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 7th East Asia Summit (EAS) today. The Leaders discussed the future direction of the EAS and reiterated their commitment to maintain and strengthen functional cooperation in the forum, including in the areas of connectivity, maritime security, finance and healthcare.

The Leaders adopted the Phnom Penh Declaration on EAS Development Initiative, which emphasises development as a top priority for the EAS amidst global economic uncertainties, and the Declaration of the 7th EAS on Regional Response to Malaria Control and Addressing Resistance to Antimalarial Medicines. The Leaders also welcomed the announcement of the US-Asia-Pacific Comprehensive Partnership for a Sustainable Energy Future initiative co-sponsored by the US, Brunei and Indonesia, which aims to build on the ongoing energy initiatives in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and ASEAN. The initiative will focus on four priority areas: power markets and interconnectivity; the emerging role of natural gas; renewable and sustainable energy; and rural electrification.

The Leaders also had a good exchange of views on regional and international issues, including challenges such as nuclear non-proliferation, as well as developments in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula. The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The Leaders of ASEAN Member States and ASEAN's Free Trade Area Partners (Australia, China, India, Japan, ROK and New Zealand) also adopted the Joint Declaration on the Launch of Negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

PM Lee attended the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Leaders' Meeting on the sidelines of the EAS. The TPP Leaders from Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States as well as Vietnam had a constructive discussion on the next steps forward and also agreed to try to conclude talks by 2013.

PM Lee also attended the ASEAN Global Dialogue (AGD). The AGD was an unique event, bringing together leaders and key decision makers from the ASEAN and East Asia countries and key international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Trade Organisation (WTO), World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development to discuss key regional and international issues.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
20 NOVEMBER 2012