and innovative ASEAN that is able to navigate these challenges in a coordinated, integrated and effective manner.
Based on the outcome document titled "ASEAN Leaders Vision for a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN," the 50-year-old regional bloc committed to remain united in promoting the region's vital interests, ideals and aspiration. They also reiterated to promote the rule of law and uphold a rules-based regional order, anchored in respect for international laws and norms.
Peace and security
The ASEAN leaders reiterated that the region should remain an area of peace, freedom, and security where differences and disputes are resolved by peaceful means. They also stated that the region should be free from nuclear weapons or any weapon of mass destruction.
The leaders vowed to work on an ASEAN Extradition Treaty to strengthen the region's capacity to combat transnational crimes. They also agreed to develop guidelines for air and maritime safety of ASEAN militaries.
They also reaffirmed to strengthen ASEAN's capability and capacity to detect and respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, by facilitating the sharing of information and best practices.
The leaders also agreed to strengthen ASEAN capacity in conflict prevention and conflict resolution, and work actively towards the conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Terrorism
To counter terrorism, the leaders resolved to cooperate effectively with partners within and beyond the region to counter the rise of radicalization and violent extremism of all forms.
Based on the outcome document, ASEAN will pursue its commitment to the formulation and development of an ASEAN Plan of Action to Prevent and Counter the Rise of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism as stated in the Manila Declaration to Counter the Rise of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism.
The leaders will also address emerging non-traditional threats such as climate change, cyber threats, pandemics, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
They vowed to strengthen cooperation on border management to jointly address matters of common concerns including combating transnational crimes, particularly drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, and smuggling of goods, people and weapons.
The leaders committed to work towards an ASEAN Joint Statement which affirms the importance of rules-based order for cyberspace, and the need for basic, operational and voluntary cyber norms of behavior in the region which will serve as an enabler for economic progress and improved living standards across ASEAN.
Other commitments
Meanwhile, the ASEAN leaders also committed to keep its markets open and competitive, deepen economic integration towards targets such as the doubling of intra-ASEAN trade by 2025.
They also vowed to forge high quality and mutually beneficial economic agreements with external partners that reflect modern business realities to strengthen resilience against rising protectionism and global volatilities.
ASEAN will also embrace the opportunities afforded by new technologies and innovation arising from the digital revolution, to implement smart and innovative solutions.
The leaders vowed to nurture and invest in its youth to fully realize the energy and potential of its youthful demographic, as well as provide social protection for the elderly and promote active ageing so that they can continue to contribute to the region.
The ASEAN also reaffirmed its commitment to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) and Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD, as well as international instruments to which ASEAN Member States are parties.