MFA Press Statement: 22nd ASEAN Summit, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, 24 – 25 April 2013

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, for the 22nd ASEAN Summit, attended the Leaders’ Retreat today.

The Leaders had a good exchange of views on regional and international issues. They affirmed the Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea and the need to work actively with China towards the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN’s 2015 Community-building targets, and emphasised the need to continue making progress on the implementation of the three Community Blueprints and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity. They recognised that ASEAN Community-building would continue beyond 2015, and discussed ways to strengthen and improve ASEAN processes and institutions. Such efforts would help to sustain ASEAN unity and centrality in the evolving regional architecture, and ASEAN’s role in promoting regional peace and stability.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
25 APRIL 2013