ASEAN foreign ministers made separate statements about peace, security and stability in the region at the close of the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on July 25.
The statements discussed preserving peace and stability Southeast Asia and the surrounding area and promoting relations that will have mutual benefits.
On July 25, ASEAN foreign ministers held meetings with officials from the US, China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, India and the EU.
In the ASEAN-US meeting, the foreign ministers noted the significant strategic relations between the US and the bloc and discussed preparations for the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-US relations in 2017.
In the ASEAN-China meeting, delegates released a joint declaration on the implementation of procedures for countries involved in the South China Sea dispute. However, the statement did not refer to the ruling of the U.N.-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration against Beijing’s claims in the sea.
Moreover, 2017 was designated as the ASEAN-Korea Cultural Exchange Year.
At the ASEAN-India meeting, the foreign ministers welcomed India’s Act East Policy. India also pledged its commitment to the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity as well as and the Post-2015 Agenda for ASEAN Connectivity.
Source: Eleven Myanmar
