ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting: Joint Co-chairmen's Statement

1. The 17th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting, under the theme of "ASEAN-EU Partnership for Peace, Economic Growth and Development" was held on 27 28 May 2009, in Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia. The Meeting was opened by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The Meeting was attended by the Foreign Ministers of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the Foreign Ministers of the European Union (EU). The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. HOR Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as the ASEAN Co-ordinator for ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, and H.E. Mr Jan KOHOUT, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, as Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of openness, trust and solidarity that is the corollary of more than 30 years of dialogue and cooperation.

2. The Ministers reviewed the positive progress of ASEAN-EU cooperation since the 16th Ministerial Meeting in Nuremberg, Germany, on 15 March 2007. They commended in particular the adoption of the Nuremberg Declaration on an ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership and the successful ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit held on 27 November 2007, in Singapore, which set out the direction for ASEAN-EU cooperation and relations for the years to come.

3. The Ministers had in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues. They discussed current situations in the two regions and shared the desire to promote justice, democracy, human rights, good governance, the rule of law and social equality, peace, stability and sustainable development in accordance with the spirit of the ASEAN Charter and the Charter of the United Nations.

4. The Ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of the ASEAN-EU cooperation and relations, and recognised that ASEAN and the EU have strong complementarities in economic and social development and that both sides are blessed with rich cultural diversity. Emphasising the need to further strengthen and deepen ASEAN-EU dialogue and cooperation on the basis of equal partnership, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, the Ministers exchanged views on the future direction of ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership.

ENHANCED ASEAN-EU DIALOGUE PARTNERSHIP

5. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the significant development of the ASEAN EU relations which cover broad range of areas including political and security, economic and trade, and social-cultural cooperation. In this connection, the Ministers expressed their satisfaction with implementation of the List of Indicative Activities for the First Two Years (2007-2008) of the Plan of Action to Implement the Nuremberg Declaration on an Enhanced ASEAN-EU Partnership covering the period 2007-2012 [which attached as Annex I].

6. The Ministers expressed their strong desire and determination to promote closer ASEAN-EU ties. They endorsed the Phnom Penh Agenda for the Implementation of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action which serves as an action programme to deepen and intensify cooperation in every field between ASEAN and the EU for the period 2009-2010. To this end, the Ministers tasked the senior officials of both sides to exert all efforts to implement the Phnom Penh Agenda, with respect to the priorities set therein and report the progress of implementation to the Ministers at their next ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM).

7. During their discussion on the current global economic and financial crisis, the Ministers renewed their commitment to the ultimate, long-term objective of a region-to-region FTA which will further strengthen and promote trade and investment ties between the two regions. To this end, the Ministers agreed to seek ways to give new impetus to the ASEAN-EU FTA negotiations.

8. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the implementation of Trans-Regional EU ASEAN Trade Initiative (TREATI) and Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (READI) which provides a flexible mechanism for further expansion of cooperation in trade and non-trade areas. They tasked the senior officials of both sides to work closely to further expand areas of cooperation under READI and TREATI.

9. The Ministers appreciated EU's contribution to ASEAN integration and community building efforts and looked forward to EU's continued support for the realisation of the ASEAN Community including through various sub-regional programmes such as the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) and other sub regional endeavours, which contribute to enhancing regional integration, as well as the trilateral cooperation which combines the development assistance of individual ASEAN member states and the EC to the benefit of CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam) countries.

10. The Ministers agreed to enhance cooperation on food and energy security between ASEAN and the EU. The Ministers shared the view that in order to meet the world's increased demand for food, it is of utmost importance that food crop production and productivity should be increased, particularly in mostly agricultural-based developing countries. The Ministers also supported open and fair trade in staples and food products. At the same time, there should be greater cooperation exploring alternatives to conventional energy resources currently in use through, among other things, the development of renewable energy sources, while taking into account the potential impact on agricultural land for food crops.

11. The Ministers agreed to enhance cooperation on disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

12. The Ministers took note of the proactive approach by ASEAN in cooperation with other Dialogue Partners in addressing the emergence of the latest AH1N1 virus. The ASEAN Plus Three Health Ministers convened an important meeting in Bangkok on 08 May 2009 to discuss measures to cooperate and coordinate regional actions to address the emerging of this new virus. Collaboration with international and regional health bodies was emphasized. They encouraged cooperation of all concerned in the fight against this new virus, as well as, future emerging infectious disease.

13. The Ministers agreed to intensify cooperation on infectious diseases such as HIV/AID, Avian Influenza and other high-risk pathogens, though cross-sectoral cooperation and integrated approaches to surveillance, prevention, risk mitigation, timely response and communication, with the objective of enhancing regional capacity and preparedness. Particular attention should be paid to diseases originating at the interface between animals, humans and ecosystems.

14. The Ministers exchanged views on further cooperation in counter terrorism focusing on capacity-building for counter-terrorism practitioners and other officials concerned with combating terrorism. They agreed that follow-up activities within the EU-ASEAN cooperation to combat terrorism should be regional in scope and reliant on existing platforms for capacity-building.

15. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work on full implementation of existing Treaties on disarmament and non-proliferation of Weapons Mass Destruction, and their means of delivery as well as the conventional arms ammunitions, as appropriate, and explored concrete areas of action in which the implementation of the relevant disarmament and non-proliferation Treaties can be strengthened. The Ministers recognised the significance of the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) as an instrument for keeping the region free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. The Ministers also stressed that the participation of all nuclear weapons states through their signing of the Protocol to this Treaty is essential for achieving the ultimate objective of the Treaty. The Ministers also welcomed the successful outcome of the Third Preparatory Committee for the 2010 NPT Review Conference and renewed impetus to the NPT review process. The Ministers stressed a need for further development of effective national export control systems and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540.

16. The Ministers expressed their commitment to intensify the ASEAN-EU joint efforts in addressing non-traditional security issues, such as human smuggling and drug trafficking, money laundering, international economic and cyber crimes which constitute serious transnational crimes.

17. The Ministers agreed to pursue the efforts led by the United Nations to establish international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.

18. The Ministers also reaffirmed their commitments in curbing the illegal trade and excessive accumulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in compliance with and in support of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (UNPoA).

19. The Ministers reiterated the need to further promote greater interaction among the peoples of ASEAN and the EU, particularly youth, students, academics, civil society and media personnel with a view to raising the awareness of the ASEAN EU comprehensive partnership at all levels of society.

20. The Ministers welcomed the signing of the Declaration on Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia by the European Union and European Community and the ASEAN Declaration of Consent to the Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia by the European Union and European Community and agreed to intensify efforts to accelerate the completion of the Treaty's amendment process which is necessary for the accession of the EU/EC. The EU/EC's accession to the TAC reflects the EU/EC's strong support for and contribution to regional peace, security and cooperation. [The EU/EC's accession to the TAC reflects the EU/EC's strong support for and contribution to regional peace, security and cooperation as well as its willingness for greater constructive engagement in regional integration processes.

21. The Ministers supported the commitments and efforts of ASEAN in integrating tourism in the establishment of ASEAN Economic Community by formulating an ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2011-2015.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

22. The Ministers noted the successful outcome of the 13th ASEAN Summit in Singapore on 18-22 December 2007, in particular the signing of the ASEAN Charter and the adoption of the Blueprint of the ASEAN Economic Community which set up plans and activities to be implemented for the realisation of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015. The Ministers welcomed the entry into force of the ASEAN Charter following the completion of ratification process by all ASEAN Member States on 15 December 2008.

23. The Ministers took note of the fruitful outcome of the 14th ASEAN Summit in Cha-Am, Hua Hin, Thailand, on 27-28 February 2009, in particular the celebration of the entry into force of the ASEAN Charter, the singing of the Cha am Hua Hin Declaration on the Roadmap for the ASEAN Community (2009 2015), the adoption of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint, the adoption of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCCC) Blueprint and the approval of non-ASEAN Ambassadors to ASEAN.

24. The Ministers agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights. In this regard, they welcomed the progress made by the High Level Panel on an ASEAN human rights body, which has already submitted the first draft of the terms of reference on an ASEAN human rights body to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The Ministers also looked forward to the adoption of the terms of reference and the eventual establishment of the ASEAN human rights body. The Ministers noted the outcome of the work of the High Level Legal Experts' Group on Follow-up to the ASEAN Charter in drafting the recommendations on the issues of the legal personality of ASEAN, the establishment of dispute settlement mechanisms and other legal issues related to the ASEAN Charter.

25. The Ministers also noted the latest developments in the EU, especially the process of ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community and the EU policies and strategies that shape its internal integration and external relations. The Ministers noted, in particular, the successful outcome of the European Council held on 19 20 March 2009, which reviewed the EU stimulus package to ease the effects of the global financial crisis and agreed on the measures to enhance the EU's energy security.

26. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the increasing importance of ASEM, an open dialogue forum of which the ASEAN countries and the EU Members States are also major actors, and agreed to further promote ASEM's role and visibility in the world, and make future ASEM cooperation more effective. In this connection, the Ministers expressed their high appreciation of the substantive outcomes of the Ninth Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Ha Noi on 25-26 May 2009.

27. In the light of the concern about the recent developments relating to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Ministers exchanged views on the issue. The EU informed about its efforts by EU Special Envoy Piero Fassino to support the UN mission¹. The EU took note and endorsed the statement by the Chair of ASEAN on 18 May 2009 relating to Myanmar. In this regard, the Ministers called for the early release of those under detention and the lifting of restrictions placed on political parties. They expressed their unanimous support for the good offices role of the UN Secretary General and his planned visit. The Ministers took note of the briefing by Myanmar on the recent internal developments and Myanmar's emphasis on the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Myanmar also reiterated that she will continue toward democracy in accordance with the seven step road map. The Ministers noted the visit to Myanmar in February 2009 by the UN Secretary-General Special Advisor Ibrahim Gambari and supported the UN to continue its good offices efforts, and they encouraged the Myanmar Government to conduct closer cooperation with the UN. They also encouraged the Myanmar Government to engage all stakeholders in an inclusive political process in order to achieve national reconciliation and economic and social development. They called upon the Myanmar Government to prepare and conduct the multi-party general election in 2010 in a free and fair manner. The Ministers affirmed their commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar. In that context, they reiterated that the future of Myanmar lied in the hands of all of its people.

28. The Ministers acknowledged the progress achieved in assisting the post-Nargis relief work by the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) comprising Myanmar, the UN and ASEAN, and the assistance provided by the international community, especially the EU and its individual Member States, to those in need. The Ministers also welcomed the extension of the ASEAN-led coordinating mechanism mandate to continue its constructive role in coordinating the ongoing relief and recovery efforts in Myanmar until July 2010, including the implementation of Post-Nargis Recovery and Preparedness Plan (PONREPP), which has been launched in early February 2009.

29. The Ministers acknowledged the substantial positive impact of migration between and within ASEAN and the EU both for host and source countries. Migrants provide needed skills and knowledge to host countries and enrich host cultures. In their home countries they are agents of development through the repatriation of know-how acquired and remittances sent. Migrant workers are also amongst the most vulnerable in the current economic crisis that is putting EU and ASEAN labour markets under severe pressure. Ministers agreed that it is essential to maximise the benefits of migration and safeguard the human rights of migrants. They welcomed the inclusion of protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers in the Blueprint for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

30. The Ministers also acknowledged the pressures caused by illegal migration on communities in both the EU and ASEAN. They agreed that it was essential to tackle the problem of illegal migration and the trafficking of human beings. They agreed to pursue in close cooperation both short- and long-term action to tackle irregular flows including strengthened border controls, improved document security, and the conclusion and implementation of readmission agreements. The Ministers also agreed to work together to increase policy coherence between migration and development cooperation to address the structural causes of the mobility of people including an engagement with the relevant international organisations including the United Nations.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBAL ISSUES

31. The Ministers were aware of the severe impacts of the global financial and economic crisis on trade, investment and socio-economic development of their countries and noted the agreement reached at the London Summit on 2 April 2009 to restore confidence, growth and jobs, emphasizing the need to make concerted efforts to overcome the global economic crisis. The Ministers encouraged the adoption of the necessary measures to implement this agreement, where appropriate. The Ministers also encouraged for the rapid implementation of the measures agreed upon where appropriate, including strengthening financial markets' oversight and regulation.

32. The Ministers noted the outcome of the Special ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers' Meeting in Phuket, Thailand, on 22 February 2009, which agreed to increase the size of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM) from US$ 80 billion to US$ 120 billion and welcomed the new Asian Bond Markets Initiative Roadmap. The Ministers also noted the outcome of the 12th ASEAN Plus Three Finance Ministers' Meeting in Bali, Indonesia on 3rd May 2009 which has reached agreement on all main components of the CMIM and decided to implement the CMIM scheme before the end of this year.

33. The Ministers were concerned over the current situation of Doha Round negotiations. They reaffirmed their support for an early and successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda that would bring benefits to all Members especially, developing and least developed countries. The Ministers expressed their strong commitment to push for a successful conclusion of a comprehensive, ambitious and balanced Doha outcome, based on the progress made, including with regard to modalities and recognising the central importance of development dimension. This is crucial in the current global recession and would help reduce protectionism. It would also send an important signal that governments are capable of working together collectively. In this regard, the Ministers reaffirmed the commitment to refrain from raising new barriers to trade and investment, imposing new export restrictions, or implementing WTO inconsistent measures to stimulate exports. They also expressed support for an early accession of Lao PDR to the WTO.

34. The Ministers called on Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) particularly Annex I Parties to implement their commitment under the Convention on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and to pursue the Bali Road Map process to enable the full, effective and sustained implementation of the Convention.

35. The EU and ASEAN recognised that climate change constitutes a major threat to sustainable development and requires urgent, concerted and coordinated action by the international community. They emphasized that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol are the main channels for international negotiations and cooperation on Climate Change and reaffirmed their commitment to the objectives, purposes and principles of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, including the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. They expressed their strong support for the Bali Action Plan negotiation process, and stressed the importance of reaching a comprehensive and ambitious outcome for long term cooperative action now, up to and beyond 2012 at the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Copenhagen (Denmark), in December 2009. EU and ASEAN stress their determination to address the issue of climate change, despite the current financial crisis.

36. The EU recalled its commitment to reduce its emissions by 20% by 2020 and 30% in case other main partners countries embark on similar objectives and stands ready to take its fair share to support efforts by developing countries to embark on low carbon development path.

37. The Ministers welcomed the outcome of the Coral Triangle Initiative Summit on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) held on 15 May 2009 in Manado, Indonesia which has encouraged to explore cooperation in relation to coral reefs, fisheries, food security and adoption to climate change. They believed such initiative would contribute positively to the establishment of global regime on climate change.

38. Bearing in mind the need to maintain peace and stability in the region and the international non-proliferation regime, the Ministers condemned the recent underground nuclear test and missile launches undertaken by the DPRK, which constitute clear and continued violations of the Six-Party agreements and the relevant UNSC resolutions and decisions. Ministers strongly urged the DPRK to comply fully with the UNSC resolutions and decisions and refrain from further actions which could exacerbate the situation. The Ministers reaffirmed their support for the Six-Party Talks to seek early and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner and called on the DPRK to return immediately to the Six-Party Talks. They shared the UNSC's concern and noted that the UNSC remained actively seized of the matter and is considering further measures. They also emphasized the importance of addressing the humanitarian concerns.

39. The Ministers reaffirmed their support to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. They called for renewed efforts by all parties concerned and the international community to achieve a comprehensive peace based on the vision of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace with secure and recognised borders, as envisaged in UN Security Council resolution 1850 (2008), and the Arab Peace Initiative. Towards this end, talks between the Israeli and Palestinian sides should be held as soon as possible. They welcomed the result of the International Conference in support of the Palestinian Economy for the reconstruction of Gaza hosted on 2 March 2009 by Egypt. They underlined that an immediate and unconditional opening of the Gaza crossing for humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons is important. The Ministers encouraged inter-Palestinian reconciliation support the mediation efforts of Egypt and Arab League in this respect. The Ministers reiterated their appreciation of the Arab Peace Initiative which offers a framework for the achievement of a comprehensive peace in this region.

40. The Ministers discussed recent developments in Sri Lanka. They welcomed the visit of the UN Secretary General, stressed the urgent need to ameliorate the serious humanitarian situation and welcomed a continued involvement of the United Nations. They emphasized the necessity for an inclusive political process addressing the needs, rights and aspirations of all the people of Sri Lanka. Bearing this in mind they welcomed the commitment made by the President of Sri Lanka to a political solution, including national reconciliation.

41. The Ministers expressed their support for promoting peace, stability and development in Afghanistan and emphasized support for Afghanistan's unity and territorial integrity, including support for the forthcoming Presidential and Provincial Council elections and stressed the need for continued improvement on governance and human rights issues. They noted the need for a more regional approach and increased participation of the international community to assist the Government of Afghanistan.

42. The Ministers discussed also the situation in Iraq. They welcomed the provincial elections on 31 January and expressed their support for the planned national elections. The Ministers supported further capacity building for the government of Iraq, including the Iraqi security and defense forces in order to allow the Iraqi people to be responsible for their own future.

NEXT MEETING

43. The Ministers agreed to meet again for the 18th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Spain in 2010.


¹ This appointment has not been recognized yet by the Government of Myanmar.

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