core sector communique

ASEAN Gears Up for 2nd ASEAN-US Leaders’ Meeting

New York, 23 September 2010

 

 

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers have geared up for the 2nd ASEAN-US Leaders’ Meeting and deliberated on the deliverables of the widely anticipated Meeting to be held in New York tomorrow.

 

The ASEAN Informal Ministerial Meeting (IAMM), which convened in New York today, discussed various aspects of regional architecture and agreed to recommend the ASEAN Leaders to welcome Russia and the United States to participate in the East Asia Summit next year.

 

The Ministers also discussed how ASEAN as a dynamic regional grouping can collaborate and play greater role in the international fora.

 

On ASEAN Connectivity, the Ministers exchanged views on the comprehensive Master Plan which draft is currently being finalised. The Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity is expected to be considered for adoption by the ASEAN Leaders at the 17th ASEAN Summit in Ha Noi next month. It will eventually serve as an integral part of and contribute to realising an ASEAN Community by 2015.

 

In this context, and to acquaint themselves on the region’s physical connectivity, the Ministers agreed to embark on a road tour along the “North-South Economic Corridor” (Route No 3A), traversing four countries: Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and the People’s Republic of China. The familiarisation trip will take place early next year, following the success of a similar trip along the East-West Economic Corridor in which the Ministers participated earlier in January this year.

 

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, welcomed the initiatives of the Member States and expressed his appreciation for a connected and united region. “The views expressed by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers reflect that the region has gained more confidence and is becoming increasingly mature as it strives towards an ASEAN Community by 2015,” he said following the Meeting.

 

At the Informal Meeting, the Ministers also approved a number of Ambassadors to ASEAN, which accreditation would add to the 30-some Ambassadors of friendly countries already accredited to ASEAN.

 

In New York, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers are also expected to discuss matters related to the 65th UN General Assembly (UNGA) agenda with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the President of the 65th UNGA.

 

The IAMM was held on the sidelines of the 65th UNGA, taking place in New York. The Meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, H.E. Pham Gia Khiem, was also attended by high-level representatives of the ASEAN Member States.