JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 53rd  ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING

JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 53rd  ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING

9 SEPTEMBER 2020

1. We, the  Foreign  Ministers  of  the  Association  of  Southeast  Asian  Nations (ASEAN),  met  on  9  September  2020  at  the  53rd  ASEAN  Foreign  Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) via videoconference. We acknowledged that the Coronavirus Disease   2019   (COVID-19)   pandemic   has   caused   a   severe   and   multi- dimensional impact on the region, and expressed our optimism that ASEAN Community  building  efforts  will  continue  apace  with  ASEAN’s  strong  mettle and  self-reliance,  as  well  as  with  the  support  of  our  external  partners.  We underscored  the  need  for  ASEAN  to  uphold  the  spirit  of  a  cohesive  and responsive   ASEAN   Community   to   further   strengthen   cooperation   and advance our partnerships to ensure resilience and sustainable development in Southeast Asia and beyond.

ASEAN COMMUNITY BUILDING ASEAN Community Vision 2025

4. We reaffirmed our commitment towards the full and effective implementation of the  ASEAN  Community  Vision  2025  and  the  ASEAN  Leaders’  Vision Statement on a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN: Rising above Challenges and  Sustaining   Growth.  We  underscored  the  importance  of   maintaining ASEAN   Centrality   and   unity   in   our   community-building   efforts,   while enhancing our engagement with external partners. Amidst the unprecedented challenges and grave socio-economic impact brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,  we  commended  the  ongoing  work  of  all ASEAN  Sectoral  Bodies and  Organs  for  progress  achieved  in  the  implementation  of  the  ASEAN Political-Security  Community  (APSC),  ASEAN  Economic  Community  (AEC), and   ASEAN   Socio-Cultural   Community   (ASCC)   Blueprints   2025,   and welcomed the progress on the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the three ASEAN Community Blueprints in 2020. We highlighted the importance of a whole-of- ASEAN  approach  in  responding  to  COVID-19  including  through  a  holistic, comprehensive,  inclusive  and  practical  ASEAN  Comprehensive  Recovery Framework.
5. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security, and  stability  in  the  region,  as  well  as  to  the  peaceful  resolution  of disputes,  including  full  respect  for  legal  and  diplomatic  processes,  without resorting  to  the  threat  or  use  of  force,  in  accordance  with  the  universally recognised principles of  international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
6. We reaffirmed  our  belief  that  regionalism  and  multilateralism  are  important principles and frameworks of cooperation, and that their strength and value lie in  their  inclusivity,  rules-based  nature,  and  emphasis  on  mutual  benefit  and respect.

Key Deliverables

Review of the Implementation of the ASEAN Charter

5. We recognised the importance of conducting a review of the implementation of the ASEAN Charter in order to have a comprehensive assessment of the organisation and functions of ASEAN institutional structure and the application of rules and procedures that govern the operations of ASEAN as established under the ASEAN Charter and looked forward to the completion of a Scoping Report  on  this  exercise.  This  review,  together  with  the  ongoing  MTR  of  the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 is expected to contribute to the development of  the  recommendations  for  the  ASEAN  Community  Post-2025  Vision.  We tasked the Senior  Officials’  to  work  expeditiously on  the  Scoping Report  on the  Review  and  submit  their  recommendations  to  the  ASEAN  Coordinating Council (ACC) for further guidance.

Mid-term Review of the ASEAN Community Blueprints

6. We were  pleased  with  the  progress  of  the   MTR  of  the  three  ASEAN Community  Blueprints  as  it  is  an  important  exercise  to  assess  progress  to date, address gaps and challenges, and enhance the implementation of the Blueprints  towards  realising  the  ASEAN  Community  Vision  2025.  We  also looked forward to the completion of the MTR of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 by the end of this year. It will also provide useful lessons and insights on the future direction of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, taking into consideration emerging new issues. The MTRs shall likewise serve as the foundation for ASEAN Community-building efforts beyond 2025. We  urged  all  relevant  sectoral  bodies  under  the  three  ASEAN  Community Pillars  to  redouble  their  efforts  to  carry  out  a  comprehensive  review  to  be ready for submission to the Leaders at the 37th  ASEAN Summit.

Post-2025 Vision

7. We welcomed   the   initiative   to   undertake   discussions   on   an   ASEAN Community Post-2025 Vision, including a Special Senior Officials’ Meeting, a Multi-sectoral Senior Officials’ Discussion and a multi-stakeholder consultative dialogue  for  this  purpose.  With  the  results  of  the  MTRs  of  the  ASEAN Community  Blueprints  and  MPAC  2025  and  the  progress  on  the  Scoping Report  on  the  Review  of  Implementation  of  the  ASEAN  Charter  further informing and providing insights on subsequent discussions on the post-2025 vision, ASEAN  will have the opportunity to collaborate on how best to chart the future direction of our Community-building beyond 2025 amidst a rapidly changing  global  and  regional  strategic  environment.  With  contributions  from ASEAN  sectoral  bodies  and  stakeholders,  we  looked  forward  to  continue discussing  the  way forward  in  developing  an  ASEAN  Community  post-2025 vision with a view to  submitting our recommendations, including a proposed Leaders’ statement, to the 37th ASEAN Summit.

Enhanced ASEAN Image and Visibility

8. We took  note  of  the  assessment  conducted  by  the  ASEAN  Secretariat  on promoting the display of the ASEAN Flag in ASEAN Member States and the use of the ASEAN Anthem at ASEAN official functions. We were determined to continue promoting ASEAN identity and awareness among its peoples and enhancing ASEAN’s visibility. We encouraged the use of the ASEAN Anthem at all ASEAN official functions.

Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

9. We noted with deep concern the continued human cost and suffering as well as profound  socio-economic  impact  of  COVID-19,  and  acknowledged  the ongoing whole-of-government efforts of ASEAN Member States as well as a proactive whole-of-community approach by ASEAN in advancing its collective efforts  to  respond  to  COVID-19  thus  far.  We  further  noted  the  important coordinating role of the ACC and the active work of the ASEAN Coordinating Council  Working  Group  on  Public  Health  Emergencies  (ACCWG-PHE),  as well  as  the  work  of  the  ASEAN  health  sectoral  body  and  other  relevant sectoral bodies, which demonstrate ASEAN’s solidarity and ability to address unprecedented  challenges  of  this  pandemic  in  a  coordinated  multi-sectoral, cross-pillar and multi-stakeholder manner.

10. We expressed   our   commitment   to   expedite   the   implementation   of   the outcomes of the Special ASEAN Summit and the Special ASEAN Plus Three Summit on COVID-19 on 14 April 2020, as well as the 36th  ASEAN Summit on 26 June 2020, all of which reaffirmed ASEAN’s resolve to effectively prevent, detect, control and respond to the spread of COVID-19 and address its severe and   multi-faceted   challenges.   To   this   end,   we   encouraged   effective operationalisation  of  the  COVID-19  ASEAN  Response  Fund.  We  looked forward to further progress on the various initiatives to respond to COVID-19, such as the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies (RRMS) for Public Health Emergencies and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Public Health   Emergencies,   as   well   as   the   ASEAN   Centre   on   Public   Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.

11. As instructed by the Leaders at the 36th ASEAN Summit, we underscored the need   for   ASEAN   to   expeditiously   develop   a   comprehensive   recovery framework to move forward ASEAN’s COVID-19 recovery efforts with a view to  mitigating  the  profound  and  multidimensional  impact  of  the  pandemic, preserving  supply  chain  connectivity,  supporting  economic  recovery  and improving  stability  and  resilience  of  the  region’s  economy,  while  staying vigilant of subsequent waves of infections.   We commended the progress in the  work  undertaken  by  ACCWG-PHE,  with  the  support  of  the  ASEAN Secretariat,  in  the  development  of  an  ASEAN  Comprehensive  Recovery Framework  and  its  Implementation  Plan. We  emphasised  the  need  to  keepthe process inclusive and participatory, taking a whole-of-ASEAN-Community approach,   with   contributions   from   all   Community   Pillars   and   relevant stakeholders.  We  also  looked  forward  to  the  submission  of  the  ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and its Implementation Plan to the 37th ASEAN Summit.
12. We underscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN’s cooperation with its Dialogue  Partners,  external  partners  and  international  organisations  to address   the   challenges   of   the   COVID-19   pandemic,   emerging   and   re- emerging  infectious  diseases  and  other  public  health  emergencies.  We recalled  the  holding  of  Special  Ministerial  meetings  with  Dialogue  Partners, including Australia, China, the European Union (EU), Russia and the United States  (U.S.)  via  videoconference  to  discuss  cooperation  to  address  the COVID-19   pandemic   and   its   socio-economic   impact,   including   through building and maintaining resilient, open and connected supply chains, as well as contributions to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund.
13. We called   for   enhanced   collaboration   and   sharing   of   experience   with ASEAN’s  partners  in  research,  development,  production,  and  distribution  of vaccines, providing access to medicines for COVID-19 and other diseases in future public health emergencies, and making them  available and affordable to all as global public goods.
14. On the economic front, we recognised the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19  through  widespread  supply  chain  disruptions,  job  losses,  and demand shocks. We reiterated our commitment to keep our markets open for trade and investment, promote and accelerate trade facilitation efforts, as well as facilitation of investment, and refrain from imposing unnecessary non-tariff measures to ensure supply chain connectivity, particularly for food, medicines, medical   supplies,   and   other   essential   products;   we   commended   the coordination  and  efforts  by  various  sectoral  bodies  on  measures  towards reopening  and  recovery.  We  acknowledged  the  need  to  remain  vigilant  to potential  risks  and  foster  cooperation  among  ASEAN  Member  States  to ensure regional resilience, including through promoting food security, energy security,  and  financial  stability.  We  looked  forward  to  the  implementation  of the  adopted  Ha  Noi  Plan  of  Action  on  Strengthening  ASEAN  Economic Cooperation  and  Supply  Chain  Connectivity  in  Response  to  the  COVID-19 pandemic. We noted  the  need  to  leverage  the  potential  of  the  intra-ASEAN market    in    supporting    swift    economic    recovery    in    the    region,    and acknowledged the role of the private sector to promote investment confidence and business opportunities, which would contribute to this effort.
15. We encouraged  the  maintenance  of  necessary  interconnectedness  in  the region by facilitating, to the extent possible, the essential movement of people, including business travels, while ensuring the safeguarding of public health in line with our efforts to combat the pandemic.
16. We also  acknowledged  the  joint  efforts  and  continued  commitment  of  the labour, education, transport, sports, social welfare, development, tourism and health sectors in their collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, we welcomed the adoption of the Joint Statement of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers on Strengthening Cooperation to Revitalise ASEAN Tourism on 29April  2020.  We  also  welcomed  the  adoption  of  the  Joint  Statement  of  theASEAN Labour Ministers on Response to the Impact of COVID-19 on Labour and Employment on 14 May 2020. We also welcomed the Joint Statement of the  ASEAN  Ministerial  Meeting  on  Social  Welfare  and  Development  on Mitigating Impacts of COVID-19 on Vulnerable Groups in ASEAN on 10 June
17. We looked forward to the adoption of the Joint Statement of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on    Rural    Development    and    Poverty    Eradication (AMRDPE)  at  its  Special  Online  Meeting on  Reducing Poverty and  Building Resilience    Towards    COVID-19    Recovery.   We    also    commended    the collaboration between the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), under the auspices of  the  ASEAN-FIFA  MOU,  in  undertaking  the  Joint   Awareness  Raising Campaign on COVID-19 to promote health and well-being of ASEAN citizens amidst  the  pandemic;  the  Regional  Collaborative  Strategy  for  ASEAN  Drug Security and Self Reliance, and the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance; and  the ongoing Rapid Assessment for ASEAN:  Impacts  of  the  COVID-19  Pandemic  on  the  Livelihoods  of  ASEAN Populations. We also recognised that COVID-19 may affect our collaboration to counter transnational crime and looked forward to the enhanced efforts by the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) to respond to these challenges.
18. In order  to  advance  ASEAN’s  work  despite  the  challenges  posed  by  the COVID-19  pandemic, we  welcomed the increased  use  of  videoconferencing facilities  to  conduct  ASEAN-related  meetings,  including  the  finalisation  of Modalities for Organising ASEAN-related Meetings through Videoconference to ensure ASEAN’s work continues in an efficient and effective manner.

Initiative for ASEAN Integration

19. We reaffirmed  the  importance  of  narrowing  the  development  gap  within ASEAN, including the digital gap, especially when COVID-19 has affected the livelihoods of our peoples, particularly vulnerable groups in ASEAN.
20. We were pleased with the progress in the implementation of the IAI Work Plan III (2016-2020), with 22 out of 26 actions (84.6%) being addressed, to assist Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV) to meet ASEAN-wide targets and   commitments   towards   realising   the   goals   of   the   ASEAN Community, and the ongoing efforts on the completion of the Work Plan. We looked forward to a focused and pragmatic IAI Work Plan IV (2021-2025) that would  address  current  challenges,  advance  development,  narrow  the  divide within ASEAN and enhance ASEAN’s competitiveness as a region.

Sub-regional cooperation

21. We acknowledged   the   important   role   and   contribution   of   sub-regional cooperation   frameworks   such   as   the   Ayeyawady-Chao   Phraya-Mekong Economic   Cooperation   Strategy   (ACMECS),   Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth     Triangle     (IMT-GT),     Brunei     Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia- Philippines  East  ASEAN  Growth  Area  (BIMP-EAGA),  the  Cambodia-Laos- Myanmar-Viet   Nam   (CLMV)   cooperation,   the   Cambodia-Laos-Viet   Nam Development  Triangle  Area,  and  Singapore-Johor-Riau  (SIJORI)  Growth Triangle.   We   encouraged   closer   coordination   between   ASEAN   sectoralbodies  and  sub-regional  cooperation  frameworks  in  achieving  our  goal  of narrowing the development gap among and within ASEAN Member States.
22. We held a Special Session of the ASEAN Coordinating Council on ASEAN’s sub-regional development   on   9   September   2020.   We   emphasised   the importance   of   ASEAN   Centrality   in   promoting   ASEAN’s   sub-regional development  with  the  view  to  ensuring  sustainable,  equitable  development, and  narrowing  the  development  gap  within  ASEAN.  We  noted  the  ASEAN Senior  Officials’  discussion  on  the  outcome  of  the  ASEAN  Forum  on  Sub- Regional  Development:  Converging  Mekong  sub-regional  cooperation  with ASEAN   goals.   We   welcomed   and   encouraged   efforts   by   sub-regional cooperation frameworks, including in the Mekong area, such as the ACMECS, as  well  as  BIMP-EAGA  and  IMT-GT,  to  promote  equitable  and  sustainable development across the ASEAN Community by aligning sub-regional growth with the comprehensive development of ASEAN.

ASEAN Connectivity

23. We acknowledged the importance of enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and in this regard, we commended the progress of the MPAC 2025 implementation through   the   concerted   efforts   of   the   ASEAN   Connectivity   Coordinating Committee  (ACCC),  National  Coordinators,  National  Focal  Points,  relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, Dialogue Partners and other external partners. We called  on  our  external  partners  and  relevant  stakeholders  to  strengthen sustainable  infrastructure  in  the  region  by,  among  others,  investing  in  and bolstering implementation of  projects in the Initial Rolling Priority Pipeline of Potential ASEAN Infrastructure Projects,  and supporting efforts to utilise  the ASEAN   Sustainable   Urbanisation   Strategy   (ASUS).   We   welcomed   the finalisation of the Framework for Improving ASEAN Infrastructure Productivity to  support  sustainable  infrastructure  efforts.  We  underscored  the  need  for strengthening  supply  chain  connectivity  and  human  capital  development  for growth and recovery. In this regard, we looked forward to the completion of the ASEAN Database on Trade Routes and Framework for Enhancing Supply Chain  Efficiency by the  end of  2020, and noted the ongoing efforts  to build future-ready  skills  through  technical  and  vocational  education  and  training (TVET) and higher education.
24. We underlined the importance of greater collaboration and synergy between and among  the  MPAC  2025,  ASEAN  Smart  Cities  Network  and  relevant connectivity  initiatives,  including  through  the  Connecting  the  Connectivities approach,   and   further   explore   ways   and   means   to   implement   such collaboration  through  concrete  actions  to  achieve  inclusive  and  sustainable development. We looked forward to the conclusion of the MTR of the MPAC2025  and  its  recommendations  to  strengthen  implementation,  which  will  be submitted to the ACC for consideration.

Promoting  Complementarities  between  the  ASEAN  Community  Vision  2025 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

24. We reaffirmed   our   commitment   to   enhancing   sustainable   development cooperation,  including  with  Dialogue  Partners  and  external   partners,  bypromoting  the  Complementarities  Initiative.  We commended  Thailand  for  its leadership   as   the   ASEAN   Coordinator   on   Sustainable   Development Cooperation    and    reiterated    our    continued    support   for    the    effective implementation of the Complementarities Roadmap (2020-2025) and for the work   of   the   ASEAN   Centre   for   Sustainable   Development   Studies   and Dialogue (ACSDSD).  We acknowledged the outcomes of  the 4th  High Level Brainstorming  Dialogue  (HLBD)  which  encouraged  ASEAN  to  build  back better  from  the  multi-dimensional  impact  of  COVID-19  and  underscored  the importance    of    protecting    peoples’    health    and    well-being,    supporting sustainable   and   inclusive   economic   recovery,   restoring   and   building sustainable supply chains, promoting human capital development, leveraging digitalisation and technology, as well as strengthening multi-stakeholder andcomprehensive partnerships.

ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN)

25. We underscored  the  potential  of  the  ASCN  to  create  opportunities  for  the development  of  technological  and  innovative  solutions  to  support  the  smart and sustainable development of cities in the region, while promoting  greater cultural understanding. In this regard, we welcomed the outcomes of the Third ASEAN  Smart  Cities  Network  (ASCN)  Annual  Meeting  on  17  July  2020, including   the   endorsement   of   the   ASCN   Monitoring   and   Evaluation Framework and the Guidelines for ASCN Engagement with External Partners. We were pleased with the continued efforts by the ASCN Cities to implement their respective Smart City Action Plans (SCAPs). We commended the work of the ASCN in strengthening its institutional mechanisms to assist the ASCN Cities  in  monitoring  progress  of  their  SCAPs,  fostering  partnerships,  and exploring collaboration with other platforms on smart city development.   We also welcomed Dialogue Partners and other external partners to continue their active engagement with ASCN, in accordance with the Guidelines for ASCN Engagement with External Partners.

ASEAN Secretariat

26. We noted   that   the   new   ASEAN   Secretariat   Building,   since   its   full operationalisation, has hosted an increasing number of ASEAN meetings. We looked forward to the optimisation of the use of ASEAN Secretariat facilities for hosting meetings, and in this regard we encouraged Chairs of ASEAN and ASEAN sectoral bodies from all three ASEAN Community Pillars to conduct more   ASEAN   meetings   at   the   new   building,   including   through   the establishment  of  modalities  to  host  meetings  at  the  ASEAN  Secretariat  in Jakarta.  We  acknowledged  the  importance  of  strengthening  the  ASEAN Secretariat’s  institutional  capacity  and  provision  of  policy  support  to  the ASEAN  Community-building  process.  We  welcomed  the  launch  of  “The ASEAN”  Magazine  and  “ASEAN  Policy  Brief”  by  the  ASEAN  Secretariat  to share  and  communicate  ASEAN’s  work  and  promote  greater  awareness  of ASEAN.

ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY

Implementation of the APSC Blueprint 2025

27. We noted   with   satisfaction   the   encouraging   progress   made   in   the implementation  of  the  APSC  Blueprint  2025,  with  96%  of  the  action  lines having  been  acted  upon.  We  encouraged  the  relevant  sectoral  bodies  to continue  to  work  expeditiously  in  addressing  the  remaining  action  lines. Meanwhile,  we  welcomed  the  preliminary  report  of  the  MTR  of  the  APSC Blueprint 2025 as prepared by the ASEAN Secretariat. We supported efforts to  reflect  recent  developments  in  ASEAN  during  the  MTR,  such  as  the adoption   of   the   ASEAN   Outlook   on   the   Indo-Pacific   as   well   as   the developments  in  cybersecurity,  and  Women,  Peace  and  Security. We  were encouraged  that  the  majority  of  the  activities  undertaken,  thus  far,  had medium  to  high  impact  on  ASEAN  Community-building,  and  80%  of  the activities  were  expected  to  be  sustained  in  the  future.  We  encouraged  all sectoral  bodies  to  work  towards  the  refinement  and  finalisation  of  the  MTRReport for submission to the 22nd  APSC Council, the ACC, and subsequently to the 37th ASEAN Summit in November 2020.

Non-Traditional Security Threats

Terrorism and Violent Extremism

28. Recognising the  importance  of  a  collective  and  comprehensive  approach  to address   terrorism   and   violent   extremism   conducive   to   terrorism   and radicalisation, we expressed continued support for the ASEAN Plan of Action to  Prevent  and  Counter  the  Rise  of  Radicalisation  and  Violent  Extremism (2018-2025) and welcomed the adoption of the Work Plan of the ASEAN Plan of Action (PoA) to Prevent and Counter the Rise of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism   (PCRVE)   2019-2025   (Bali   Work   Plan)   at   the   13th   ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in November 2019. We commended  the  ASEAN  Senior  Officials’  Meeting  on  Transnational  Crime (SOMTC)  for  spearheading  this  initiative  and  looked  forward  to  the  active engagements  of  19  other  relevant  ASEAN  Sectoral  Bodies/Organs/Entities, as   well   as   Dialogue   Partners   and   external   parties,   in   the   effective implementation of the Bali Work Plan.

Illicit Drugs

29. We commended  and  affirmed  our  full  support  for  the  ASEAN  Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMD) and the ASEAN Senior Officials  on Drug Matters (ASOD) in leading the cross-sectoral and cross-pillar coordination to combat  illicit  drug  activities  in  the  region.  We  underscored  our  serious concerns over global moves to reclassify certain types of illicit drugs to less restrictive schedules under the international drug conventions, and reaffirmed our  commitment  towards  a  drug-free  region  and  a  zero-tolerance  approach towards   illicit   drugs.   We   also   expressed   concerns   over   the   on-going deliberation  on  the  recommendations  by  the  World  Health  Organisation (WHO)  regarding  changes  in  the  scope  of  control  of  substances,  as  we continue  to  work  with  international  communities  based  on  the  principle  of common and shared responsibility. We noted with appreciation the outcomeof   the   First   Internal   Review   of   the   ASEAN   Work   Plan   in   Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs 2016-2025 (ASEAN Work Plan 2016-2025), which highlighted an implementation rate of 79%. We commended the good work  of  the  ASEAN  Narcotics  Cooperation  Centre  (ASEAN  NARCO)  in publishing  the  fourth  series  of  the  ASEAN  Drug  Monitoring  Report  (ADM) 2018 launched on the sidelines of the 40th ASOD and its Related Meetings on 27-30 August 2019 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and looked forward to the next series of  the ADM Report. We also encouraged the preparation of the  Mid- Term  Review  of  the  said  Work  Plan  and  looked  forward  to  the  41st   ASOD Meeting in Indonesia. We reiterated our call for all ASEAN Member States to intensify efforts in fighting the drug menace to secure the ASEAN Community against illicit trafficking of drugs and other drug-related crimes.

Trafficking in Persons

34. We commended the continued commitment of the Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) in combating trafficking in persons in a more holistic manner  through  taking  the  lead  in  cross-sectoral  and  cross-pillar coordination.   We   noted   progress   in   the   implementation   of   the   Bohol Trafficking  in  Persons Work  Plan  (2017-2020),  which  involved  nine  ASEAN sectoral bodies and looked forward to the review of the Work Plan.
35. We discussed  on  the  issue  of  irregular  movement  of  persons,  including  its connection  with  people  smuggling  and  trafficking  in  persons  in  our  region, which requires the parties concerned to identify and address the root causes and other contributory factors, whether at origin, during transit or destination as well as the involvement of relevant stakeholders based on the principle of shared   responsibility   as   well   as   a   balanced   approach   between   law enforcement and humanitarian response to tackle the challenges.
36. We recalled  the  establishment  of  the  Trust  fund  to  Support  Emergency Humanitarian  and  Relief  Efforts  in  the  Event  of  the  Irregular  Movement  of Persons in Southeast Asia administered by the ASEAN Secretariat and called for voluntary contributions to the fund, as well as its effective utilisation, as set out in the Terms of Reference of the Trust Fund.
37. We also  reiterated  our  commitment  to  strengthening  cooperation  among ASEAN  Member  States,  Dialogue  Partners  and  international  community  in combating trafficking in persons and people smuggling, including through law enforcement cooperation, sharing of  information and expertise, exchange of intelligence and capacity building.
38. We expressed  concern  over  the  irregular  movement  of  persons  in  the Southeast Asia region. We noted that criminal groups had taken advantage of the  socio-economic  impact  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  to exploit  vulnerable groups. We acknowledged the close connection between irregular movement of persons, trafficking in persons, and smuggling of migrants. We reaffirmed the need for ASEAN Member States’ coordinated responses in addressing the issues   of   trafficking   in   persons,   smuggling   of   migrants   and   related transnational crime, including irregular movement of persons.

Border Management

35. We noted the ongoing work to enhance border management cooperation and that Thailand’s   draft   Concept   Paper   on   “ASEAN   Border   Management Cooperation   Roadmap”   was   being   discussed   by   the   SOMTC   and   the Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions  of  Ministries  of  Foreign  Affairs  Meeting  (DGICM).  We  noted  the progress   in   operationalising   the   Guidelines   on   Consular   Assistance   by ASEAN  Member  States  Missions  in  Third  Countries  to  Nationals  of  Other ASEAN  Member  States  and  encouraged  its  implementation  based  on  its general principles. We expressed our gratitude to our fellow ASEAN Member States  for  extending  evacuation  assistance  to  nationals  of  ASEAN  Member States stranded in each other’s countries or in third countries at the height of the  COVID-19  pandemic. We  also  noted  the  ongoing  efforts  to  develop  the ASEAN  Visa  Portal  and  the  feasibility  of  the  ASEAN  Business  Travel  Card under the DGICM.

Cybersecurity

36. We were pleased to note the progress in ASEAN cybersecurity cooperation and reaffirmed  our  commitment  in  building  a  safe,  secure,  and  resilient cyberspace.    Noting    the    transboundary    and    cross-cutting    nature    of cybersecurity,  we  welcomed  the  establishment  of  the  ASEAN  Cybersecurity Coordinating Committee (ASEAN Cyber-CC), which aimed to   promote cross- sectoral and cross-pillar cooperation among ASEAN sectoral bodies on efforts to strengthen cybersecurity in the region, facilitate cross-sectoral discussions to  promote  policy  coherence  across  the  sectors  and  strengthen  ASEAN’s centrality in the region’s cybersecurity architecture, and enhance alignment of regional  cybersecurity  policy  while  taking  into  account  national  operational considerations. We recognised the role of cybersecurity activities and training programmes  of  the  ASEAN-Singapore  Cybersecurity  Centre  of  Excellence (ASCCE)   in   Singapore   and   the   ASEAN-Japan   Cybersecurity   Capacity Building  Centre  (AJCCBC)  in  Bangkok  in  complementing  existing  ASEAN efforts in cybersecurity capacity building.

Peace and Security

39. We reaffirmed  the  importance  of  the  Treaty  of  Amity  and  Cooperation  in Southeast  Asia  (TAC)  as  the  key  code  of  conduct  in  governing  inter-state relations in the region and as a foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability. We were committed to further promoting the principles embodied in the  TAC  and  emphasised  the  importance  of  all  High  Contracting  Parties  in fulfilling  their  obligations  under  the  Treaty.  We  welcomed  the  accession  of Germany  and  Bahrain  to  the  TAC  and  looked  forward  to  the  accession  of Cuba  and  South  Africa.  We  also  welcomed  the  growing  interest  of  non- regional  countries  to accede  to the TAC, on  the  basis  of  respect for  and  in conformity with the purposes and principles of the TAC.
40. We were pleased to observe that all the existing initiatives under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’  Meeting  (ADMM)  had  been  duly  assessed  and  found  to remain relevant. We also noted that work was underway to finalise the ADMM Three-Year   Work   Programme   2020-2022   and   the   ADMM-Plus   Experts’ Working Group (EWGs) Work Plans 2020/21-2023 to chart the future direction of practical defence cooperation in ASEAN.
41. We acknowledged  the  defence  sector’s  commitment  and  contribution  to ASEAN’s collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic as reflected in the Joint  Statement  by  the  ASEAN  Defence  Ministers  on  Defence  Cooperation Against Disease Outbreaks issued at the ADMM Retreat in February 2020. In this  regard,  we  welcomed  the  successful  conduct  of  the  ADMM  COVID-19Table-Top  Exercise  on  27  May  2020  under  the  ASEAN  Center  of  Military Medicine   (ACMM),   and   the   Virtual   Workshop   on   Promoting   Scientific Cooperation to Manage Infectious Disease Outbreaks on 30 June 2020 under the   Network   of   ASEAN   Chemical,   Biological   and   Radiological   Defence Experts.

47. We noted the development of ASEAN cooperation on law and legal matters, undertaken by  the  ASEAN  Law  Ministers’  Meeting  (ALAWMM)  and  the ASEAN  Senior  Law  Officials’  Meeting  (ASLOM)  in  supporting  the  ASEAN Community-building  agenda  and  strengthening  a  rules-based  ASEAN.  We also  looked  forward  to  the  progress  on  the  initiative  to  develop  an  ASEAN Extradition Treaty.
48. We welcomed   the   inclusion   of   the   ASEAN   Ministers/Attorneys-General Meeting  of  the  Central  Authorities  on  Mutual  Legal  Assistance  in  Criminal Matters (AMAG-MLAT) as an ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Body in Annex 1 of the  ASEAN  Charter,  and  welcomed  its  important  contribution  to  ASEAN, especially  in  strengthening  ASEAN  institutional  structure  in  the  area  of criminal justice and combating transnational crimes. We looked forward to the first  Senior  Officials’  Meeting  of  the  Central  Authorities  on  Mutual  Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (SOM-MLAT), scheduled to be held in Brunei Darussalam, to discuss mutual legal assistance related matters, as well as to endeavour  toward  the  effective  implementation  of  the  ASEAN  Treaty  on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLAT).
49. We looked forward to the implementation of the Practical Arrangements (PA) between ASEAN  and  the  International  Atomic  Energy  Agency  (IAEA)  on Cooperation   in   the   Areas   of   Nuclear   Science   and   Technology   and Applications, Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards, which was signed in September 2019. We also looked forward to the convening of the 7th  Annual Meeting  of  the  ASEAN  Network  of  Regulatory  Bodies  on  Atomic  Energy(ASEANTOM) tentatively in November 2020 to enhance cooperation among the nuclear regulatory bodies and further strengthen nuclear safety, security, and safeguards in the region.
50. We reiterated our commitment to preserve the Southeast Asian region as a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone and free of all other weapons of mass destruction as enshrined in the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ Treaty) and the ASEAN Charter. We stressed the importance of the  full  and  effective  implementation  of  the  SEANWFZ  Treaty,  including through implementing the Plan of Action to Strengthen the Implementation of the SEANWFZ (2018-2022). We reaffirmed our commitment to continuously engage the Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) and intensify the ongoing efforts of   all  parties  to  resolve  all  outstanding  issues  in  accordance  with  the objectives and principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty. Our ASEAN experts could explore  ways  to  bridge  the  differences,  including the  possibility of  engagingwith the NWS experts. We would continue to submit the biennial SEANWFZ Resolution   through  the   First  Committee  to   the   United  Nations  General Assembly (UNGA).
51. We congratulated the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN- IPR) for the completion of the research project titled “Lessons Learned from a Process of Conflict Resolution between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)   and   the   Moro   National   Liberation   Front   (MNLF)   as Mediated  by  Indonesia  (1993-1996)”.  We  commended  the  ASEAN-IPR’s continued  efforts  in  implementing  the  ASEAN  Leaders’  Joint  Statement  on Promoting  Women,  Peace  and  Security  in  ASEAN,  advancing  the  role  of women  in  peace  and  reconciliation  and  forging  partnerships  with  relevant ASEAN  Bodies  to  further  promote  the  culture  of  peace  and  moderation  in ASEAN.  Notably,  the  convening  of  an  “ASEAN  Women  Interfaith  Dialogue: Promoting Understanding and Inclusivity” on 12-13 November 2019, whereby Members of the ASEAN Women for Peace Registry (AWPR) were amongst the participants and resource persons, is yet another sign of our commitment to  encourage  and  empower  women  practitioners  and  experts  in  the  field  of peace and security.
52. We had fruitful  discussions  and  exchange  of  views  among  ASEAN  Foreign Ministers,  our  external  partners  and  the  United  Nations  on  “Strengthening Women’s   Role   for   Sustainable   Peace   and   Security”.   Our   discussions contributed  to  ASEAN’s  concerted  efforts  to  promote  implementation  of  the UNSC  Resolution  1325  on  Women,  Peace  and  Security  during  the  20thanniversary of its adoption this year. We also underlined the need to enhance the  role  of  women  of  ASEAN  in  the  maintenance  and  promotion  of  peace, security   and   development.   We   further   welcomed   ASEAN’s   efforts   and Member States’ initiatives on women empowerment and their roles in peace and security through, among others, the active work of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women (AMMW), the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection  of  the  Rights  of  Women  and  Children  (ACWC),  the  ASEAN Women’s  Entrepreneur  Network  (AWEN),  and  ASEAN  Women  for  Peace Registry  (AWPR).  We  appreciated  the  ASEAN  Leaders’  Special  Session  at the 36th  ASEAN Summit on Women’s Empowerment in the Digital Age. Wewelcomed  the  convening  of  the  Web  Seminar  on  the  Role  of  Women Negotiators  and  Mediators  in  the  Maintenance  of   Regional  Peace  and Security by Indonesia on 1-2 July 2020.
53. We encouraged the ASEAN-IPR’s contribution to further strengthening peace- oriented values towards harmony, peace, security, and stability in the region through its  capacity  building  activities  and  research  on  best  practices  and ASEAN experiences in peace and conflict management, post-conflict peace- building,  and  gender-mainstreaming  in  these  areas,  in  collaboration  and coordination with the relevant ASEAN bodies and entities.
54. We reiterated  the  importance  of  mine  action  in  national  rehabilitation  and sustainable development and welcomed efforts to promote mine action at the global level, including at the United Nations. We commended the role of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) as a centre of excellence in promoting ASEAN’s efforts to address the issue of explosive remnants of war (ERW)  for  interested  ASEAN  Member  States  and  raise  awareness  of  thedanger of ERW  among affected communities. We expressed appreciation to ASEAN’s   Partners   in   contributing   to   the   undertaking   of   projects   and operationalisation of the ARMAC.

Maritime Cooperation

49. We took   note   of   the   United   Nations   General   Assembly   Resolution A/RES/74/19   emphasising,   in   the   Preamble,   the   universal   and   unified character of the 1982 UNCLOS, and reaffirming that the Convention sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out and is of  strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and global action and cooperation in the marine sector. We welcomed positive developments   in   maritime   cooperation   among   ASEAN   Member   States, including  through  continued  constructive  dialogues  on  issues  of  common interest and concern under the ambit of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ADMM  and  ADMM-Plus,  AMMTC,  East  Asia  Summit  (EAS),  the  ASEAN Maritime  Forum  (AMF)  and the  Expanded ASEAN  Maritime  Forum  (EAMF). We encouraged ASEAN Member States to intensify cooperation in promoting maritime security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, addressing transnational  crime  at  sea,  creating  conducive  environment  for  peaceful settlement of disputes, ensuring marine sustainability, providing humanitarian assistance  to  persons  and  vessels  in  distress  at  sea,  combating  Illegal, Unreported,  and  Unregulated  (IUU)  fishing,  promoting  maritime  connectivity and commerce, strengthening marine scientific research, in accordance with international  law,  including  the  1982  UNCLOS,  the  relevant  Standards  and Recommended   Practices   (SARPs)   of   the   International   Civil   Aviation Organization  (ICAO),  and  the  relevant  instruments  and  conventions  of  the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
50. We noted with satisfaction the successful convening of the 9th  AMF and 7th EAMF in Da Nang in December 2019, and reaffirmed the role of the AMF and EAMF in promoting maritime cooperation in the region through dialogue and consultations.   Taking   into   account   the   cross-cutting   nature   of   maritime cooperation,  we  underlined  the  necessity  for  closer  coordination  across  all three  ASEAN  Community  Pillars  to  avoid  duplication  of  efforts.  We  lookedforward to the convening of the 10th  AMF and 8th  EAMF in December 2020 inViet Nam.

Human Rights

51. We congratulated  the  ASEAN  Intergovernmental  Commission  on  Human Rights (AICHR) on the progress and achievements in the implementation of its  Five-Year  Work  Plan  2016-2020  and  took  note  of  the  AICHR  Annual Report  2020.  Notably,  we  appreciated  the  AICHR’s  consistent  efforts  to enhance cross-sectoral cooperation and mainstream human rights across the ASEAN  Community,  such  as  in  the  areas  of  right  to  education,  rights  of persons with disabilities, environmental impact assessment, rights of the child, freedom of opinion and expression, and youth debate on human rights. We noted  with  satisfaction  AICHR’s  continued  constructive  engagement  with dialogue    and    external   partners   and    relevant    stakeholders,   including international    and    regional    human    rights    mechanisms,    civil    society organisations  (CSOs),  and  the  private  sector.  We  also  commended  theAICHR’s  efforts  to  remain  cohesive  and  responsive  in  addressing emerging challenges,  including  amidst  the  COVID-19  pandemic  and  took  note  of  the Press  Release  on  COVID-19  by  the  AICHR  calling  for  attention  to  human rights  implications  in  public  health  emergencies.  We  tasked  our  Senior Officials to continue working on the implementation of the decision made bythe 52nd  AMM on the AICHR and looked forward to the establishment of the Panel of Experts.
52. We welcomed  and  approved  the  Five-Year  Work  Plan  of  the  AICHR  2021-2025  and  the  Priority  Programmes/Activities  of  the  AICHR  2021.  Moving forward,  we  encouraged  the  AICHR  to  continue  its  efforts  to  fully  and effectively discharge its mandates and functions, particularly in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms of the peoples of ASEAN, and  to  reinforce  its  cooperation  with  external  partners  and  regional  entities while  retaining  its  public  outreach  as  a  priority  to  engage  all  members  of society  in  contributing  to  the  building  of  a  people-oriented,  people-centred ASEAN Community.

ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY Economic Integration

 V iet  Na m’s  Priority  E co n o mic  Deliverables

52. We welcomed  the  progress  made  in  the  implementation  of  Viet  Nam’s  13 priority  economic  deliverables  (PEDs),  which  –  under  the  theme  “Cohesive and Responsive” – are being pursued under three main priorities, namely: (i) promoting intra-ASEAN economic integration and connectivity, (ii) deepening ASEAN  engagement  with  the  global  community  for  peace  and  sustainable development, and (iii) enhancing the responsiveness and institutional capacity of ASEAN. We expressed optimism that, notwithstanding the unprecedented challenges  brought  about  by  COVID-19,  ASEAN  Member  States,  under  the leadership  of  Viet  Nam,  would  exert  utmost  efforts  to  successfully  deliver these PEDs as targeted.

RCEP

A  Global  ASEAN:  Multilateral  Trading  System,  Progress  in  Plus  1  FTAs,

53. We also   welcomed   the   reaffirmation   by   the   Regional   Comprehensive Economic  Partnership (RCEP)  Ministers  on their commitment  to  the  goal  of signing  the  RCEP  Agreement  later  this  year,  as  mandated  by  our  Leaders. We agreed that the signing of this modern, comprehensive, high-quality, and mutually beneficial Agreement would yet be the region’s strongest response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. We were also encouraged by early efforts being undertaken not only in enhancing and upgrading the ASEAN Plus One Free  Trade  Agreements  (FTAs),  including  those  with  China,  Republic  of Korea  and  with  Australia  and  New  Zealand,  but  also  in  engaging  potential FTA  partners.  We  believed  in  the  important  role  of  the  ASEAN’s  FTAs  in contributing  to  a  stronger  rules-based  multilateral  trading  system  with  the World  Trade  Organisation  (WTO)  at  its  centre  and  a  more  resilient  ASEAN Economic  Community,  consistent  with  our  Leaders  commitment  to  maintain an open, inclusive, transparent, and rules-based regional architecture in the region. We also acknowledged the need to reform the WTO system in a way that takes into consideration the changing global realities.

Smart, Inclusive and Sustainable Development

4IR and Digital Connectivity, with Emphasis on Cross-Cutting Nature

55. We recognised the increasing pace of digital transformation in  our societies and economies, especially the accelerated adoption of digital technologies in coping with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitating economic recovery. In this context, we emphasised ASEAN’s commitment to advancing the work in embracing new technologies and addressing the manifold digital gaps,  in  skills,  infrastructure,  and  regulations,  within  and  across  ASEAN Member States, as well as the risks and challenges that digitalisation entails. To   this   end,   we   reiterated   the   strategic   importance   of   the   ongoing development of the Consolidated Strategy on the 4IR for ASEAN.
56. On the  digital  economy,  we  were  encouraged  by the  ongoing review of  the ASEAN  ICT  Masterplan  2020  and  the  timely  development  of  the  ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025. We noted the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN   Digital   Integration   Framework   Action   Plan   (DIFAP)   by   relevant sectoral   bodies   to   establish   a   strong   foundation   of   the   ASEAN   digital economy.  We  appreciated  the  completion  of  the  ASEAN  Digital  Integration Index  (ADII),  which  would  enable  digitalisation  to  be  an  effective  pillar  of economic  growth  by  helping  regional  policymakers  develop  a  harmonised approach to assess and advance ASEAN’s digital integration. In this regard, we welcomed the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Electronic Commerce’s commitment  to  complete  the  ratification  process  by  November  2020  and  to report   updates   on   the   entry-into-force   of   the   Agreement   on   Electronic

Commerce to the 37th ASEAN Summit.

Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development –  Energy, Agriculture and

Fisheries, Wildlife Trafficking

56. We recognised  that  one  key  realisation  brought  about  by  the  COVID-19 pandemic is the interconnectedness of our long-term economic development with  sustainability  considerations  across  all  fronts.  We  welcomed  efforts underway  to  create  favourable  conditions  to  achieve  ASEAN’s  goals  in ensuring  energy  security,  accessibility,  affordability  and  sustainability  for  all. We noted the good progress made in the development of the ASEAN Plan of Action  on  Energy  Cooperation  (APAEC)  Phase  II  2021-2025,  which  is  on track  for  adoption  at  the  38th    ASEAN  Ministers  on  Energy  Meeting  in November 2020.  We acknowledged the need to support the energy sector in deepening  efforts  and  collaboration  to  address  gaps  and  challenges  to achieve  its  aspirational  targets  for  renewable  energy  and  energy  intensityreduction.  We  also  looked  forward  to  advancing  regional  power  integration and  multilateral  power  trade  in  ASEAN  including  integration  of  renewable energy into the ASEAN Power Grid.
57. We were pleased with the continued efforts to establish the ASEAN Network for Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing (AN-IUU) asa  cooperation  framework  for  information  sharing  in  support  of  sustainable fisheries.    We  welcomed  the  finalisation  of  the  Cooperation  Framework, Terms  of  Reference  and  Rules  of  Procedure  of  an  AN-IUU  and  looked forward   to   the   subsequent   endorsement   by   the   ASEAN   Ministers   on Agriculture and Forestry in October 2020 which will enhance ASEAN Member States’ capacity and capabilities on the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS)  in  the  fight  against  IUU fishing. We welcomed  the development  of  a Roadmap on Combating IUU Fishing in the ASEAN region for the period of2020-2025 as one of Viet Nam’s priority economic deliverables of 2020, which would   identify   priority   issues,   action   programme   and   implementation arrangements for ASEAN Member States to combat IUU fishing.
58. As wildlife  trafficking  has  become  a  growing  problem  internationally,  we welcomed ongoing efforts to implement the ASEAN Guidelines for Detecting and Preventing Wildlife Trafficking to help law enforcement agencies combat the  illegal  trade  in  wildlife  and  related  transnational  crime.  We  noted  the discussions  on  combatting  wildlife  trafficking  in  the  development  of  the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework. We reiterated our commitment to maintain a coordinated approach across pillars and among relevant ASEAN sectoral  bodies  to  information  sharing  and  investigation,  which  supports  a shared vision of preventing and detecting wildlife trafficking.
59. We noted that sustainable food production and resilient agricultural practices, including sustainable  production  of  vegetable  oils,  particularly  palm  oil,  is essential to the attainment of the SDGs by 2030. We reaffirmed our support for  the  concerned  Member  States’  efforts  to  continue  engaging  relevant parties to establish a framework to address issues pertaining to  sustainable production of palm oil and environmental protection in a holistic, transparent, and non-discriminatory manner.

ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY Peoples and Institutions

Culture

60. We welcomed  the  designation  of  2020  as  the  Year  of  ASEAN  Identity.  We commended the ongoing efforts led by Indonesia as the current Chair of the ASEAN  Ministers  Responsible  for  Culture  and  the  Arts  (AMCA)  on  the development of the Narrative of ASEAN Identity.  We welcomed the ASEAN Virtual  Consultation  with  the  Civil  Society  Organizations  (CSOs)  on  the Narrative  of  ASEAN  Identity,  as  well  as  the  ASEAN  Virtual  Cross  Pillar Consultation on the  Narrative  of  ASEAN Identity,  and looked forward  to  the adoption of the Narrative of ASEAN Identity during the 37th  ASEAN Summit in November 2020. We further commended the efforts to bring arts and culturecloser to the people through the launch of the ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archive (ACHDA), which offered a rich depository of cultural artefacts that can be viewed three-dimensionally.

Gender Mainstreaming

61. We were encouraged by the ASEAN Leaders’ Special Session on Women’s Empowerment in the Digital Age at the 36th ASEAN Summit. We reaffirmed our   commitment   to   advocate   gender   equality   and   ensure   meaningful participation   of   women   and   girls   in   the   region’s   social   and   economic development.   We   reiterated   our   support   to   promote   women’s   political leadership  and  commended  the  ASEAN  Committee  on  Women  and  the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and   Children   in   advancing   the   women,   peace,   and   security   agenda, strengthening gender data and statistics and promoting equality for all women and girls, and looked forward to the first regional study on Women, Peace andSecurity,  the  ASEAN  Gender  Outlook  and  the  finalisation  of  the  regional strategic  framework  on  gender  mainstreaming  across  the  three  Community Pillars.

Social Welfare and Development

62. We reaffirmed  the  need  for  social  protection  to  mitigate  the  impact  of  the COVID-19    pandemic    on    vulnerable    groups    and    took    note    of    the recommendations from the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD) Special Online Meeting held in June 2020. We also recognised  with  appreciation  the  contributions  of  social  work  and  social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in ensuring overall health, safety and well-being of the peoples of ASEAN. We welcomed Viet Nam’s initiative to  develop  an  ASEAN  Declaration  on  Strengthening  Social Work  towards  a Cohesive  and  Responsive  ASEAN  Community  and  looked  forward  to  itsadoption at the 37th  ASEAN Summit in November 2020.

Human Resources Development

63. We commended and welcomed multi-sectoral efforts aimed at strengthening ASEAN’s human  resources,  with  a  view  to  developing  a  regional  workforce that  is  future-ready,  competitive  and  resilient.  These  include  the adoption of the terms of reference of the ASEAN TVET Council by the ASEAN Economic Ministers  Meeting,  ASEAN  Education  Ministers  Meeting,  and  the  ASEAN Labour  Ministers  Meeting,  which  will  bolster  ASEAN’s  work  to  enhance  the region’s TVET sector. In light of the opportunities and challenges associated with  rapid  technological  advancements,  demographic  shifts  and  greening economies, we looked forward to the joint efforts of the labour and education sectors  to develop the  Roadmap  to Implement  the  ASEAN  Declaration  on Human  Resources  Development  for  the  Changing  World  of  Work that wasadopted  by  the  36th   ASEAN  Summit. We  also  welcomed  the  coordinated development of the sectoral work plans for 2021-2025, and looked forward to their  finalisation  and  approval  next  year.  We  highlighted  that  the  task  of boosting  ASEAN’s  human  resources  requires  a  strong  and  harmonisedapproach  involving  all  relevant  sectoral  bodies.  We  looked  forward  to  the completion of the Study on Human Resources Development Preparedness in ASEAN which will provide support to ASEAN Member States in considering necessary approaches and innovations.

Youth Development

64. We welcomed  the  aspirations  expressed  by  youth  representatives  at  the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth, held on the sidelines of the 36th  ASEAN Summit, and in line with the broader framework of Human Resources Development, noted the need to invest in and strengthen future-ready education systems, within the framework of life-long learning. We emphasised the importance of the three focus areas identified, namely: youth volunteerism, youth entrepreneurship, and Fourth Industrial Revolution skills for  youth.  To  this  end,  we  looked  forward  to  the  implementation  of  ASEAN Volunteers project once the COVID-19 situation has stabilised. We expressed support  for  the  continued  promotion  of  youth  development  in  the  region particularly around the five domains of the ASEAN Youth Development Index: Education, Health and Wellbeing, Employment and Opportunity, Participation and  Engagement  and  ASEAN  Awareness,  Values  and  Identity.  We  also encouraged  more  ASEAN  youth  interaction  with  external  partners  through concrete activities under existing ASEAN-led mechanisms.

Health Development and Relevant Cross-Sectoral Initiatives

66. We appreciated the ASEAN Health Sector’s efforts in launching a timely and cohesive regional  health  response  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic  through  the mobilisation   of   coordination   platforms,   such   as   the   ASEAN   Emergency Operations  Centre  Network;  the  ASEAN  BioDiaspora  Virtual  Centre;  the ASEAN Risk Assessment and Risk Communication Centre; and  the ASEAN Plus Three Field Epidemiology Training Network. We also acknowledged the efforts by ASEAN Health Ministers in strengthening public health emergency preparedness  and  regional  health  security  in  responding  to  all  hazards  and emerging  threats,  including  mitigation  of  biological  threats  as  well  as  in enhancing cooperation with external partners in this area.
67. We recognised the progress made in the implementation of the multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder  Plan  of  Action  to  Implement  the  ASEAN  Leaders Declaration   on   Disaster   Health   Management   (2019-2025)   including   the capacity  building  of  emergency  medical  teams;   and  the  signing  of  the Agreement for the Establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation  (ACAI)  to  facilitate  inter-pillar  and  inter-sectoral  partnerships  in promoting  healthy  and  active  ageing.  We  further  looked  forward  to  the adoption  of  the  ASEAN  Strategic  Framework  on  Combating  Antimicrobial Resistance through One Health Approach (2019-2030) which will contribute to health  security  and  sustainable  development  of  other  sectors  involved  in animal health, agriculture, environment, and food safety and security.

Information

67. We appreciated the ongoing efforts by the information sector to address the spread of  fake  news  and  misinformation  in  the  course  of  the  COVID-19 pandemic.    We  noted  the  adoption  of  the  Joint  Statement  of  the  ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) to Minimise the Negative Effects of  the COVID-19 on 25 August 2020. Following the adoption of  the ASEAN Communication  Master  Plan  2018-2025  (ACMP  II),  we  took  note  of  the ongoing initiatives to promote ASEAN as a Community of Opportunities for All, including the launch of the Poll on ASEAN Awareness (PoAA).

Labour and Migrant Workers

69. We commended  ASEAN  Member  States  for  the  completion  of  the  self- assessment of their respective implementation of the ASEAN Consensus on Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, and translations of the ASEAN Consensus into some national languages. The results will serve as basis in identifying regional initiatives to implement the ASEAN Consensus in  the  next  five  years.  Moreover,  we  looked  forward  to  the  adoption  of  the ASEAN Guidelines on Effective Return and Reintegration of Migrant Workers which will be a useful reference for ASEAN Member States in improving the quality and access to their return and reintegration programmes. We looked forward to the adoption of the ASEAN Roadmap on the Elimination of Worst Forms  of  Child  Labour  by  2025  by  the  ASEAN  Labour  Ministers  as  a framework   of   cross-sectoral   cooperation   on   prohibition,   prevention,   and elimination of child labour practices as well as protection of children.
70. We noted the completion of four regional studies on the Extension of Social Security to Workers in Informal Employment in the ASEAN Region; Old-Age Income Security in ASEAN Member States; Informal Employment Statistics to Support  Decent  Work  Promotion  in  ASEAN;  and  Managing  Technology’s Implications  on  Work,  Workers,  and  Employment  Relationships  in  ASEAN, which provided recommendations contributing to a comprehensive approach towards effective social security policies for informal workers and retirees and will  be  considered  as  input  to  the  development  of  post-2020  sectoral  work plans. We also supported the ongoing pilot application of the ASEAN Guiding Principles for Quality Assurance and Recognition of Competency Certification Systems and looked forward to the final results later this year.

Civil Service

70. We recognised  the  pivotal  role  of  the  ASEAN  Cooperation  on  Civil  Service Matters   (ACCSM)   in    the    continuous   promotion   of    transparent,    and accountable  civil  service  systems  and  good  governance  at  all  levels.  We looked forward to the finalisation of the ACCSM Work Plan 2021-2025, which sets out the goal to build and sustain a high performing, dynamic and citizen- centric  civil  service  for  the  peoples  of  ASEAN  through  enhancing workforce competencies   and   standards   in   the   public   sectors;   building   institutional capacities     and     inter-agency     cooperation;     transformative     leadership; strengthening   ASEAN   Resource  Centres;   and   public   sector   reform  and modernisation.
71. In this era of disruptive technology, enhancement of civil service capacities to be agile, efficient, and people-centred is envisioned in the ASEAN Statement on Promotion of Good Governance and Acceleration of an Agile Civil Service in a Digital Economy. We looked forward to the endorsement of the ASEAN Guidelines on  Public  Service  Delivery.  The  Guidelines  is  expected  to  guide the  ASEAN  Member  States  in  providing  high  standard  and  people-oriented public service through five principles that could drive progress in the region’s public  service  delivery,  notably:  accessibility  to  information,  participation, responsiveness, accountability, and non-discrimination and inclusiveness.

Environment and Transboundary Haze Pollution

72. We highlighted  the  importance  of  advancing  cooperation  and  strengthening partnerships on environmental protection and conservation with greater efforts to address cross-cutting issues for sustainable development, among others in the areas of marine debris pollution, climate change, clean energy transition, sustainable water management, biodiversity conservation, and transboundary haze pollution.

Climate Action

73. We reaffirmed our commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, and looked forward to the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the UNFCCC in 2021 in Glasgow, the United Kingdom, as well as the Climate Adaptation Summit that will be held online on 25 January 2021. We noted the ongoingdevelopment of the ASEAN State of Climate Change Report and the ASEAN Climate   Finance   Strategy   to   support   the   implementation   of   Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

Marine Debris

74. We reiterated  our  commitment  to  the  Bangkok  Declaration  on  Combating Marine  Debris  in  the  ASEAN  Region  and  to  operationalise  the  ASEAN Framework   of   Action   on   Marine   Debris,   among   others   through   the development  of  an  ASEAN  Action  Plan  on  Marine  Debris.  We  noted  the ongoing  initiatives  to  reduce  marine  plastic  debris  pollution  and  to  support ASEAN in the transition to circular economy.

Biodiversity

75. We reiterated  ASEAN’s  commitment  to  promoting  biodiversity  conservation, sustainable   use,   and   mainstreaming   towards   the   achievement   of   Aichi Biodiversity  Targets,  in  order  to  minimise  the  devastating  consequences  of biodiversity   loss   and   ecosystem   degradation.   We   noted   the   successful conduct of the 6th  ASEAN Heritage Parks Conference held on 21-24 October2019  in  Pakse,  Lao  PDR,  organised  by  the  ASEAN  Centre  for  Biodiversity (ACB),  and  looked  forward  to  increasing  designation  of  protected  areas  in ASEAN Member States as ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs). We noted that the ACB  held  a  webinar  on  biodiversity  and  health  in  May  2020  to  exchange knowledge,  ideas,  and  experiences  on  the  inter-linkages  of  biodiversity  and human health.

Transboundary Haze Pollution

76. We noted that transboundary haze pollution, arising from land and forest fires remains a major concern in the region. We reiterated our commitment to the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) and the Roadmap on ASEAN Cooperation towards Transboundary Haze  Pollution  Control  with  Means  of  Implementation  (the Roadmap) to achieve a Haze-Free ASEAN by 2020. We were pleased to note the  progress  of  implementation  of  the  Roadmap  on  ASEAN  Cooperationtowards Transboundary Haze Pollution Control with Means of Implementation(Roadmap)  2016-2020,   ASEAN  Peatland   Management   Strategy  (APMS)2006-2020,  and  the  ASEAN  Programme  on  Sustainable  Management  of Peatland Ecosystems (APSMPE) 2014-2020. We expressed our appreciation for   the   valuable   support   extended   by   the   Partners   in   the   ongoing implementation  of  (i)  Sustainable  Use  of  Peatland  and  Haze  Mitigation  in ASEAN  (SUPA)  supported  by  the  EU;  (ii)  Measurable  Action  for  Haze-Free Sustainable  Land  Management  in  Southeast  Asia  (MAHFSA)  supported  by the  International  Fund  for  Agricultural  Development  (IFAD);  and  (iii)  GEF-6 Project  on  Sustainable  Management  of  Peatland  Ecosystems  in  Mekong Countries  supported  by  the  International  Union  for  Conservation  of  Nature (IUCN).  We  stressed  the  importance  of  remaining  vigilant  and  noted  the ongoing    preventive    efforts    to    minimise    any   possible    occurrence    of transboundary  smoke  haze  during  periods  of  drier  weather.  We  looked forward to the final reviews  of  the APMS and the Roadmap to evaluate the achievement of a haze-free ASEAN.

Disaster Management and Emergency Response

79. We commended the work of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA    Centre)    in    enhancing    ASEAN’s    capabilities    and coordination   in   disaster   management   and   emergency   response.   We reaffirmed  our  commitment  in  preventing  and  mitigating  the  impact  of  slow onset  disasters  such  as  drought  in  the  region  and  looked  forward  to  the formulation of the ASEAN Declaration on Building Resilience to Drought and its subsequent regional action plan.  We noted the development of the ASEAN Agreement  on  Disaster  Management  and  Emergency Response  (AADMER) Work  Programme  2021-2025  that  will  set  out  priorities  and  activities  toward the realisation of the ASEAN Vision 2025 on Disaster Management, and move the   implementation   of   AADMER   forward   to   a   people-centered,   people- oriented,  sustainable,  and  networked  approach  by  2025   and  noted  the ongoing discussion to establish a suitable platform for members of the public to contribute towards ASEAN’s disaster response efforts, which could include the ASEAN Disaster Management and Emergency Relief (ADMER) Fund. We also noted the successful organisation of the ASEAN High-Level Symposium on Disaster Management on 26 February 2020 at the ASEAN Secretariat as an important platform for ASEAN in promoting seamless collaboration among ASEAN Community Pillars and strengthening its cross-sectoral coordination in reducing  disaster  risks  and  responding  to  disasters.    We  reaffirmed  the importance  of  strengthening  coordination  among  ASEAN  Member  States  in disaster    management    and    supporting   the    operation   of    the    ASEAN Coordinating  Centre  for  Humanitarian  Assistance  on  disaster  management (AHA Centre), including the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) Regional Warehouse and Satellite Warehouses.
80. We reaffirmed our support for a more visible and enhanced role of ASEAN to support Myanmar   in   providing   humanitarian   assistance,   facilitating   the repatriation  process,  and  promoting  sustainable  development  in  Rakhine State.   We  appreciated  the  efforts  of  the  Secretary-General  of  ASEAN  in leading the implementation of the recommendations of the Preliminary Needs Assessment  (PNA)  and  encouraged  the  Secretary-General  of  ASEAN  tocontinue  identifying  possible  areas  for  ASEAN  to  effectively  facilitate  the repatriation  process.    We  welcomed  the  operationalisation  of  the  Ad-Hoc Support    Team    of    the    ASEAN    Secretariat    to    further    facilitate    the implementation of the recommendations of the PNA and looked forward to the conduct of the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA). We also welcomed the  endorsement of  the finalised  projects  at the 3rd  High-Level  Coordination Meeting,  held  on  27  July  2020  via  video  conference.  We  appreciated  the contribution  from  ASEAN  Member  States  and  some  external  partners  in supporting ASEAN activities, including the prioritised projects in Rakhine State to facilitate the repatriation process and to promote inclusive and sustainable development,   including   through   providing   basic   services   and   creating livelihood opportunities for the displaced persons.
81. We stressed  the  importance  of  and  reiterated  our  continued  support  for Myanmar’s commitment to ensure safety and security for all communities  in Rakhine State as effectively as possible and facilitate the voluntary return of displaced persons in a safe, secure, and dignified manner. We looked forward and  stood  ready  to  support  and  facilitate  the  full  implementation  of  the Arrangement  on  Return  of  Displaced  Persons  from  Rakhine  State  between the  Government  of  Myanmar  and  the  Government  of  Bangladesh  signed  in 2017 and the renewed MoU between the Government of Myanmar, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) until June 2021. In this regard, we stand  ready  to  facilitate  further  substantive  dialogue  between  Myanmar  and Bangladesh   on   this   matter.   We   encouraged   Myanmar   to   continue   to implement the remaining recommendations of the final report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. We noted that the Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) submitted its Final Report to the Government of Myanmar in January 2020 and reiterated the need to find a comprehensive and durable solution to address the root causes of the conflict and to create a conducive environment  so  that  the  affected  communities  can  rebuild  their  lives.  We welcomed the Government of Myanmar’s efforts in the implementation of the National  Strategy  on  Closure  of  IDP  Camps.  We  also  reaffirmed  ASEAN’s continued support for Myanmar’s efforts to bring peace, stability,  the rule of law, promote harmony and reconciliation among the various communities, as well as ensure sustainable and equitable development in Rakhine State.

ASEAN EXTERNAL RELATIONS

81. We underscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN Centrality and unity in our  engagement  with  ASEAN’s  external  partners  through  ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN-Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three (APT), EAS, ARF, and ADMM-Plus, in order to build mutual trust and confidence as well as reinforce    an    open,    transparent,    inclusive,    and    rules-based    regional architecture with ASEAN at the centre.
82. We noted  with  satisfaction  the  encouraging  progress  in  ASEAN’s  relations with  our  Dialogue  Partners,  Sectoral  Dialogue  Partners,  and  Development Partners through  the existing frameworks,  plans of action, and development cooperation   programmes   based   on   mutual   interest   and   benefit.   We acknowledged with appreciation the contribution of these partnerships to our ASEAN  Community-building  and  development  cooperation  efforts.  We  also welcomed the support of our partners for the priorities of ASEAN in 2020 in advancing  a  “Cohesive  and  Responsive”  ASEAN.  We  agreed  to  further strengthen  partnership  and  cooperation  with  our  external  partners,   thus contributing  to  the  continued  efforts  towards  the  realisation  of  the  ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and our proactive response to emerging challenges.
83. We took note of the growing interest from countries and regional organisations outside of  the  region  in  developing  stronger  collaboration  and  cooperation with  ASEAN,  including  through  applications  for  formal  partnerships  with ASEAN. We agreed on the need to reach out to new potential partners based on  shared  interest,  constructive  engagement,  and  mutual  benefit.  In  this regard,  we  expressed  appreciation  for  Brunei  Darussalam’s  initiative  and welcomed the Special SOM on ASEAN’s External Relations, which discussed a comprehensive approach for ASEAN in the conduct of its external relations. We   noted   the   role   and   contribution   of   the   Committee   of   Permanent Representatives  to  ASEAN  in  actively  engaging  with  ASEAN’s  partners, including   through   93   Non-ASEAN   Ambassadors   Accredited   to   ASEAN (NAAAs). We also welcomed the role of the 54 ASEAN Committees in Third Countries and International Organisations in promoting ASEAN’s interest and forging   partnerships   in   the   respective   host   countries   and   international organisations.

Dialogue Partners

84. We welcomed  the  convening  of  the  22nd   ASEAN-China  Summit,  the  22nd ASEAN-Japan  Summit,  the  16th  ASEAN-India  Summit,  and  the  7th  ASEAN- U.S.  Summit.  We  also  welcomed  the  convening  of  the  ASEAN-Republic  of Korea  (ROK)  Commemorative  Summit  on  the  30th  Anniversary  of  Dialogue Relations  in  November  2019  in  Busan,  ROK.  We  looked  forward  to  the convening  of  the  ASEAN-New  Zealand  Leaders’  Summit  to  Commemorate the 45th  Anniversary of Dialogue Relations at a time and venue agreeable to all.  We  also  looked  forward  to  the  convening  of  the  ASEAN-U.S.  Special Summit at a time of mutual convenience, with a view to further strengthening the  ASEAN-U.S.  Strategic  Partnership.  We  were  pleased  to  announce  our endorsement of proposal for the annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and looked forward  to  our  Leaders’  final  endorsement  of  this  proposal  at  the  ASEAN- Australia  Leaders’  Summit  in  2020.  We  also  looked  forward  to  the  23rd ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting to be convened in end-2020.
85. We looked forward to the adoption of the successor Plans of Action to guide ASEAN’s cooperation  with  Canada,  China,  India,  Republic  of  Korea,  New Zealand, Russia, and the U.S. for the next five years (2021-2025).

ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partners and ASEAN Development Partners

85. We noted  the  good  progress  made  in  the  ASEAN-Switzerland  Sectoral Dialogue    Partnership,    ASEAN-Norway    Sectoral    Dialogue    Partnership, ASEAN-Turkey   Sectoral   Dialogue   Partnership   as   well   as   the   ASEAN- Germany    Development    Partnership    and    ASEAN-Chile    Development Partnership. We welcomed France and Italy becoming Development Partners of  ASEAN.  We  appreciated  the  ongoing  support  of  these  partnerships  for ASEAN’s  Community-building  efforts.  We  welcomed  the  Chair’s  initiative  to hold  open-ended  virtual  meetings  with  ASEAN’s  Sectoral  Dialogue  Partners and Development Partners to explore opportunities for further cooperation and exchanges on issues of mutual interest.

Regional and International Organisations

86. We reaffirmed   the   importance   of   multilateralism   and   underscored   the importance  of  ASEAN’s  partnerships  with  other  external  partners  such  as regional  and  international  organisations,  including  the  United  Nations,  to address global concerns, pursue shared goals and complementary initiatives, and  promote  sustainable  development  for  the  benefit  of  our  people.  In  this connection, we welcomed the convening of the 10th  ASEAN-U.N. Summit in November  2019  in  Bangkok,  Thailand.  We  also  welcomed  the  presence  of two  ASEAN  Member  States,  Indonesia  and  Viet  Nam,  as  non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. We appreciated the briefing by the Secretary-General of ASEAN at the Security Council on “Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-Regional Organisations in Maintaining Peace and Security: The Role of ASEAN”. We are committed to further   ASEAN’s   active   contribution   to   UN-led   efforts   on   maintaining international peace and security.
87. We were pleased to note the positive progress made in the implementation of the Plan  of  Action  to  Implement  the  Joint  Declaration  on  Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations (2016-2020) and looked forward  to  further  strengthening  the  ASEAN-UN  comprehensive  partnership and cooperation, including through the adoption of the new ASEAN-UN Plan of Action (2021-2025). We reaffirmed our commitment to intensify cooperation in  the  implementation  of  the  Complementarities  Roadmap  and  effectively realizing  the  goals  of  the  United  Nations  2030  Agenda  for  Sustainable Development.
88. We looked  forward  to  the  convening  of  the  Meeting  between  the  ASEAN Foreign   Ministers   with   the   United   Nations   Secretary-General   and   the President  of  the  75th    Session  of  the  United  Nations  General  Assembly (UNGA).

ASEAN Plus Three

89. We reaffirmed the importance of the APT cooperation framework in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the East Asian region. We underscored the need to further strengthen and deepen functional cooperation under the APT framework, which plays a key role in regional community building in East Asia, with ASEAN  as  the  driving  force.  We  agreed  to  further  enhance  APT cooperation  in  wide-ranging  areas  through  the  implementation  of  the  APT Cooperation Work Plan 2018-2022. We also looked forward to the continued implementation  of  the  East  Asia  Vision  Group  II  recommendations.  We reiterated  the  importance  of  “connecting  the  connectivities”  within  the  APT. We  further  welcomed  the  strengthening  of  APT  cooperation  in  response  to emerging  challenges,  with  the  successful  convening  of  the  Special  APT Summit on COVID-19 on 14 April 2020 and the adoption of a Joint Statement that  demonstrated  the  strong  political  commitment  of  the  APT  countries  to effectively  control  and  contain  the  spread  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  and address its adverse socio-economic impacts. In this sense, we are committed to promote APT cooperation in strengthening regional economic and financial resilience  in  the  face  of  emerging  challenges  and  welcomed  the  proposed issuance of a Leaders’ Statement at the 23rd APT Summit to this aim.

East Asia Summit

90. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening the East Asia Summit (EAS) as a Leaders-led forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the region. We welcomed the 15th Anniversary of the EAS in 2020 and looked forward to the adoption of the Ha Noi Declaration  on  the  15th  Anniversary  of  the  East  Asia  Summit  to  further strengthen the EAS process, sustain its strategic value and relevance as well as enhance its responsiveness to fast-changing developments in the regional and global context. We agreed to further enhance EAS practical cooperation under the Manila Plan of Action to Advance the Phnom Penh Declaration on the EAS Development Initiative (2018-2022). We also highlighted the need to strengthen   the   EAS   collaboration   in   response   to   emerging   issues   and challenges that affect peace, stability and prosperity in the region  based on the   principle   of   strengthening   ASEAN   Centrality.   We   encouraged   the enhanced coordinating role of the EAS Chair in promoting synergy between the EAS and other ASEAN-led mechanisms as well as in ensuring effective coordination  and  exchange  of   information  among  the   EAS  participating countries  inter-sessionally.  We  welcomed  the  continued  discussions  and efforts  to  strengthen  the  EAS,  including  through,  among  others,  the  regular engagement   of   the   EAS   Ambassadors’   Meeting   in   Jakarta   to   discuss implementation of the Leaders’ decisions and initiatives, as well as exchange information  on  regional  development  cooperation  initiatives  and  security policies and initiatives.

ASEAN Regional Forum

91. We reiterated the importance of the ARF as a key platform for dialogue and consultation on regional political and security issues of common interest and concern. We noted with satisfaction the progress of cooperation in the ARF, and commended the provisional measures undertaken to ensure continuity of cooperation and operations of the ARF amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19  pandemic.  We  were  pleased  to  note  that  the  ARF  continued  to further  enhance  its  effectiveness  and  maintain  its  relevance  in  the  evolving regional  security  architecture.  In  this  regard,  and  with  a  view  to  affirming ASEAN’s central role in advancing the ARF process, we noted that the newly developed  Ha  Noi  Plan  of  Action  II  for  the  period  of  2020-2025  would  be tabled for adoption at the upcoming 27th  ARF and we approved the Guide to ARF Processes, Procedures, Practice and Protocol, which would  be shared with the ARF Participants for notation.

ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific

92. We reaffirmed  the  objectives  and  principles  of  the  ASEAN  Outlook  on  the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which provides a guide for ASEAN’s engagement in the wider  Asia-Pacific  and  Indian  Ocean  regions.  We  noted  that  ASEAN-led mechanisms could serve as useful platforms for dialogue and cooperation to implement the Outlook. We further noted that various ASEAN sectoral bodies, including  those  from  the  ASEAN  Political-Security  Community  pillar  and  the ASEAN Economic Community pillar, had discussed the implementation of the Outlook.  In  this  regard,  we  encouraged  external  partners  to  support  and undertake   cooperation   with   ASEAN,   in   accordance   with   the   principles contained  in  the  Outlook,  on  the  four  identified  key  areas,  namely  maritime cooperation, connectivity, UN SDGs 2030, economic and other possible areas of  cooperation,  through  practical  projects  to  promote  mutual  trust,  mutual respect,   and   mutual   benefit   through   ASEAN-led   mechanisms,   thereby contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Timor-Les te’s  Applic a tion  for  AS E AN  Me mbe rs hip

93. We noted   the   progress   made   in   preparing   for   the   ASEAN   Economic Community   and   ASEAN   Socio-Cultural   Community   Pillars   Fact-Finding Missions  (FFM)  to  Timor-Leste. We  looked  forward  to  the  convening  of  the FFMs, when circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic allow, and to  the  outcomes  of  the  FFMs,  after  which  a  comprehensive  assessment  of Timor-Leste’s application for ASEAN membership would be developed. In this regard, we welcomed the effort of the AEC and ASCC in moving this forward by planning to hold virtual interfaces with Timor-Leste’s sectoral counterparts to   prepare  for  their  FFMs.  We  reaffirmed  our  commitment  to  continue exploring   ways   to   provide   capacity   building   assistance   to   Timor-Leste, especially through participation in non-policy making activities in ASEAN.

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUES South China Sea

94. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety, and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea and recognised the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity. We underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of  the  2002  Declaration  on the Conduct  of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety. We warmly welcomed the continuously improving cooperation between ASEAN and China, and were encouraged by the progress of the substantive negotiations towards the early conclusion  of  an  effective  and  substantive  Code  of  Conduct  in  the  South China   Sea   (COC)   consistent   with   international   law,   including   the  1982 UNCLOS,   within   a   mutually-agreed   timeline.   We   appreciated   efforts undertaken   to   continue   the   second   reading   of   the   Single   Draft   COC Negotiating Text in spite of the evolving pandemic situation. We emphasised the  need  to  maintain  and  promote  an  environment  conducive  to  the  COC negotiations,   and   thus   welcomed   practical   measures   that   could   reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings and miscalculation. We stressed  the  importance  of  undertaking  confidence  building  and  preventive measures to enhance, among others, trust and confidence amongst parties; and we reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

95. We discussed the  situation  in  the  South  China  Sea,  during  which  concerns were  expressed  by some  Ministers  on  the  land  reclamations,  activities,  and serious  incidents  in  the  area,  which  have  eroded  trust  and  confidence, increased tensions, and may undermine  peace, security, and stability in the region.  We  reaffirmed  the  need  to  enhance  mutual  trust  and  confidence, exercise  self-restraint  in  the  conduct  of  activities  that  would  complicate  or escalate disputes and  affect peace and stability  and  avoid actions that may further  complicate  the  situation.  We  further  reaffirmed  the  need  to  pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. We emphasised the  importance  of  non-militarisation  and  self-restraint  in  the  conduct  of  all activities by claimants and all other states, including those mentioned in the DOC that could further complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the South China Sea.

Developments in the Korean Peninsula

96. We stressed  the  importance  of  continued  peaceful  dialogue  amongst  all concerned   parties   in   order   to   realise   lasting   peace   and   stability   in   a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. We urged all concerned parties to resume peaceful  dialogue  and  continue  working  towards  the  realisation  of  lasting peace  and  stability  in  a  denuclearised  Korean  Peninsula,  including  through the  full  and  expeditious  implementation  of  the  Panmunjom  Declaration,  the Pyongyang Joint Declaration and the Joint Statement by  the US and DPRK leaders.  We  reiterated  our  commitment  to  the  full  implementation  of  all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and noted international efforts    to    bring    about    the    complete,    verifiable,    and    irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. We reiterated our readiness to play a  constructive  role,  including through  utilising ASEAN-led  platforms  such  as the ARF in promoting a conducive atmosphere to peaceful dialogue amongst the concerned parties.

Situation in the Middle East

97. We noted the developments in the Middle East region. We reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just, and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in order to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East region. We urged  both  sides  to  actively  take  positive  steps  to  allow  for  negotiations  to gain  traction  and  work  together  towards  the  resumption  of  negotiations  to achieve  an  enduring  peace.  We  fully  support  the  legitimate  rights  of  the Palestinian people for an independent State of Palestine with the realisation of two  states,  Palestine  and  Israel  living  side  by  side  in  peace  and  security based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The UN Secretary-Ge ner a l’s  Appea l  for  a  Gl obal  Cea se fire  a mid  the  COVID-19

Pandemic

98. We noted   the   UN   Secretary-General   appeal   for   Global   Ceasefire   and welcomed an initiative by an ASEAN Member State on the launching of the “Statement  of  Support  to  the  UN  Secretary-General’s  Appeal  for  a  Global Ceasefire amid the COVID-19 Pandemic”, which garnered the commitment of 171  UN  Member  States,  Non-Member  Observer  State  and  Observer  to  pull back   from   hostilities   and   to   pursue   a   peaceful   settlement   of   conflicts, especially   during   the   pandemic.   The   Statement   also   aims   to   mobilise collective   support   for   the   appeal   by   the   UN   Secretary-General   while underscoring the importance of multilateralism, the rule of law, diplomacy, and the crucial role of women and youth in efforts to build sustainable peace. We are   hopeful   that   all   ASEAN   Member   States,   Dialogue   Partners   and international community could lend their support for the Statement.

54th  ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING

99. We looked  forward  to  the  convening  of  the  54th   ASEAN  Foreign  Ministers’ Meeting, Post Ministerial Conferences, 22nd  APT Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, 11th   EAS  Foreign  Ministers’  Meeting,  and  28th   ARF  to  be  held  in  Brunei Darussalam in 2021.

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