The two-day 18th ASEAN Summit concluded here Sunday with the release of the Chair’s Statement on ASEAN Community-building, the implementation of ASEAN Charter and other issues.

JOINT EFFORTS FOR COMMUNITY-BUILDING

The leaders agreed and adopted three joint statements on “ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations”, “Establishment of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation” and “Enhancing cooperation against trafficking in persons in Southeast Asia.”

While acknowledging the challenges of establishing the ASEAN community, the ASEAN leaders agreed to increase the efforts of each individual member state and joint efforts to establish the ASEAN Community by 2015.

As to the fight against people trafficking, they agreed to enhance the work of the existing law-enforcement agencies, ensure the victims are treated humanely and have essential medical and other forms of assistance and accelerate the consideration of an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons.

They also recommend the establishment of an “ASEAN Institute of Peace and Reconciliation,” with the aim to “promote a culture of peace as well as respect for diversity and tolerance in order to create the conditions necessary for sustainable regional peace and reconciliation.”

The leaders discussed the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, which provides the basis for regional connectivity that prioritizes the development of infrastructure, institutions, and community empowerment.

Other strategic issues discussed include the protection of rights of migrant workers, the handling of piracy and terrorist activities and the expansion of cooperation in food and energy security, and disaster management.

JOINT EFFORTS FOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT: Read more