MFA Press Statement: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's Attendance at the 21st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, attended the regular ASEAN Plus One Summits with China, India, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), the 4th ASEAN-US Leaders Meeting, and the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Commemorative Summit today.

The 15th ASEAN-China Summit reaffirmed the strong and multi-faceted relations between ASEAN and China, and explored ways to expand cooperation in areas such as science and technology, healthcare, culture and investment, as well as activities to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership in 2013. The Leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to promote peace, stability and mutual trust in the South China Sea, and in this regard adopted the Joint Statement of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

At the 10th ASEAN-India Summit, the Leaders looked forward to the Commemorative Summit to mark the 20th anniversary of ASEAN-India relations, which would be held in New Delhi next month. The Leaders also noted the ASEAN-India Eminent Persons' Group report, which takes stock of and recommends ways to strengthen ASEAN-India relations.

The 15th ASEAN-Japan Summit reviewed the progress of the implementation of the Plan of Action 2011-2015 to Implement the Joint Declaration for Enhancing ASEAN-Japan Strategic Partnership for Prospering Together (Bali Declaration). The Leaders also explored activities to mark the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations in 2013, including a Commemorative Summit to be hosted by Japan next year.

The 15th ASEAN-ROK Summit reviewed the progress of the implementation of the ASEAN-ROK Plan of Action 2011-2015 to implement the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, and discussed ways to further strengthen ASEAN-ROK relations.

The 4th ASEAN-US Leaders' Meeting exchanged views on regional and international issues, and reviewed the state of ASEAN-US cooperation. The Leaders adopted the Joint Statement of the 4th ASEAN-US Leaders' Meeting and noted the report of the ASEAN-US Eminent Persons Group, which lays out recommendations to strengthen ASEAN-US relations. The ASEAN Leaders also welcomed the US' announcement of its Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) initiative, which aims to help prepare ASEAN Member States to pursue high-standard trade agreements.

The APT Commemorative Summit adopted the APT Leaders' Statement on the Commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of APT Cooperation, and the APT Leaders' Statement on the APT Partnership on Connectivity. The Leaders also welcomed recommendations in the East Asia Vision Group (EAVG) II Report. The EAVG II was established by the 13th APT Summit in Hanoi in November 2010 to review APT cooperation over the past 15 years and to recommend concrete measures and direction for further enhancing cooperation in the next 15 years and beyond.

At the meetings, the ASEAN Leaders also welcomed the participation of China, India, Japan and ROK in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and encouraged the Dialogue Partners to actively support the ASEAN Community building process and ASEAN Connectivity initiative.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
19 NOVEMBER 2012