The Founding of ASEAN often as they huddled at the negotiating table, they

finessed their way through their differences as they lined

up their shots on the golf course and traded wisecracks
on one another’s game, a style of deliberation which
On 8 August 1967, five leaders – the Foreign Ministers of
would eventually become the ASEAN ministerial tradition.
Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and
Thailand – sat down together in the main hall of the
Department of Foreign Affairs building in Bangkok, Now, with the rigors of negotiations and the informalities
Thailand and signed a document. By virtue of that of Bang Saen behind them, with their signatures neatly
document, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations attached to the ASEAN Declaration, also known as the
(ASEAN) was born. The five Foreign Ministers who Bangkok Declaration, it was time for some formalities.
signed it – Adam Malik of Indonesia, Narciso R. Ramos of The first to speak was the Philippine Secretary of Foreign
the Philippines, Tun Abdul Razak of Malaysia, S. Affairs, Narciso Ramos, a one-time journalist and long-
Rajaratnam of Singapore, and Thanat Khoman of time legislator who had given up a chance to be Speaker
Thailand – would subsequently be hailed as the Founding of the Philippine Congress to serve as one of his country’s
Fathers of probably the most successful inter- first diplomats. He was then 66 years old and his only son,
governmental organization in the developing world today. the future President Fidel V. Ramos, was serving with the
And the document that they signed would be known as Philippine Civic Action Group in embattled Vietnam. He
the ASEAN Declaration. recalled the tediousness of the negotiations that preceded
the signing of the Declaration that “truly taxed the
goodwill, the imagination, the patience and understanding
It was a short, simply-worded document containing just
of the five participating Ministers.” That ASEAN was
five articles. It declared the establishment of an
established at all in spite of these difficulties, he said,
Association for Regional Cooperation among the
meant that its foundations had been solidly laid. And he
Countries of Southeast Asia to be known as the
impressed it on the audience of diplomats, officials and
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and
media people who had witnessed the signing ceremony
spelled out the aims and purposes of that Association.
that a great sense of urgency had prompted the Ministers
These aims and purposes were about cooperation in the
to go through all that trouble. He spoke darkly of the forces
economic, social, cultural, technical, educational and
that were arrayed against the survival of the countries of
other fields, and in the promotion of regional peace and
Southeast Asia in those uncertain and critical times.
stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of
law and adherence to the principles of the United Nations
Charter. It stipulated that the Association would be open “The fragmented economies of Southeast Asia,” he said,
for participation by all States in the Southeast Asian “(with) each country pursuing its own limited objectives
region subscribing to its aims, principles and purposes. It and dissipating its meager resources in the overlapping
proclaimed ASEAN as representing “the collective will of or even conflicting endeavors of sister states carry the
the nations of Southeast Asia to bind themselves together seeds of weakness in their incapacity for growth and their
in friendship and cooperation and, through joint efforts self-perpetuating dependence on the advanced, industrial
and sacrifices, secure for their peoples and for posterity nations. ASEAN, therefore, could marshal the still
the blessings of peace, freedom and prosperity.” untapped potentials of this rich region through more
substantial united action.”
It was while Thailand was brokering reconciliation among
Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia over certain When it was his turn to speak, Adam Malik, Presidium
disputes that it dawned on the four countries that the Minister for Political Affairs and Minister for Foreign Affairs
moment for regional cooperation had come or the future of Indonesia, recalled that about a year before, in
of the region would remain uncertain. Recalls one of the Bangkok, at the conclusion of the peace talks between
two surviving protagonists of that historic process, Thanat Indonesia and Malaysia, he had explored the idea of an
Khoman of Thailand: “At the banquet marking the organization such as ASEAN with his Malaysian and Thai
reconciliation between the three disputants, I broached counterparts. One of the “angry young men” in his
the idea of forming another organization for regional country’s struggle for independence two decades earlier,
cooperation with Adam Malik. Malik agreed without Adam Malik was then 50 years old and one of a Presidium
hesitation but asked for time to talk with his government of five led by then General Soeharto that was steering
and also to normalize relations with Malaysia now that the Indonesia from the verge of economic and political chaos.
confrontation was over. Meanwhile, the Thai Foreign He was the Presidium’s point man in Indonesia’s efforts
Office prepared a draft charter of the new institution. to mend fences with its neighbors in the wake of an
Within a few months, everything was ready. I therefore unfortunate policy of confrontation. During the past year,
invited the two former members of the Association for he said, the Ministers had all worked together toward the
Southeast Asia (ASA), Malaysia and the Philippines, and realization of the ASEAN idea, “making haste slowly, in
Indonesia, a key member, to a meeting in Bangkok. In order to build a new association for regional cooperation.”
addition, Singapore sent S. Rajaratnam, then Foreign
Minister, to see me about joining the new set-up. Although Adam Malik went on to describe Indonesia’s vision of a
the new organization was planned to comprise only the Southeast Asia developing into “a region which can stand
ASA members plus Indonesia, Singapore’s request was on its own feet, strong enough to defend itself against any
favorably considered.” negative influence from outside the region.” Such a vision,
he stressed, was not wishful thinking, if the countries of
And so in early August 1967, the five Foreign Ministers the region effectively cooperated with each other,
spent four days in the relative isolation of a beach resort considering their combined natural resources and
in Bang Saen, a coastal town less than a hundred manpower. He referred to differences of outlook among
kilometers southeast of Bangkok. There they negotiated the member countries, but those differences, he said,
over that document in a decidedly informal manner which would be overcome through a maximum of goodwill and
they would later delight in describing as “sports-shirt understanding, faith and realism. Hard work, patience and
diplomacy.” Yet it was by no means an easy process: perseverance, he added, would also be necessary.
each man brought into the deliberations a historical and
political perspective that had no resemblance to that of The countries of Southeast Asia should also be willing to
any of the others. But with goodwill and good humor, as take responsibility for whatever happens to them,
according to Tun Abdul Razak, the Deputy Prime Minister forever entrenched in Indochina, he had foreseen their
of Malaysia, who spoke next. In his speech, he conjured eventual withdrawal from the area and had accordingly
a vision of an ASEAN that would include all the countries applied himself to adjusting Thailand’s foreign policy to a
of Southeast Asia. Tun Abdul Razak was then reality that would only become apparent more than half a
concurrently his country’s Minister of Defence and decade later. He must have had that in mind when, on
Minister of National Development. It was a time when that occasion, he said that the countries of Southeast Asia
national survival was the overriding thrust of Malaysia’s had no choice but to adjust to the exigencies of the time,
relations with other nations and so as Minister of Defence, to move toward closer cooperation and even integration.
he was in charge of his country’s foreign affairs. He Elaborating on ASEAN objectives, he spoke of “building a
stressed that the countries of the region should recognize new society that will be responsive to the needs of our
that unless they assumed their common responsibility to time and efficiently equipped to bring about, for the
shape their own destiny and to prevent external enjoyment and the material as well as spiritual
intervention and interference, Southeast Asia would advancement of our peoples, conditions of stability and
remain fraught with danger and tension. And unless they progress. Particularly what millions of men and women in
took decisive and collective action to prevent the eruption our part of the world want is to erase the old and obsolete
of intra-regional conflicts, the nations of Southeast Asia concept of domination and subjection of the past and
would remain susceptible to manipulation, one against replace it with the new spirit of give and take, of equality
another. and partnership. More than anything else, they want to be
master of their own house and to enjoy the inherent right
“We the nations and peoples of Southeast Asia,” Tun to decide their own destiny …”
Abdul Razak said, “must get together and form by
ourselves a new perspective and a new framework for our While the nations of Southeast Asia prevent attempts to
region. It is important that individually and jointly we deprive them of their freedom and sovereignty, he said,
should create a deep awareness that we cannot survive they must first free themselves from the material
for long as independent but isolated peoples unless we impediments of ignorance, disease and hunger. Each of
also think and act together and unless we prove by deeds these nations cannot accomplish that alone, but by joining
that we belong to a family of Southeast Asian nations together and cooperating with those who have the same
bound together by ties of friendship and goodwill and aspirations, these objectives become easier to attain.
imbued with our own ideals and aspirations and Then Thanat Khoman concluded: “What we have decided
determined to shape our own destiny”. He added that, today is only a small beginning of what we hope will be a
“with the establishment of ASEAN, we have taken a firm long and continuous sequence of accomplishments of
and a bold step on that road”. which we ourselves, those who will join us later and the
generations to come, can be proud. Let it be for Southeast
For his part, S. Rajaratnam, a former Minister of Culture Asia, a potentially rich region, rich in history, in spiritual as
of multi-cultural Singapore who, at that time, served as its well as material resources and indeed for the whole
first Foreign Minister, noted that two decades of ancient continent of Asia, the light of happiness and well-
nationalist fervor had not fulfilled the expectations of the being that will shine over the uncounted millions of our
people of Southeast Asia for better living standards. If struggling peoples.”
ASEAN would succeed, he said, then its members would
have to marry national thinking with regional thinking. The Foreign Minister of Thailand closed the inaugural
session of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations by
“We must now think at two levels,” Rajaratnam said. “We presenting each of his colleagues with a memento.
must think not only of our national interests but posit them Inscribed on the memento presented to the Foreign
against regional interests: that is a new way of thinking Minister of Indonesia, was the citation, “In recognition of
about our problems. And these are two different things services rendered by His Excellency Adam Malik to the
and sometimes they can conflict. Secondly, we must also ASEAN organization, the name of which was suggested
accept the fact, if we are really serious about it, that by him.”
regional existence means painful adjustments to those
practices and thinking in our respective countries. We And that was how ASEAN was conceived, given a name,
must make these painful and difficult adjustments. If we and born. It had been barely 14 months since Thanat
are not going to do that, then regionalism remains a Khoman brought up the ASEAN idea in his conversations
utopia.” with his Malaysian and Indonesian colleagues. In about
three more weeks, Indonesia would fully restore
S. Rajaratnam expressed the fear, however, that ASEAN diplomatic relations with Malaysia, and soon after that
would be misunderstood. “We are not against anything”, with Singapore. That was by no means the end to intra-
he said, “not against anybody”. And here he used a term ASEAN disputes, for soon the Philippines and Malaysia
that would have an ominous ring even today: would have a falling out on the issue of sovereignty over
balkanization. In Southeast Asia, as in Europe and any Sabah. Many disputes between ASEAN countries persist
part of the world, he said, outside powers had a vested to this day. But all Member Countries are deeply
interest in the balkanization of the region. “We want to committed to resolving their differences through peaceful
ensure,” he said, “a stable Southeast Asia, not a means and in the spirit of mutual accommodation. Every
balkanized Southeast Asia. And those countries who are dispute would have its proper season but it would not be
interested, genuinely interested, in the stability of allowed to get in the way of the task at hand. And at that
Southeast Asia, the prosperity of Southeast Asia, and time, the essential task was to lay the framework of
better economic and social conditions, will welcome small regional dialogue and cooperation.
countries getting together to pool their collective
resources and their collective wisdom to contribute to the The two-page Bangkok Declaration not only contains the
peace of the world.” rationale for the establishment of ASEAN and its specific
objectives. It represents the organization’s modus
The goal of ASEAN, then, is to create, not to destroy. This, operandi of building on small steps, voluntary, and
the Foreign Minister of Thailand, Thanat Khoman, informal arrangements towards more binding and
stressed when it was his turn to speak. At a time when the institutionalized agreements. All the founding member
Vietnam conflict was raging and American forces seemed states and the newer members have stood fast to the
spirit of the Bangkok Declaration. Over the years, ASEAN colonial subjection thanks to the wisdom and political skill
has progressively entered into several formal and legally- of its Monarchs, felt it a duty to deal with the new
binding instruments, such as the 1976 Treaty of Amity and contingencies. Pridi Panomyong, a former Prime Minister
Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the 1995 Treaty on the and statesman, tried to promote new relationships and co-
Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone. operation within the region. I, myself, posted as the first
Thai diplomat in the newly independent India, wrote a few
Against the backdrop of conflict in the then Indochina, the articles advocating some form of regional co-operation in
Founding Fathers had the foresight of building a Southeast Asia. But the time was not yet propitious. The
community of and for all Southeast Asian states. Thus the world was then divided by the Cold War into two rival
Bangkok Declaration promulgated that “the Association is camps vying for domination over the other, leading the
open for participation to all States in the Southeast Asian newly emerging states to adopt a non-aligned stance.
region subscribing to the aforementioned aims, principles When, as Foreign Minister, I was entrusted with the
and purposes.” ASEAN’s inclusive outlook has paved the responsibility of Thailand’s foreign relations, I paid visits
way for community-building not only in Southeast Asia, to neighboring countries to forge co-operative
but also in the broader Asia Pacific region where several relationships in Southeast Asia. The results were,
other inter-governmental organizations now co-exist. however, depressingly negative. Only an embryonic
organization, ASA or the Association of Southeast Asia,
grouping Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand could be
The original ASEAN logo presented five brown sheaves set up. This took place in 1961. It was, nevertheless, the
of rice stalks, one for each founding member. Beneath the first organization for regional co-operation in Southeast
sheaves is the legend “ASEAN” in blue. These are set on Asia.
a field of yellow encircled by a blue border. Brown stands But why did this region need an organization for co-
for strength and stability, yellow for prosperity and blue for operation?
the spirit of cordiality in which ASEAN affairs are The reasons were numerous. The most important of them
conducted. When ASEAN celebrated its 30th Anniversary was the fact that, with the withdrawal of the colonial
in 1997, the sheaves on the logo had increased to ten – powers, there would have been a power vacuum which
representing all ten countries of Southeast Asia and could have attracted outsiders to step in for political gains.
reflecting the colors of the flags of all of them. In a very As the colonial masters had discouraged any form of
real sense, ASEAN and Southeast Asia would then be intra-regional contact, the idea of neighbors working
one and the same, just as the Founding Fathers had together in a joint effort was thus to be encouraged.
envisioned. Secondly, as many of us knew from experience,
especially with the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization or
This article is based on the first chapter of ASEAN at 30, SEATO, co-operation among disparate members located
a publication of the Association of Southeast Asian in distant lands could be ineffective. We had therefore to
Nations in commemoration of its 30th Anniversary on 8 strive to build co-operation among those who lived close
August 1997, written by Jamil Maidan Flores and Jun to one another and shared common interests.
Abad. Thirdly, the need to join forces became imperative for the
Southeast Asian countries in order to be heard and to be
effective. This was the truth that we sadly had to learn.
The motivation for our efforts to band together was thus
to strengthen our position and protect ourselves against
ASEAN Conception and Evolution by Big Power rivalry.
Finally, it is common knowledge that co- operation and
THANAT KHOMAN ultimately integration s.erve the interests of all- something
that individual efforts can never achieve.
However, co-operation is easier said than done.
On 8 August 1967 the “Bangkok Declaration” gave birth
Soon after its establishment in 1961, ASA or the
to ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,
Association of Southeast Asia, the mini organization
an organization that would unite five countries in a joint
comprising only three members, ran into a snag. A
effort to promote economic co-operation and the welfare
territorial dispute, relating to a colonial legacy, erupted
of their peoples.
between the Philippines and Indonesia on the one hand
After repeated unsuccessful attempts in the past, this
and Malaysia on the other. The dispute centred on the fact
event was a unique achievement, ending the separation
that the British Administration, upon withdrawal from
and aloofness of the countries of this region that had
North Borneo (Sabah), had attributed jurisdiction of the
resulted from colonial times when they were forced by the
territory to Malaysia. The konfrontasi, as the Indonesians
colonial masters to live in cloisons etanches, shunning
called it, threatened to boil over into an international
contact with the neighboring countries.
conflict as Malaysia asked its ally, Great Britain, to come
In effect this historical event represented the culmination
to its support and British warships began to cruise along
of the decolonization process that had started after World
the coast of Sumatra. That unexpected turn of events
War II. Following their victory in the war, the colonial
caused the collapse of the fledgling ASA.
powers tried their best to maintain the status quo.
While ASA was paralysed by the dispute on Sabah,
However, since they had not even been able to ensure
efforts continued to be made in Bangkok for the creation
the protection of their territories against the Japanese
of another organization. Thus in 1966 a larger grouping,
invasion, how could they justify their claim to control them
with East Asian nations like Japan and South Korea as
again. In their defeat, the Japanese had effectively
well as Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, Taiwan, New
undermined colonial rule by granting some form of
Zealand, South Vietnam and Thailand, was established
autonomy or even independence to the territories they
and known as ASPAC or the Asian and Pacific Council.
had earlier invaded, thus sowing the seeds of freedom
However, once again, calamity struck. ASPAC was
from the colonial masters. The process of decolonization,
afflicted by the vagaries of international politics. The
inside and outside the United Nations, then advanced at
admission of the People’s Republic of China and the
a fast pace and led to the emergence of a number of
eviction of the Republic of China or Taiwan made it
independent and sovereign nations.
impossible for some of the Council’s members to sit at the
This created an entirely novel situation which
same conference table. ASPAC consequently folded up
necessitated new measures and structures. Thailand, as
in 1975, marking another failure in regional co-operation.
the only nation which had been spared the plight of
With this new misfortune, Thailand, which had remained
neutral in the Sabah dispute, turned its attention to the Chi Minh’s testament enjoining generations of
problem brewing to its south and took on a conciliatory Vietnamese to take over the rest of French Indochina in
role in the dispute. At the time, I had to ply between addition to the northeastern provinces of Thailand. Such
Jakarta, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur. After many attempts, developments forced ASEAN to turn its attention to more
our efforts paid off. Preferring Bangkok to Tokyo, the critical issues, like Cambodia, with the result that
antagonists came to our capital city to effect their economic matters were almost entirely neglected and set
reconciliation. aside.
At the banquet marking the reconciliation between the Although not the original plan or intention of the founders
three disputants, I broached the idea of forming another of ASEAN, the effective and successful opposition to the
organization for regional co-operation with Adam Malik, implementation of Vietnam’s Grand Design, using only
then Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of diplomatic and political means, won a great deal of
Indonesia, the largest country of Southeast Asia. Malik plaudits and international credit, lifting it from an
agreed without hesitation but asked for time to talk with insignificant grouping of small countries to a much courted
the powerful military circle of his government and also to organization with which more important states now seek
normalize relations with Malaysia now that the to have contact and dialogue. This has not been a
confrontation was over. Meanwhile, the Thai Foreign negligible result. Indeed, ASEAN has greatly benefited
Office prepared a draft charter of the new institution. from its deviated performance. ASEAN has now become
Within a few months, everything was ready. I therefore a well established international fixture.
invited the two former ASA members, Malaysia and the While applauding the successes of the Association, it is
Philippines, and Indonesia, a key member, to a meeting not my intention to pass over its weaknesses and
in Bangkok. In addition, Singapore sent S. Rajaratnam, shortcomings.
then Foreign Minister, to see me about joining the new In the first place, the partnership spirit is not fully
set-up. Although the new organization was planned to developed. Some parties seek to take more than to give
comprise only the former ASA members plus Indonesia, even if in choosing the latter course, they may be able to
Singapore’s request was favourably considered. take much more later on. Indeed, some of them do not
The first formal meeting of representatives from the five hesitate to reduce their allotted share in projects, which,
countries -Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, in their opinion, would not immediately bring the highest
Singapore, and Thailand -was held in the Thai Ministry of return, and thus they leave the burden to other members.
Foreign Affairs. The group then retired to the seaside In fact, it is common practice at many meetings, to jockey
resort of Bangsaen (Pattaya did not exist at that time) for selfish gains and advantages, not bearing in mind the
where, combining work with leisure -golf to be more exact general interest.
-the ASEAN charter was worked out. After a couple of Nevertheless, the most serious shortcoming of the
days, using the Foreign Office draft as the basis, the present system resides in the lack of political will as well
Charter was ready. The participants returned to Bangkok as the lack of trust and sincerity towards one another. Yet
for final approval of the draft, and on 8 August 1967, the each and everyone in their heart realizes that the
Bangkok Declaration gave birth to ASEAN – the advantages of ASEAN accrue to them all, and no one is
Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (ASEAN owes its thinking of leaving it.
name to Adam Malik, master in coining acronyms.) Be that as it may, there is no readiness to admit to these
The formation of ASEAN, the first successful attempt at shortcomings. That is why they put the blame for these
forging regional co-operation, was actually inspired and deficiencies on the Secretariat which was set up by the
guided by past events in many areas of the world governments themselves. Indeed, they distrust their
including Southeast Asia itself. The fact that the Western subordinate officials to the point that they have not been
powers, France and Britain, reneged on their pacts with willing, until recently, to appoint a Secretary-General of
Poland and Czechoslovakia promising protection against ASEAN, but only a Secretary-General in charge of the
external aggression, was instrumental in drawing the Secretariat.
attention of many countries to the credibility of assurances Whatever problems exist at present, it is not my intention
advanced by larger powers to smaller partners. The to dwell on them. They should, however, be resolved as
lesson drawn from such events encouraged weak nations expeditiously and effectively as possible. Personally, I
to rely more on neighborly mutual support than on prefer to look ahead and chart out a course that will lead
stronger states that serve their own national interests to the objectives originally set out, so as to meet the
rather than those of smaller partners. For Thailand, in expectations of our peoples.
particular, its disappointing experience with SEATO The question we should ask is: ASEAN, quo vadis?
taught it the lesson that it was useless and even Where do we go from here?
dangerous to hitch its destiny to distant powers who may To this, I would reply that, first of all, we must set
cut loose at any moment their ties and obligations with ourselves on the economic track we designed for the
lesser and distant allies. Association. This is necessary, even imperative, now
Another principle to which we anchored our faith was that more than ever as the world is being carved into powerful
our co-operation should deal with non-military matters. trade zones that deal with one another instead of with
Attempts were made by some to launch us on the path of individual nations. At present, many countries outside our
forming a military alliance. We resisted; wisely and region are prodding us to integrate so that a single or
correctly we stuck to our resolve to exclude military more unified market will simplify and facilitate trade. That
entanglement and remain safely on economic ground. stands to reason and yet it was only in 1992 when all
It should be put on record that, for many of us and for me partners were convinced of the veracity of the proposition,
in particular, our model has been and still is, the European when the then Thai Prime Minister, Anand Panyarachun,
Community, not because I was trained there, but because officially put the idea of an ASEAN Free Trade Area for
it is the most suitable form for us living in this part of the discussion at the ASEAN Summit at Singapore. This
world -in spite of our parallel economies which are quite meaningful move was logical since ASEAN was born in
different from the European ones. Thailand. However, it may take some fifteen years -as
However, although we had clearly defined our aims and requested by some members -before a rudimentary
aspirations, international realities forced ASEAN to single, integrated market comes into being.
deviate from its original path. Several developments For the months and years to come, gradual economic
began to preoccupy ASEAN: the defeat and withdrawal of integration should be the credo for ASEAN if we want our
the United States from Vietnam and even from the enterprise to remain viable and continue to progress.
mainland of Asia; the growing Vietnamese ambitions Otherwise, it may become stagnant, unable to keep up
nurtured by the heady wine of victory; and the threat of Ho with the pace of global activity. In spite of the Maastricht
setback where the Danes voted against ratifying the ASEAN members prefer to wait for more convincing
Treaty on European Union, the European Community will indications assuring them of their capacity to survive.
most probably witness sustained expansion with the They continue to insist that ASEAN remains the nucleus
addition of former EFTA members as well as a number of from which peripheral relationships might radiate. This is
Central and East European countries waiting to join. not an unwise approach, apparently dictated by realism
Meanwhile, NAFTA -the North American Free Trade Area and caution in view of the audacity and increasing
-is coming into being, parallel to another one further south arrogance of certain major powers. A precipitous decision
of the American continent. Likewise, on the southeast may result in undesirable entanglement or worse
wing of Europe, Turkey is busy organizing some form of strangulation. Nevertheless, it may be wise for ASEAN
co-operation with the Islamic states of the Black Sea not to lose sight of two important countries further to the
region of the defunct Soviet Union. All these activities south of Asia -Australia and New Zealand. If and when,
should be sufficient indication that there is an urgent need they should express a clear willingness and desire to
for ASEAN to scrutinize itself, to update its role, and to playa genuine partnership role, they should be welcome
implement wider and more serious organizational reforms to join in any common endeavour. Their contribution will
-measures that are more meaningful than simply undoubtedly increase the strength and capacity of our
revamping the Secretariat. existing and future co-operative undertakings, thus
On the non-technical side, political will and the spirit of enabling us to meet with every chance of success in
partnership greatly need to be strengthened. In the future, future encounters and negotiations with similar entities of
competition will be severe. Political and economic other continents.
pressure through the use of unilateral measures and Lately, ASEAN has taken up a new assignment by
threats will be resorted to without mercy by those who engaging in discussions on security matters, more
believe in brute force rather than civilized negotiations, a precisely on the Spratly Islands which are claimed by a
method which I call “crowbar” diplomacy proudly number of nations, including Vietnam and the People’s
proposed by the “Amazon Warrior” before the legislative Republic of China. The dispute threatened to erupt into an
authorities of her country. Without appropriate armed conflict after concessions for oil exploration were
adjustments and improvements, ASEAN may lose in the granted by the People’s Republic of China to some
race for survival. And time is of the essence. ASEAN, in American oil companies. If one or more contestants resort
my opinion, does not have much leeway to idle or doodle. to violence the dispute may degenerate into an ugly
We should realize that two or three years are all we really conflict thereby disrupting the peace and stability of the
have to implement urgent reforms. region. For that reason, Indonesia has already been
While the pursuit of economic aims, as originally moved to organize “workshop” discussions to explore the
assigned, is essential, it does not mean the Association possibility of an acceptable solution.
should abandon the considerable political gains it has In the light of the Spratly problem, the ASEAN members
made. On the contrary, ASEAN should continue to build prepared a draft “Code of International Behaviour” which
upon the prestige and recognition that the outside world rules out any resort to violence. This draft was tabled at
has accorded it. The results of ASEAN’s past the Manila Ministerial Meeting in 1992 which approved it,
performance especially in the resistance against as did the PRC and Vietnam, a dialogue partner and a
Vietnamese military conquests and territorial signatory of the ASEAN Treaty on Amity and Co-
expansionism, as well as the unqualified success in operation respectively. This was what ASEAN could do,
preserving peace and stability against all odds, are although it was only a moral gesture. Obviously, it could
evident. Without doubt, ASEAN must strive to consolidate not obtain from the main parties to the dispute, a
these assets which will complement its efforts on the categorical pledge not to resort to violence. It may not be
economic side. In other words, the arduous task ahead much. It was nevertheless better than nothing and
for the Association will be a double- or triple- track certainly better than to bury one’s head in the sand. It is
endeavour which can be crowned with success provided hoped that in this, as in any other case, wisdom and
that the weaknesses mentioned earlier are remedied and restraint will prevail.
all the members, for their own good and that of their What will ultimately be the fate of ASEAN?
people, decide to carry out their duties and obligations To this question, I am ready to offer a candid reply,
with determination and a sense of purpose. forgetting my role as a co-founder of the Association. My
On the other hand, we should foresee that, in time to faith in the usefulness and “serviceability” of ASEAN
come, not only will ASEAN have to face the difficult task cannot and will not diminish. If anything, members will find
of creating and maintaining harmony among its members it beneficial to strengthen it. This is the rationale. In the
who have different views, different interests, and are of post Cold War world, the Western countries find it fit to
different stages of development -factors that in the past assert with little restraint or moderation their ascendancy
have made the adoption of needed reforms so uneasy - and dominance, and some even seek to establish their
but ASEAN will also have to cope with the extremely hegemony over the entire world by claiming undisputed
complicated problems of dealing with hard-nosed leadership in a so-called New World Order framework
opponents and interlocutors among the developed because of the absence of Soviet challenge and rivalry.
countries. The ultimate result would be that other nations will, ipso
Finally, as with all organizations and entities, ASEAN will facto, become nothing but mere pawns of different size.
have to realize that it will not be nor can it be the ultimate The smaller ones will shrink still further and become even
creation. In truth, it should be only a stepping stone, a smaller and less significant. In fact, they will count less on
preliminary or intermediate stage in the process of the world scene than before the advent of the New World
international development. As the world progresses, so Order. Therefore, if they do not combine their minuscule
will ASEAN. At this juncture, everyone within the strength, they will lose all meaning. Now the only place
Association is aware of this reality. It should be prepared where they can do something with a measure of success
to move on to the next stage and raise its sights towards is none other than the ASEAN forum. Therefore, for our
wider horizons. Some nascent possibilities like PECC (the own interests, we cannot afford to be oblivious of this plain
Pacific Economic Co-operation Council) and APEC (the truth and fail to act accordingly.
Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation forum) are already in Bangkok
existence and more or less ready to bloom into something 1 September 1992
more stable and viable. So far, ASEAN members have not
been willing to merge with the new entities, for various
reasons, the most important of which may be a lack of
conviction in the latters’ viability. Perhaps correctly,
The ASEAN Secretariat was set up in February 1976 by building efforts to evolve and adapt to these changes
the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN. It was then housed at and challenges;
the Department of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia in Jakarta.
The existing ASEAN Secretariat at 70A Jalan RECOGNISING the importance of having an appropriate
Sisingamangaraja, Jakarta was established and officiated institutional framework of ASEAN that is able to meet the
in 1981 by the then President of Indonesia, H.E. challenges of realising an ASEAN community;
Soeharto.
CONVINCED of the need for an ASEAN Charter to
The ASEAN Secretariat’s basic function is to provide for serve as a firm foundation for ASEAN in the years ahead
greater efficiency in the coordination of ASEAN organs and to facilitate community building towards an ASEAN
and for more effective implementation of ASEAN projects Community and beyond;
and activities
DO HEREBY DECLARE:
The ASEAN Secretariat’s vision is that by 2015, it will be
FIRST, we are committed to establish the ASEAN
the nerve centre of a strong and confident ASEAN Charter.
Community that is globally respected for acting in full
SECOND, the ASEAN Charter will serve as a legal and
compliance with its Charter and in the best interest of its institutional framework of ASEAN to support the
realisation of its goals and objectives.
Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the
people.

Establishment of the ASEAN Charter THIRD, the ASEAN Charter will codify all ASEAN norms,
rules, and values and reaffirm that ASEAN agreements
Kuala Lumpur, 12 December 2005 signed and other instruments adopted before the
establishment of the ASEAN Charter shall continue to
apply and be legally binding where appropriate.
WE, the Heads of State/Government of Brunei
Darussalam, Kingdom of Cambodia, Republic of FOURTH, the ASEAN Charter will reaffirm principles,
Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, goals and ideals contained in ASEAN’s milestone
Union of Myanmar, Republic of the Philippines, Republic agreements, in particular the ASEAN Declaration (1967),
of Singapore, Kingdom of Thailand and Socialist the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia
Republic of Viet Nam, Member Countries of ASEAN, on (1976), the Treaty on Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon
the occasion of the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Free Zone (1995), the ASEAN Vision 2020 (1997) and
Lumpur; the Declaration of ASEAN Concord II (2003) as well as
the principles of inter-state relations in accordance with
CONSCIOUS of the unity and diversity in ASEAN and the UN Charter and established international law that
the existing ties of history, geography and culture that promote and protect ASEAN community interests as well
have bound their peoples together; as inter-state relations and the national interests of the
individual ASEAN Member Countries. These include
RECOGNISING the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok among others:
Declaration) of 1967 as the founding document of
ASEAN that represents the collective will of the nations  Promotion of community interest for the benefit
of Southeast Asia to bond themselves together in of all ASEAN Member Countries;
friendship and cooperation and, through joint efforts and  Maintaining primary driving force of ASEAN;
sacrifices, secure for their peoples and for posterity the  Narrowing the development gaps among
blessings of peace, freedom and prosperity; Member Countries;
 Adherence to a set of common socio-cultural
ACKNOWLEDGING that the vision, strategy and and political community values and shared
initiative of ASEAN over the years have made an norms as contained in the various ASEAN
important contribution to the maintenance of peace, documents;
security and stability of the region;  Continuing to foster a community of caring
societies and promote a common regional
COGNISANT that mutual respect for the independence, identity;
sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and national  Effective implementation as well as compliance
identity of ASEAN Member Countries has fostered a with ASEAN’s agreements;
positive environment for the steady development of an  Promotion of democracy, human rights and
ASEAN Community to meet the challenges of the future; obligations, transparency and good governance
and strengthening democratic institutions;
DESIRING to realise an ASEAN Community as  Ensuring that countries in the region live at
envisaged in the Declaration of ASEAN Concord II (Bali peace with one another and with the world at
Concord II) and its Plans of Action and Roadmap, and large in a just, democratic and harmonious
the ASEAN Vision 2020 which envision ASEAN as a environment;
concert of Southeast Asian nations, outward-looking,  Decision making on the basis of equality, mutual
living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together respect and consensus;
in partnership in dynamic development and in a  Commitment to strengthen ASEAN’s
community of caring societies; competitiveness, to deepen and broaden
ASEAN’s internal economic integration and
linkages with the world economy;
RECOGNISING that the global and regional economic
 Promotion of regional solidarity and cooperation;
and political environment has changed and is constantly
changing thereby requiring ASEAN and its community
  Mutual respect for the independence, Chair in 2017. He was Brunei Darussalam’s Chief
sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and Negotiator for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
national identity of all nations; (TPP), as well as for the P4, precursor to the TPP
 Renunciation of nuclear weapons and other negotiations. Previously, he was also the Co-Chair during
weapons of mass destruction and avoidance of the negotiations for the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand
arms race; Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), and also served as Brunei
 Renunciation of the use of force and threat to Darussalam’s Chief Negotiator for the Brunei
use of force; non-aggression and exclusive Darussalam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement
reliance on peaceful means for the settlement of (BJEPA).
differences or disputes;
 Enhancing beneficial relations between ASEAN From June 2011-2017, he was the Chairman of the
and its friends and partners; Governing Board of the Economic Research Institute for
 Upholding non-discrimination of any ASEAN ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). He was also on the
Member Countries in ASEAN’s external relations External Advisory Board for the ASEAN 2030 Study being
and cooperative activities; undertaken by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
 Observance of principles of international law
concerning friendly relations and cooperation He entered the Government Service as an education
among States; and officer in 1977 and served as principal of a Secondary
 The right of every state to lead its national School from 1981 – 1985. From February 2001 – July
existence free from external interference, 2005, he was appointed as Director-General,
subversion or coercion and non-interference in International Relations and Trade Development, Ministry
the internal affairs of one another. of Industry and Primary Resources. In September 2005,
he was appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary,
FIFTH, the ASEAN Charter will confer a legal personality Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
to ASEAN and determine the functions, develop areas of
competence of key ASEAN bodies and their relationship He graduated from the City of London Polytechnic in B.Sc
with one another in the overall ASEAN structure. (Hons) Economics in 1976 and received his Post
Graduate Certificate of Education in 1977.
AND DO HEREBY AGREE:
He was awarded The Most Honourable Order of Seri
TO establish an Eminent Persons Group (EPG), Paduka Mahkota Brunei, second Class (D.P.M.B) in
comprising highly distinguished and well respected 2007. He is married with two sons.
citizens from ASEAN Member Countries, with the
mandate to examine and provide practical According to Article 31 of the ASEAN Charter, the
recommendations on the directions and nature of the Chairmanship of ASEAN shall rotate annually, based on
ASEAN Charter relevant to the ASEAN Community as the alphabetical order of the English names of Member
envisaged in the Bali Concord II and beyond, taking into States. A Member State assuming the Chairmanship shall
account, but not limited to, the principles, values and chair the ASEAN Summit and related summits, the
objectives as contained in this Declaration. ASEAN Coordinating Council, the three ASEAN
Community Councils, relevant ASEAN Sectoral
TO consider their recommendations at our subsequent Ministerial Bodies and senior officials, and the Committee
meetings. of Permanent Representatives.

TO task our Ministers to establish, as necessary, a High Philippines is the Chair of ASEAN for 2017 and the theme
Level Task Force to carry out the drafting of the ASEAN of its ASEAN Chairmanship is “Partnering for Change,
Charter based on the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Engaging The World.” For more information on
Establishment of the ASEAN Charter and the Philippines chairmanship: http://www.asean2017.ph/
recommendations of the EPG.
Previous Chairs of ASEAN over the years:
DONE in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the Twelfth Day of
December in the Year Two Thousand and Five. Year Chair

2018 Singapore
2017 Philippines
The ASEAN Secretariat’s mission is to initiate, facilitate 2016 Lao PDR
and coordinate ASEAN stakeholder collaboration in 2015 Malaysia
realising the purposes and principles of ASEAN as
2014 Myanmar
reflected in the ASEAN Charter.
2013 Brunei
2012 Cambodia
2011 Indonesia
Dato Lim Jock Hoi was the Permanent Secretary at the 2010 Viet Nam
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam 2009 Thailand
since 2006. 2008 Thailand
2007 Singapore
During his tenure, he served as Brunei Darussalam’s 2006 Philippines
Senior Official for the ASEAN Economic Community Pillar 2005 Malaysia
(SEOM), APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) and 2004 Lao PDR
the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting). He was a member of 2003 Indonesia
the High Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic 2002 Cambodia
Integration (HLTF-EI) since 2001, serving as the HLTF-EI 2001 Brunei Darussalam
2000 Singapore
1999 Philippines
1998 Viet Nam 17 July 1989 to 1 Jan 1993
1997 Malaysia
1996 Indonesia
1995 Thailand RODERICK YONG
1992 Singapore
1987 Philippines Brunei Darussalam
1977 Malaysia
1976 Indonesia

16 July 1986 to 16 July 1989

LE LUONG MINH
Viet Nam PHAN WANNAMETHEE
ThailandThe Documentation Centre of the ASEAN
Secretariat was set up when the ASEAN Secretariat was
established in June 1976 and began operating in April
1 Jan 2013 to 31 Dec 2017 1977. The ASEAN Secretariat Resource Centre (ARC)
was then established on 1 November 2006 by the then
Please click here to find out more about Le Luong Minh. Secretary-General Ong Keng Yong.

Please click here for Speeches & Statements. At present, ARC comprises two main sections: the
Library and Archives.

Dr. SURIN PITSUWAN The Library houses and maintains books (ASEAN
Secretariat publications and others), journals,
Thailand periodicals, newspapers, and audio-visual materials
relevant to ASEAN. With a focus on ASEAN, the
collection covers a wide range of issues, from social
development, economics, science and technology, trade,
1 Jan 2008 to 31 Dec 2012 politics, foreign relations, population and culture.

Please click here to find out more about Dr. Surin The Archives meanwhile acts as the custodian of
Pitsuwan. ASEAN Treaties, Agreements, Instruments,
Memorandums of Understanding, etc. as well as houses
classified ASEAN meeting reports. Due to the nature of
Please click here for Speeches & Statements.
these documents, the ASEAN Meeting Reports and the
original documents of ASEAN Treaties, Agreements,
ONG KENG YONG Instruments, MoU, are restricted and accessible only by
the staff of the ASEAN Secretariat. At ARC, public users
may only access the copy documents of the ASEAN
Singapore
Treaties, Agreements, Instruments, MoU.

Public users may also access information on ASEAN

Legal Instruments through this link: ASEAN Legal
1 Jan 2003 to 31 Dec 2007 Instruments, for further information regarding the
Instruments you may contact our Legal Services
colleagues.
RODOLFO C. SEVERINO JR.
The Philippines  ASEAN Secretariat: Basic Mandate
 Organizational Structure of the ASEAN
Secretariat
 List of Authorised ASEAN Secretariat
Members for Legal Transactions Under
1 Jan 1998 to 31 Dec 2002 Domestic Laws
 Protocol Amending the Agreement on the
Establishment of the ASEAN Secretariat,
DATO AJIT SINGH Manila, Philippines, 22 July 1992
 Agreement on the Temporary Use of the
Malaysia Premises of the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta,
5 November 1991
 Protocol Amending the Agreement of the
Establishment of the ASEAN Secretariat,
1 Jan 1993 to 31 Dec 1997 Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, 4
July 1989
 Protocol Amending the Agreement on the
RUSLI NOOR Establishment of the ASEAN Secretariat
(Term-of-Duty of the Secretary General),
Indonesia Kuala Lumpur, 9 July 1985
 Protocol Amending the Agreement on the Indonesia
Establishment of the ASEAN Secretariat
(Economic Officers), Bangkok, 27 January 7 June 1976 to 18 Feb 1978
1983
 Protocol to Amend the Agreement for the
The Secretary-General of ASEAN shall be assisted by
Establishment of a Fund for ASEAN,
four Deputy Secretaries-General (DSGs). The four
Bangkok, 22 October 1982
DSGs shall be of different nationalities from the
 Agreement on the Use and Maintenance of
Secretary-General and shall come from four different
Premises of the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta,
ASEAN Member States. The DSGs shall comprise:
25 November 1981
 Agreement between the Government of
Indonesia and ASEAN relating to Privileges  two DSGs are nominated by Member States on
and Immunities of the ASEAN Secretariat, a rotational basis for a non-renewable term of
Jakarta, 20 January 1979 three years, and
 Agreement on the Establishment of the  two DSGs are openly recruited based on merit
ASEAN Secretariat, Bali, 24 February 1976 for a term of three years, which may be renewed
 Agreement for the Establishment of a Fund for another three years.
for ASEAN Rules Governing the Control,
Disbursement and Accounting of the Fund
for ASEAN, Cameron Highlands, 17 Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN
December 1969 Political Security CommunityTHE
ASEAN
 Protocol Amending the Agreement on the
Establishment of the ASEAN Secretariat, SECRETARIAT: BASIC MANDATE,
Subang Jaya, Malaysia, 23 July 1997
FUNCTIONS AND COMPOSITION

1. The ASEAN Secretariat was established on 24

16 July 1984 February 1976 by the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN. The
Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN
to Secretariat stated that the basic mandate of the ASEAN
Secretariat is “to provide for greater efficiency in the
15 July 1986 coordination of ASEAN organs and for more effective
implementation of ASEAN projects and activities”. The
more detailed functions of the ASEAN Secretariat were
CHAN KAI YAU embodied in the functions and powers of the Secretary-
General (See Annex A). The ASEAN Secretariat was
Singapore established with the following composition: Secretary-
General, three Bureau Directors, a Foreign Trade and
Economic Relations Officer, an Administrative Officer, a
Public Information Officer and an Assistant to the
Secretary-General.
18 July 1982 to 15 July 1984
2. Several amendments to the 1976 basic Agreement
have been made since then. The 1983 amendment was
NARCISO G. REYES made to provide for the possibility of expanding the
composition of the ASEAN Secretariat staff by adding a
The Philippines
clause under Article 4 “and such other officers, as the
Standing Committee may deem necessary”.

3. In 1985, the tenure of office of the Secretary-General

1 July 1980 to 1 July 1982 was changed from 2 years to 3 years.

DATUK ALI BIN ABDULLAH 4. In 1989, the posts of Deputy Secretary-General and
nine Assistant Directors were created.
Malaysia
5. The Singapore Summit of 1992 agreed on the
restructuring of ASEAN institutions. These included (a)
regularizing the formal and informal summits, (b) the
dissolution of the five ASEAN economic committees and
10 July 1978 to 30 June 1980 the establishment of SEOM and AFTA Council, (c) the
redesignation of the Secretary-General of the ASEAN
Secretariat into the Secretary-General of ASEAN with an
UMARJADI NOTOWIJONO enlarged mandate to initiate, advise, coordinate and
implement ASEAN activities and (d) the
Indonesia professionalization of the ASEAN Secretariat staff on the
principle of open recruitment.

6. The Manila Protocol of 22 July 1992 implemented the

19 Feb 1978 to 30 June 1978 Singapore Summit decision. The tenure of office of the
Secretary-General was increased to five years. Changes
in the basic functions of the ASEAN Secretariat have
H.R DHARSONO
been reflected in the functions and powers of the Director 4 4
Secretary-General, which appears as Annex B.
Assistant Director &
16 14
7. In 1997, an additional post of Deputy Secretary-
Programme Coordinator
General was created. Senior Officer 15 23
Programme Officer 5 27
8. The Sixth ASEAN Summit mandated the review of the
Assistant Programme
overall organizational structure of ASEAN in order to 21 28
further improve efficiency and effectiveness, taking into Officer
account the expansion of ASEAN activities, the TOTAL 64 99
enlargement of ASEAN membership, and the current The chart below reflects the current and New ASEAN
regional situation. As part of this review, the Summit also Secretariat professional staff complement.
decided to “review the role, functions and capacity of the
ASEAN Secretariat to meet the increasing demands of
ANNEX A
ASEAN and to support the implementation of the Hanoi
Plan of Action”.
Functions and powers of the Secretary-General of the
ASEAN Secretariat (Excerpts from Agreement on the
9. In pursuance of this mandate, the ASEAN Standing
Establishment of the ASEAN Secretariat,Bali, 24
Committee established in September 1998 a Special
February 1976)
Directors-General Working Group on the Review of the
Role and Functions of the ASEAN Secretariat. To assist
in the review process, the ASC commissioned The Secretary-General shall:
PriceWaterHouse Coopers in November 1998. The
ASEAN Directors-General considered the consultant’s 1. be responsible to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
Final Report in April 1999. when it is in session and to the Standing Committee
at all other times;
10. While upholding the basic mandate of the Secretary-
General of ASEAN as set out in the 1992 Protocol 2. take charge of the Secretariat and be responsible
Amending the Agreement on the Establishment of the for the discharge of all the functions and
ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Standing Committee responsibilities entrusted to him by the ASEAN
agreed that the ASEAN Secretariat should function as Ministerial Meeting and by the Standing Committee;
coordinating Secretariat to help facilitate effective
decision-making within and amongst ASEAN bodies. The
3. have the authority to address communications
Secretariat would emphasize more on substantive matter,
directly to the Contracting Parties;
while its tasks on servicing the various meetings would be
precisely defined.
4. (a) attend personally all the ASEAN Ministerial
Meetings as Secretary (b) be in attendance at all
11. The ASEAN Secretariat has now put in place a
meetings of the Standing Committee; and (c) attend
functional structure. One of the two Deputy Secretaries-
or designate a representative to attend the meetings
General has assumed the role of chief-of-staff who shall
of all ASEAN committees and other similar bodies;
be responsible for corporate affairs to ensure efficiency in
the internal management of the ASEAN Secretariat. The
other Deputy Secretary-General shall serve as chief 5. keep himself informed or all the activities of all
operations who will support the Secretary-General in ASEAN Committees and other similar bodies and (a)
operations and policy matters. explain, whenever necessary, the directives of the
Standing Committee to ASEAN Committees and
other similar bodies; (b) ensure that the ASEAN
12. Corporate affairs shall include the following areas:
Committees and other similar bodies are informed
administration; finance and funding; human resources;
on relevant current developments in the activities of
public information; information technology; and special
ASEAN; (c) act as the channel for formal
projects. The operational bureaus will include the Task
communications between: (i) ASEAN Permanent
Force for Financial Cooperation and Macroeconomic
Committees, ad hoc Committees, Experts Groups,
Surveillance; Economic and Functional Cooperation;
and other ASEAN bodies and the Standing
Trade, Investment and Services; and Programme
Committee, and (ii) the Secretariat and other
Coordination and External Relations.
international organizations and Government; and (d)
assist, where required, various committees, groups
13. The measures aimed at improving internal and bodies set up within the framework of ASEAN;
management of the ASEAN Secretariat include (a) the
formulation of annual operating plans to provide a
6. Ascertain facts or seek clarifications for the
framework for determining the Secretariat’s priorities and
purpose of reporting to the Standing Committee for
resource allocation decisions; (b) strengthening of
its
corporate services, particularly in financial management,
it services, and human resources development; (c)
considerable increase in professional Locally-Recruited consideration;
Staff to free senior officers’ time from administrative and
secretarial tasks, enabling grater focus on strategic and 7. prepare an Annual Report for submission to the
substantive matters. ASEAN Ministerial Meeting;

Old New 8. harmonize, facilitate and monitor progress in the

Positions implementation of all approved ASEAN activities;
Complement Complement
Secretary General 1 1
Deputy Secretary-General 2 2
 9. initiate plans and programmes of activities for contrary in respect of a specific subject by the Chairman
ASEAN regional cooperation in accordance with of the Standing Committee;
approve policy guidelines;
(b) conduct consultations with the Contracting Parties, the
10. be responsible for the Secretariat’s security; private sector, the non governmental organizations and
other constituencies of ASEAN;
11. prepare the Annual Budget Estimates of the
Secretariat for the approval of the ASEAN Ministerial (c) coordinate ASEAN dialogues with international and
Meeting; regional organizations and with any Dialogue Country that
may be assigned to him.
12. exercise the administrative and financial powers
vested in him under the provisions of this Agreement 6. (a) be in attendance at all Heads of Government
and such other Rules and Regulations as may Meetings;
hereafter come into effect;
(b) be the Secretary to all the Meetings of ASEAN
13. act as custodian of all ASEAN documents; and Ministers;

14. perfom suich other duties and missions as the (c) address the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on all aspects
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting of the Standing of regional cooperation and offer assessments and
Committee may direct. recommendations on ASEAN’s external relations;

ANNEX B (d) participate in and provide technical support to all

Meetings of the Standing Committee and chair, on behalf
Functions and powers of the Secretary-General of of the Chairman of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, all
ASEAN (Excerpts from Protocol Amending the Meetings of the Standing Committee, except the first and
Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN the last.
Secretariat, Manila, 22 July 1992)
(e) to participate and provide technical support for the
The Secretary-General shall: ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting;

1. be responsible to the Heads of Government Meeting (f) participate and provide the technical support for the
and to all Meetings of ASEAN Ministers when they are in Senior Officials Meeting, the Senior Economic Officials
session and to the Chairman of the Standing Committee Meeting, other ASEAN Committees, and the Chairmen of
at all other times; task forces and working groups set-up within the
framework of ASEAN as necessary;
2. take charge of the Secretariat and be responsible for
the discharge of all the duties and responsibilities (g) attend or designate representatives to attend and
entrusted to the Secretary-General by the Heads of participate as a member in the Meetings of all ASEAN
Government Meeting, the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and Committees and other similar bodies;
the Standing Committee;
(h) monitor the implementation of the Agreement on the
3. have the authority to address communications directly Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme for
to the Contracting Parties; the ASEAN Free Trade Area (A.FTA), serve as a member
of, and provide support to the Ministerial-level Council set
up to supervise, coordinate and review the
4. initiate, advise, coordinate and implement ASEAN implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area;
activities;
7. (a) ensure that the ASEAN Committees and other
(a) develop and provide the regional perspective on similar bodies are informed of the directives of the
subjects and issues before ASEAN; Standing Committee and on relevant current
developments in the activities of ASEAN;
(b) prepare the ASEAN 3-year plan of cooperation
for submission to appropriate ASEAN bodies and (b) act as the channel of formal communications between:
approval by the Heads of Governments; (i) ASEAN Committees, and other ASEAN bodies and the
Standing Committee; and (ii) the Secretariat and other
(c) monitor the implementation of the approved international organizations and Governments;
ASEAN 3-year plan and submit recommendations
as and when necessary to the ASEAN Standing 8. administer fends established for ASEAN cooperation;
Committee;
9. ensure organizational discipline in the Secretariat and
(d) conduct and collaborate in research activities and have authority to recruit, terminate or promote staff under
convene meetings of officials and experts as the provisions of this Agreement and such other Rules
required; and Regulations as may hereafter come into effect;

(e) plan, programme,, coordinate, harmonize and 10. exercise the administrative and financial powers
manage all approved technical cooperation vested in the Secretary-General under the provisions of
activities. this Agreement and such other Rules and Regulations as
may hereafter come into effect;
5. (a) serve as spokesman and representative of ASEAN
on all matters, in the absence of any decision to the
11. prepare the Annual Budget Estimates of the
Secretariat for the approval of the ASEAN Ministerial
Meeting;
Fundamental
12. act as custodian of all ASEAN documents;
Principles
The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in
13. be responsible for the Secretariat’s security; and
Southeast Asia, signed at the First ASEAN
14. prepare an Annual Report for submission to the Summit on 24 February 1976, declared that in
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting. their relations with one another, the High
Contracting Parties should be guided by the
Membership following fundamental principles:

 Mutual respect for the

10 States ― Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, independence, sovereignty,
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. equality, territorial integrity, and
1 Observer – Papua New Guinea. national identity of all nations;
 The right of every State to lead its
ASEAN Regional Forum national existence free from
external interference, subversion,
(ARF) Membership or coercion;
 Non-interference in the internal
27 States – Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei affairs of one another;
Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, China,
European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan,  Settlement of differences or
Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea, disputes by peaceful manner;
Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,  Renunciation of the threat or use
Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New of force; and
Guinea, Philippines, Russian Federation,
Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste,  Effective cooperation among
United States, and Vietnam. themselves.

Political Cooperation
History The TAC stated that ASEAN political and
ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in security dialogue and cooperation should aim
Bangkok by the five original member countries: to promote regional peace and stability by
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, enhancing regional resilience. Regional
and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined on 8 resilience shall be achieved by cooperating in
January 1984, Vietnam on 28 July 1995, Laos all fields based on the principles of self-
and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia confidence, self-reliance, mutual respect,
on 30 April 1999. cooperation, and solidarity, which shall
constitute the foundation for a strong and
viable community of nations in Southeast Asia.
Objectives Some of the major political accords of ASEAN
The ASEAN Declaration states that the aims are as follows:
and purposes of the Association are: (1) to
accelerate the economic growth, social  ASEAN Declaration, Bangkok, 8
progress and cultural development in the August 1967
region through joint endeavors in the spirit of  Zone of Peace, Freedom and
equality and partnership in order to strengthen Neutrality Declaration, Kuala
the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful Lumpur, 27 November 1971
community of Southeast Asian nations, and (2)
 Declaration of ASEAN Concord,
to promote regional peace and stability through
Bali, 24 February 1976
abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in
the relationship among countries in the region  Treaty of Amity and Cooperation
and adherence to the principles of the United in Southeast Asia, Bali, 24
Nations Charter. In 1995, the ASEAN Heads of February 1976
State and Government re-affirmed that  ASEAN Declaration on the South
“Cooperative peace and shared prosperity China Sea, Manila, 22 July 1992
shall be the fundamental goals of ASEAN.”
  Treaty on the Southeast Asia On March 2, the 24th meeting of the ASEAN-EU
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC)
Bangkok, 15 December 1997 was held in Jakarta.
 ASEAN Vision 2020, Kuala
Lumpur, 15 December 1997 On March 8, the ASEAN expressed its grave
 Declaration on Joint Action to concern over the firing of ballistic missiles by
Counter Terrorism, 5 November the DPRK in the early morning of 6 March,
2001 2017, reaffirming the importance of peace and
security in the Korean Peninsula and its full
 Declaration of ASEAN Concord support for the denuclearization of the
II, Bali, 7 October 2003 peninsula in a peaceful manner.
 ASEAN Convention on Counter
Terrorism (ACCT), 11 January On April 29-30 the 30th ASEAN Summit
2007 was held in Manila, Philippines.
 Cebu Declaration on the
Acceleration of the Establishment On August 5, the ASEAN released
of an ASEAN Community by a statement of the development in the Korean
2015, 11 January 2007 Peninsula, reiterating grave concern over the
escalation of tensions in the peninsula.
Although ASEAN States cooperate mainly on
economic and social issues, the organization 2016
has a security function, with a long-discussed
program for confidence-building measures and On 16 March, the new ambassador of the
for establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in DPRK to ASEAN assumed office. Secretary-
Southeast Asia, with the objective of General Minh welcomed Ambassador An and
implementing ASEAN’s 1971 Declaration on a reiterated the importance of working toward
Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
(ZOPFAN), and a Southeast Asia Nuclear
Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), which would On 12 April, during the 17th meeting of the
be a component of ZOPFAN. ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee
(JCC), the two sides renewed commitments to
Verification and forge greater cooperation.

Compliance On 25-26 May, the 10th annual ASEAN

Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) was held
in Vientiane, Laos. The Joint Declaration of the
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is an 10thADMM reiterates all Member States’
important multilateral forum for political and commitment to responding effectively to
security consultations and cooperation. The transnational crimes and transboundary
ARF has begun to explore activities where challenges.
there is overlap between confidence-building
measures and preventive diplomacy. ASEAN On 6-7 September, the 28th and 29th ASEAN
Member States are urged to settle disputes Summits took place in Vientiane, Laos.
through friendly negotiations applying the
procedures of the Treaty of Amity and On 8 September, the 11th East Asia Summit
Cooperation (TAC) of 1976. However, the (EAS) was held in Vientiane, Laos. The EAS
Member States are not obliged to use the released a statement on non-proliferation,
Treaty stipulations for the peaceful settlement emphasizing the importance of advancing the
of disputes. In case a State resorts to the use goals of all three pillars of the Treaty on the
of force, no system of collective security is Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
foreseen. (NPT). The group also reaffirmed its
commitment to preserving the SEANWFZ.
Developments
2015
2017
On 15-17 March, the 9th ASEAN Defense
On 14 February, ASEAN expressed its grave Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) was held in
concern over the DPRK’s test firing of on the Langkawi, Malaysia. On 16 March, the 10
Pukguksong-2 MRBM on 12 February 2017. defense ministers signed a joint declaration
with a focus on regional security cooperation,
especially against terrorist threats posed by “roadmap” for ASEAN members to combat
groups like the Islamic State (IS). cybercrime through regional information
sharing, capacity building, and enforcement
On 27 April, the 26th ASEAN Summit took place regulation. This was followed by the
under Malaysia’s chairmanship. The 9th ASEAN-Japan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue
chairman addressed the commitment to a on 29-30 May in Singapore. The meeting
region free of weapons of mass destruction. covered counter-terrorism in a variety of fields,
including CBRN explosives and cyber-
On 28 April, Ambassador H.E. U Kyaw Tin of terrorism.
Myanmar delivered a statement on behalf of
ASEAN members at the 2015 NPT Review On 5-10 August, the 47th ASEAN Foreign
Conference, addressing nuclear disarmament, Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) was held in Nay Pyi
nonproliferation, and the peaceful use of Taw, Myanmar. In the meeting, the
nuclear energy. In the statement, he delegates addressedthe importance of nuclear
emphasized ASEAN’s commitment and nonproliferation, the commitment to Southeast
support for a world free of nuclear weapons. Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone and the
cooperation with the International Atomic
On 9 June, Malaysia, on behalf of ASEAN, Energy Agency (IAEA).
delivered a statement at the second session of
the Conference on Disarmament. In the On 10 November, the 25th ASEAN Summit took
statement, Ambassador Mazlan Muhammad place under Myanmar’s chairmanship. The
reiterated that ASEAN Member States always chairman addressed the concern on nuclear
regard nuclear disarmament as their priority nonproliferation and other regional and
and suggested the creation of a clear timeline international security issues.
to ensure the fulfilment of the Conference’s
objectives. He also mentioned the Nuclear On 13 November, the 9th East Asia Summit
Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) issue, the (EAS) was held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The
disappointing outcome of the 2015 NPT Chairmanship expressed their commitment to
Review Conference, the humanitarian preserving Southeast Asia as a Nuclear
consequences of the use of nuclear weapons, Weapon-Free Zone and addressed other
as well as other relevant disarmament issues. issues relevant to disarmament,
nonproliferation, maritime security, and
On 4 August, the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers counterterrorism.
Meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
ASEAN members issued a joint statement, in
which they reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to
2013
preserving Southeast Asia as a NWFZ and
On 9 January, Mr. Le Luong Minh of
called for the full implementation of the Plan of
Vietnam assumed the position of ASEAN
Action to Strengthen the Implementation of the
Secretary-General. He succeeds Dr. Surin
Treaty on the SEANWFZ (2013-2017).
Pitsuwan of Thailand, and his term expires on
31 December 2017.
On 8 October, the Republic of the Union of
Myanmar delivered a statement on behalf of
On 11 January, Malaysia ratified the ASEAN
ASEAN during the opening statements for the
Convention on Counter-Terrorism (ACCT),
General Assembly First Committee. The
making it the tenth and final member of ASEAN
statement outlined the group’s goals in relation
to do so.
to nuclear nonproliferation, disarmament and
peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
On 12 February, Secretary-General Le Luong
Minh made a speechreaffirming the importance
2014 of the IAEA safeguards system. He
emphasized the vital role the IAEA plays under
On 2 April, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel the SEANWFZ and encouraged ASEAN
joined defense ministers from the 10 Asia- Member-States to cooperate with the IAEA to
Pacific countries for an unofficial meeting. The the fullest.
purpose of the meeting was to strengthen and
“rebalance” the relationship between the On 19 February, the Chairman of ASEAN
United States and ASEAN. issued a statement expressing concern over
the DPRK’s underground nuclear test. He
On 27 May, the ASEAN Senior Officials further called for the DPRK to remember its
Meeting on Transnational Crime, through the obligations under United Nations Security
Working Group on Cybercrime, finalized a Council Resolutions, and emphasized the
importance of dialogue in resolving the tension On 18 November, the 21st ASEAN Summit took
in the Korean Peninsula. place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Mr. Le
Luong Minh was appointed to serve as
From 24-25 April, the 22nd ASEAN Summit took Secretary-General of ASEAN beginning in
place in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. The 2013.The body reiterated its support for a
group once more reaffirmed its support for full denuclearized Korean Peninsula and full
implementation of the SEANWFZ and the implementation of the SEANWFZ.
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The 46th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting took place

2011
from 27 June-2 July in Bandar Seri Begawan,
At the 18th ASEAN Summit, which took place
Brunei Darussalam. Prince Mohamed Bolkiah,
in May, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei
of Indonesia called upon member states of
Darussalum, chaired the meeting. At the
ASEAN to lower their dependency on fossil
meeting, parties adopted the Plan of Action to
fuels and search for alternative methods to
Strengthen the Implementation of the Treaty on
produce energy. Given the nuclear catastrophe
the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free-
in Japan, Mr. Yudhoyono stated that nuclear
Zone, which continued to encourage
energy needs to be reexamined. On 1
compliance with the SEANFWZ Treaty and
November, China deposited its instrument of
cooperation with the IAEA. The Joint
ratification of the Third Protocol Amending the
Communique released by the AMM also
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast
expressed support for the SEANWFZ Treaty
Asia (TAC).
and encouraged transparency in the interests
of nuclear safety.
On 15 November, Thailand deposited its
instrument of ratification of the Third Protocol
2012 Amending the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation
in Southeast Asia (TAC).
On 2 April, Foreign Ministers of ASEAN
member states began a two day summit in On 16 November, Brazil deposited its
Phnom Penh, Cambodia. One of the key topics instrument of ratification of the Third Protocol
is the planned rocket launch by North Korea. Amending the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation
On 2 April, in Jakarta, the U.S. Deputy in Southeast Asia (TAC).
Assistant of State for Strategy and Multilateral
Affairs gave a lecture on U.S. multilateralism On 18 November, ASEAN Foreign Ministers
and Asia. The lecture was given on the signed the Agreement on the Establishment of
35th anniversary of U.S.-ASEAN relations, and the ASEAN Coordinating Center for
covered America’s role in promoting stability, Humanitarian Assistance on disaster
fostering democracy and human rights, as well management. The signing ceremony acted as
as encouraging economic development. It also the official launch of the center. The Center is
covered international issues and transnational aimed at strengthening the collective response
crime. of ASEAN states to regional disasters.

On 26 June, ASEAN and the Chinese On 16-17 December, the inaugural China-
government concluded a two- ASEAN Beijing Economic Forum (CABEF) took
day meeting regarding the implementation of place. The forum reaffirmed the importance of
the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties on bilateral dynamics between China and ASEAN
the South China Sea (DOC). The meeting was and identified economic opportunities for the
intended to meet the following goals: two sides.

 Maintaining peace, stability,

maritime security and safety and
2010
peaceful settlements of disputes
On 24 March, the Philippines deposited its
on the basis of international laws.
instrument of ratification to the ASEAN
 Enhancing the relationship Convention on Counter-Terrorism (ACCT),
between ASEAN and China. becoming the third state, after Singapore and
Thailand, to ratify it. After six ASEAN member
On 17 November, Brazil acceded to the Treaty states ratify, ACCT will enter into force.
of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast
Asia, making it the first Latin American country The 16th ASEAN Summit titled “Towards the
to do so. Asean Community: from Vision to Action” was
held on 9 April in Ha Noi, Viet Nam.
The Chairman’s statement reiterated
commitment to the Southeast Asian NWFZ and
2009
its corresponding Plan of Action to achieve a
On 27 February through 1 March and again 10
zone free of nuclear weapons. He also
through 11 April, the 14thASEAN Summit took
encouraged nuclear weapon states to sign the
place in Thailand in two parts. At the Summit,
SEANWFZ Protocol to further promote the
theChairman’s Statement discussed the nature
nuclear weapon-free zone. Furthermore, the
of the new ASEAN Charter, as this was the first
Chairman welcomed international efforts at the
gathering under the Charter.
upcoming Nuclear Security Summit in
Washington D.C. and the NPT Review
Conference in New York and reaffirmed The 29th ASEAN Chiefs of Police Conference
support for a nuclear weapon-free Korean was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, on 13-15 May.
Peninsula through peaceful negotiations. In his Among other subjects, the conference debated
statement, the Chairman also emphasized the and adopted resolutions regarding drugs
need to fully implement the ACCT and its trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling and
Comprehensive Plan of Action. human trafficking. Particular attention was paid
to the issue of nations providing “mutual
assistance” to each other to deal with these
On 4 May, H.E. Mr. Pham Binh Minh, First
problems.
Deputy-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Viet
Nam, spoke on behalf of ASEAN at the 2010
NPT Review Conference in New York. In On 1-2 June, the Heads of State or
his statement, he noted that ASEAN continues Government of ASEAN and the Republic of
to work with nuclear weapon states for the Korea (ROK) met on Jeju Island to
early signing of the SEANWFZ Protocol. commemorate the 20thanniversary of ASEAN-
Related to this, ASEAN submitted a ROK relations. At the summit, they discussed
Memorandum on Activities to demonstrate the ongoing situation on the Korean Peninsula
efforts undertaken through the SEANWFZ and condemned the “recent underground
Treaty. nuclear test and missile launches undertaken
by the DPRK.” Their statement called the tests
“clear violations of the Six-Party agreements
On 24 September at the 2nd ASEAN-US
and the relevant UNSC resolutions and
Leaders’ Meeting in New York, ASEAN
decisions,” and called for “an early resumption
welcomed the U.S. announcement at the 2010
of the Six-Party talks.”
NPT Review Conference that it is prepared to
engage in consultations to resolve issues
which have prevented it from acceding to the The 42nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting
SEANWFZ Protocol. The statement also was held 19-20 July in Phuket, Thailand. The
congratulated the United States on the Ministers issued a joint communiqué which
successful outcome of the Nuclear Security noted encouraging developments on nuclear
Summit and promised the support of ASEAN disarmament and welcomed the negotiations
countries to work towards preventing nuclear between the United States and Russia. They
terrorism. also recalled the commitment of the People’s
Republic of China to no first use of nuclear
weapons. Also, the Ministers hoped that
The 17th ASEAN Summit was held 28-30
participating countries in the Conference on
October in Ha Noi – Viet Nam’s final summit as
Disarmament (CD) would resume talks on
chair. The Chairman’s statement congratulated
disarmament, as called for in Article VI of the
both the Philippines for presiding over the 2010
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
NPT Review Conference and Viet Nam for
chairing ASEAN throughout the past year and
On 22 July, the 10th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign
helping to raise ASEAN’s profile in multilateral
Ministers Meeting (ASEAN+3) was held in
fora.
Phuket, Thailand. The Foreign Ministers
expressed concern over recent DPRK nuclear
At the 13th ASEAN-ROK Summit, held during
tests and missile launches and urged the
the 17th ASEAN Summit, the
DPRK to comply with obligations under UNSC
Chairman’s statement reaffirmed support for a
resolutions. They also encouraged early
complete and verifiable denuclearization of the
resumption of the Six-Party Talks and the
Korean Peninsula. It also encouraged both
possible use of the ARF as a regional security
parties to implement the Joint Statement of 19
forum including all participants to the Six-Party
September 2005 and to resume the Six Party
Talks.
Talks and the implementation of relevant
United Nations Security Council resolutions.
On 23 July, both the United States and the Community, Declaration on the Blueprint for
European Union entered the Treaty of Amity the ASEAN Charter, Declaration on the
and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia. Acceleration of the Establishment of an
ASEAN Community by 2015, ASEAN
On 23 October, the 15th ASEAN Summit was Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of
held in Thailand. In his statement, the the Rights of Migrant Workers, and the ASEAN
Chairman called for the DPRK to comply with Convention on Counter Terrorism (ACCT).
UNSC resolutions and for all parties to return
to the Six-Party Talks. The Chairman also ACCT contains provisions intended to ease
recognized the Philippines’ Presidency of the prosecution and extradition of terrorism
2010 NPT Review Conference and suspects. The convention also aims to
encouraged ASEAN Member States to become strengthen the region’s law enforcement
signatories or parties to the Comprehensive against terrorism and its entry into force
Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) prior to the demonstrates compliance with all relevant UN
Review Conference. Conventions and Protocols pertaining to
counter-terrorism.
2008 At the 2nd East Asian Summit, members signed
the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy
On 7 January, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan from
Security and agreement which sets nonbinding
Thailand assumed the post of
targets for methods to achieve "reliable,
ASEAN Secretary-General, succeeding Mr.
adequate and affordable" energy into the future
Ong Keng Yong.
and to develop alternative sources of energy
such as biofuels. Discussions centered on
The 28th ASEAN Chiefs of Police Conference deepening integration, focused primarily
took place from 25 to 29 May and adopted around two economic initiatives: beginning a
resolutions addressing cooperation in study on a Comprehensive Economic
preventing terrorism and arms smuggling. Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA) and
examining Japan’s proposal for an Economic
On 24 July, the Democratic People’s Republic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia
of Korea acceded to the Treaty of Amity and (ERIA). The EAS also attempted to improve
Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia. relations with China through the signing of an
Contracting Parties agree not to participate in agreement on the trade of services.
any activity that constitutes a threat to the
political and economic stability, sovereignty, or
At the 10th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit
territorial integrity of another Contracting Party. held the same week, the chairman addressed
the situation with the DPRK, calling for full
All 10 Member States ratified the ASEAN implementation of UNSC resolutions 1695 and
Charter ahead of the December goal, and the 1718. He also stressed the importance of
Charter entered into force on 15 December. arriving at a peaceful resolution of the problem
through negotiations and expressed optimism
The 14th ASEAN Summit was scheduled to about the role that ASEAN could play as an
take place in Thailand 12-17 December, but it intermediary—helping to address both
was postponed due to the political crisis in humanitarian, economic and security concerns
Thailand. in the region.

2007 The 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and

14th ARF were held in Manila from 22 July
On 10 January, France and East Timor signed through 2 August. At the Ministerial Meeting,
the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). In participants reflected on the implementation of
so doing, the two countries agreed not to the South East Asian Nuclear Weapons Free
attack or threaten the member states of Zone. The Ministers called upon the NWS to
ASEAN. East Timor once again voiced its ratify the protocols to the treaty and for the
hopes to eventually join ASEAN. accession of Israel, India and Pakistan to the
treaty.
On 11-14 January, the 12th ASEAN Summit,
postponed due to Typhoon Seniang, convened In the days prior to the meeting, Ministers
amid controversy regarding corruption and the discussed the creation of an agency to monitor
overpricing of lamps used to light the routes to compliance with the SEANWFZ. The ministers
and among summit venues. On the first day of also discussed their intentions to strengthen
the summit, ASEAN signed five agreements: A the regions relationship with the IAEA and
Declaration Towards a Caring and Sharing capacity to implement safeguards.
The ASEAN members developed and adopted landmark event was the signing of a
a Plan of Action for furthering implementation Declaration on the Establishment of the
of the SEANWFZ. The Plan is intended to ASEAN Charter by its leaders. The summit
increase regional coordination in opposition to saw the establishment of an Eminent Persons
nuclear weapons and deepen regional Group on the ASEAN Charter—comprising 10
participation in the relevant international highly distinguished and well respected citizens
agreements. Under the Plan of Action, States from ASEAN Member Countries—to examine
agree to pursue completion of IAEA safeguard and provide recommendations on the direction
agreements and accession to the Convention of ASEAN and the nature of the Charter.
on Early Notification of Nuclear Accidents and Accomplishments such as the implementation
regional emergency response plans. In of the ASEAN Security Community, the
addition, the states agreed to consider establishment of the Inter-Sessional Support
accession to other relevant instruments such Group on Confidence Building and Preventive
as the CTBT and the counter-terrorism Diplomacy, and the setting up of the ASEAN-
conventions related to nuclear weapons. China Joint Working Group on the
Implementation of the Declaration on the
The 13th ASEAN Summit was held in Singapore Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,
18-22 November. The focus of the meeting were duly noted. Leaders welcomed the 4th and
was on Energy, Environment, Climate Change 5th rounds of the Six-Party Talks held in July
and Sustainable Development. The potential and November in Beijing, and called on all
increase in the use of nuclear energy was concerned parties to exert their utmost effort
discussed in this regard. The members drafted toward the denuclearization of the Korean
an ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Peninsula. They strongly condemned terrorism
Environmental Sustainability to be signed at and reiterated the need to intensify their efforts
the 13th ASEAN Summit. to eliminate the root causes of terrorism at the
bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.
Leaders also recognized the role of inter-faith
2006 dialogue in fighting the spread of terrorism and
promoting understanding.
At the 39th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting from 24-
25 July, the ministers issued a joint On 17 November, ASEAN and the United
communiqué in which they voiced their States issued a Joint Vision Statement on the
concern over recent developments in North ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership whereby
Korea—including the test firing of its they pledged to step up cooperation in key
Taepodong-2 missiles on 5 July—that could areas spanning political, security, social,
affect peace and security in the region. They economic, and development spheres.
emphasized the need for denuclearization of
the Korean Peninsula and called upon
The 1st East Asia Summit was convened on 14
concerned parties to utilize the upcoming
December, with a view to establishing closer
ASEAN Regional Forum as an opportunity to
and substantial relations between the member
resume the Six-Party Talks towards a peaceful
countries of ASEAN and the participating
resolution of the nuclear issue.
countries of India, China, Japan, Australia,
New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea.
The 12th ASEAN Summit was postponed until Leaders signed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration
January of 2007 due to Typhoon Seniang, on the East India Summit wherein they stated
that the summit would be a “forum for dialogue
2005 on broad strategic, political, and economic
issues of common interest and concern, and
Mongolia and New Zealand acceded to the with the aim of promoting peace, stability and
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) on 29 economic prosperity in East Asia.” They
July, and Australia followed suit on 10 strongly endorsed the Joint Statement adopted
December. Timor Leste also expressed an at the 4th Round of the Six-Party Talks on 19
interest in acceding to the TAC. ASEAN signed September. It was agreed that the East Asia
Joint Declarations on Cooperation to Combat summit would be held annually.
International Terrorism with the Republic of
Korea on 27 July and with Pakistan and New 2004
Zealand on 29 July. At the 38th ASEAN
Ministerial Meeting, ministers encouraged Efforts to combat terrorism and address
Canada to consider signing the same. proliferation issues remained crucial in 2004.
These issues were designated as priority areas
The 11th ASEAN summit convened at Kuala for cooperation between ASEAN and its
Lumpur, Malaysia from 12-14 September. A Dialogue Partners, both within the dialogue
frameworks and under the ARF process. paper regarding the status of the Southeast
During the year, ASEAN issued joint Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone. The paper
declarations with the United States, the addresses the establishment of the SEANWFZ
European Union, India, China, Russia, and as a means to “contribute towards general and
Australia on cooperation in counter-terrorism complete nuclear disarmament”, and the
and transnational crime-fighting. In January, creation of the SEANWFZ Commission and its
ASEAN issued a Memorandum of Executive Committee to oversee compliance
Understanding with the Chinese government with the Treaty. It stresses that to be effective
regarding “cooperation in the field of non- and operational, nuclear weapon states must
traditional security issues,” agreeing to accede to the Protocol to the Treaty and urges
cooperative measures, such as information them to do so as soon as possible.
exchange and joint research in dealing with Furthermore, it notes that ASEAN has been
current concerns, including arms smuggling holding consultations with the five nuclear
and terrorism. Subsequently, an ASEAN Plus weapon states toward this end, but that only
Three Ministerial Meeting on Transnational China has, thus far, reached an agreement
Crime (AMMTC +3) took place on 10 January with ASEAN regarding the protocol.
in Bangkok, with the Ministers adopting a
concept plan to address transnational crimes in The 37th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, the Post-
the following eight areas: terrorism, illicit drug Ministerial Conferences and the 11th ASEAN
trafficking, trafficking in persons, sea piracy, Regional Forum were all held between 29 June
arms smuggling, money laundering, and 2 July in Jakarta, Indonesia. At the
international economic crime, and cyber crime. Ministerial Meeting, themed “Striving for Full
The ministers also issued a joint communiqué Integration of ASEAN: A Prosperous, Caring
in which they reiterated their commitment to and Peaceful Community” and chaired by H.E.
combating terrorism and other forms of Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda, Minister of Foreign
organized crime, and to cooperation in Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, the
effectively developing the ASEAN Security Ministers issued a joint communiqué in which
Community. At the 4th ASEAN Ministerial they reaffirmed their commitment to
Meeting on Transnational Crime in Bangkok on establishing an ASEAN Community comprising
8 January, the Ministers expressed a a Security Community, an Economic
commitment to accelerate the implementation Community, and a Socio-Cultural Community
of the 1999 ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat by 2020, recommending that the Plans of
Transnational Crimes. In addition, they Action for these be endorsed at the
discussed methods to promote effective legal 10th ASEAN Summit in Vientiane. Ministers
cooperation and to strengthen exchange of also reiterated the significance of the Treaty of
intelligence and information in combating Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asiaand
transnational crimes. Another significant noted the October 2003 accession of China
January meeting was the 17th ASEAN-US and the Republic of India to the TAC,
Dialogue, held on 30 January in Bangkok. It encouraging other non-Southeast Asian States
featured discussion of such topics as the to consider acceding to the Treaty as well. In
ASEAN-US Work Plan on Counter-Terrorism, addition, they addressed the state of the Treaty
the development of an ASEAN Security on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free
Community, and the importance of a nuclear Zone, again urging the accession of the
weapons-free Korea. Nuclear Weapon States to its terms, and noting
that China is ready to sign the Treaty’s
The Bali Regional Ministerial Meeting on protocol.
Counter-Terrorism, co-hosted by Australia and
Indonesia, met on 4-5 February. Within a broad The Ministers also addressed the issue of
discussion of terrorism, the Ministers transnational crime and commended
specifically noted the connection between the Memorandum of Understanding between
international terrorism and the movement of ASEAN and China regarding non-traditional
nuclear, chemical and biological weapons security issues, emphasizing the need for
materials and the need for cooperation in cooperation in fighting terrorism, particularly
preventing this, and agreed on several within the context of the ASEAN-US
recommendations regarding how to strengthen Counterterrorism Work Plan and other related
transnational crime prevention. agreements.

On 3 May, at the third session of the Specific regional concerns addressed by the
Preparatory Committee for the 2005 Review Ministers included the situations in Iraq, the
Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula.
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Regarding Iraq, the Ministers welcomed Iraqi
ASEAN Member States submitted a working sovereignty and UN Security Council
Resolution 1546. In reference to Korea, they in establishing regional norms and enhancing
noted the impact of the nuclear issue, conflict prevention, resolution, and peace-
recognizing the importance of the Six Party building in the region. The establishment of a
Talks held in Beijing on 23-25 June and urging forum for ASEAN defense ministers was also
the continuation of efforts towards “a lasting endorsed. Leaders agreed on the urgent need
solution to achieve peace and stability on the to sustain cooperative activities in counter-
Korean Peninsula.” terrorism. The establishment of a network of
law enforcement agencies among ASEAN
In his concluding statement at the Ministerial member countries was proposed.
Meeting on 30 July, the Secretary-General
noted “substantial progress in the Leaders endorsed the Vientiane Action
implementation of decisions and directives of Programme to implement the ASEAN Vision
the 9th ASEAN Summit,” stating that the 2020 for the next six years and agreed to
Ministers had reviewed efforts made in mobilize resources for this purpose. They also
accordance with a six-year plan towards the reaffirmed the role of the Treaty of Amity and
attainment of ASEAN Vision 2020, and in Cooperation (TAC) in maintaining peace and
preparation of the Vientiane Action security in the region. Russia acceded to the
Programme, its proposed successor, among TAC on 29 November, thereby becoming the
other topics. second nuclear weapon state and UN Security
Council member to sign the TAC after China.
At the 5th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers The Republic of Korea also acceded to the
Meeting (ASEAN+3), which convened on 1 TAC on 27 November.
July, Chairman H.E Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda
issued a statement noting that the meeting The ASEAN-Japan Joint Declaration for Co-
focused on various regional issues, with operation in Counter-Terrorism was adopted at
special emphasis placed on developments in the 8th ASEAN-Japan summit on 30 November.
Korea. Once gain, in addition to addressing At the ASEAN-Japan Senior Officials Meeting,
administrative and economic issues, the Japan stated that it would like to advance
Ministers also welcomed the accession of cooperation with ASEAN in the specific areas
Japan to the TAC and China’s readiness to of counter-terrorism and nonproliferation of
sign to Protocol of the Treaty of the Southeast weapons of mass destruction, and the
Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone. The ASEAN reduction of tension in the Korean Peninsula.
Post Ministerial Conference Ten Plus One
(PMC 10 +1) sessions on 1 July focused on
“the overview and future direction of ASEAN
2003
cooperation with its Dialogue Partners”.
On 6 January, Ong Keng Yong, former Press
Secretary to Singapore’s Prime Minister,
Another development during the series of
assumed the position of Secretary-General of
meetings was the signing of an ASEAN-Russia
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at
Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat
a ceremony in Jakarta. Filipino Diplomat
International Terrorism at the ASEAN Regional
Rodolfo C. Severino, Jr., previously occupied
Forum on 2 July as well as an ASEAN-
the post. The transition took place at the
Australia Joint Declaration for Cooperation to
ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Combat International Terrorism at the 10 + 1
meeting on 1 July.
On 19 March, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers
issued a statement on the situation in the
Also, both Japan and the Islamic Republic of
Korean Peninsula at their informal meeting in
Pakistan formally signed the Treaty of Amity
Karambunei, Malaysia. The Foreign Ministers
and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in Jakarta
expressed their continued concern over the
on 2 July. Japan had announced its intent to do
evolving situation in the Peninsula that could
so in December of 2003. Pakistan’s accession
lead to a serious threat to peace, security, and
made it the 24th member of the ASEAN
stability in the whole Asia-Pacific region. They
Regional Forum.
reiterated that the ARF remains an important
forum for facilitating dialogue with the
The 10th ASEAN Summit was held in Vientiane,
concerned parties about a lasting and durable
Laos from 29-30 November. Leaders
solution, and urged its Chairman to continue
reaffirmed the high priority of political and
his concerted efforts in this regard.
security cooperation on the ASEAN agenda.
They endorsed the Plan of Action of the
The Post-Ministerial Conference of the
ASEAN Security Community, a community
36th ASEAN Ministerial meeting was held from
established to enhance ASEAN's capacity
16-19 June in Phnom Penh, Cambodia under
through regional instruments and mechanisms
the chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Concord II (Bali Concord II), in which they
the Cambodian Senior Minister and Minister of pledged to achieve, by 2020, an “ASEAN
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Community” comprised of an “ASEAN Security
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of all 10 Community”, along with an “ASEAN Economic
ASEAN nations, the ASEAN Secretary- Community” and an “ASEAN Socio-cultural
General, as well as Dialogue Partners from Community.” It was envisaged that the ASEAN
Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, Security Community would increase ASEAN’s
India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, political and security cooperation, and would
Russia, the United States, and the United rely exclusively on peaceful means for the
Nations Development Program attended the settlement of intraregional differences. The
meeting. The representatives at the meeting Community should also strengthen national
exchanged views on the issues of conflict in and regional capacities to counter terrorism
the Middle East, terrorism, trafficking in and other trans-national crimes, and ensure
persons, drugs, economic development, that the Southeast Asian region remains free of
HIV/AIDS, and SARS. The ASEAN ministers all weapons of mass destruction. To establish
also agreed upon cooperative arrangements modalities for the Community, the ASEAN
with China, the United States, the European leaders agreed that Indonesia would develop a
Union, and Russia in counter-terrorism and Plan of Action for the ASEAN Security
other non-traditional security issues. In Community.
addition, the Ministers also agreed to
cooperate in the global effort to fight terrorism On the second day of the Summit, the ASEAN
through international conventions as well as leaders held a meeting with each of the leaders
through law enforcement, defense, intelligence, of China, Japan, Republic of Korea and India.
immigration and customs, and financial In the meeting with Premier Wen Jiabao of
systems. The Ministers condemned the China, they signed a Joint Declaration on
violence in the Middle East and said that “both Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity.
Israel and the Palestinian Authority shared the In the Declaration, the ASEAN countries and
responsibility in maintaining peace, stability China agreed to continue consultations on
and law and order in the region.” The meeting China’s intention to accede to the Protocol to
recognized further cooperation to prevent the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear
HIV/AIDS and welcomed the successes in the Weapons-Free Zone. The ASEAN leaders
fight against SARS, while also recognizing that commended China for taking the initiative that
the battle against SARS is not “yet over.” led to the convening of the Six-Party talks to
mitigate the crisis on the Korean Peninsula.
In the Chairman’s statement at the ARF, views They encouraged China to maintain its
were expressed urging the DPRK to “resume constructive role in the search for a political
cooperation with the IAEA” and to reverse its solution to the problem. The ASEAN countries
decision to “withdraw from the NPT.” The and China also agreed to (1) expedite the
Ministers also emphasized that outstanding implementation of the Joint Statement on
security and humanitarian issues should be Cooperation in the Field of Non-Traditional
addressed through increased dialogue. The Security Issues, (2) hold an ASEAN-China
United States Secretary of State Colin L. security-related dialogue to enhance mutual
Powell addressed the Ministers during the understanding and promote peace and stability
meeting, welcoming the Chairman’s statement in the region, and (3) follow-up the Declaration
on North Korea and stressing the need for on the Conduct of Parties in the South China
ASEAN’s assistance in achieving a diplomatic Sea. In addition, India and member countries
solution in North Korea through continued of ASEAN signed a Joint Declaration for
pressure from ASEAN. Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism
on 8 October
On 7-8 October 2003, the Ninth ASEAN
Summit was held in Bali, Indonesia. Also on 8 October, both the People’s Republic
Subsequently, the ASEAN leaders had the of China and India formally acceded to the
Seventh “ASEAN+3” Summit with leaders from Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast
China, Japan, and Republic of Korea. During Asia, with the ASEAN member countries
the Summit, ASEAN leaders discussed in issuing a declaration of consent to this
particular the latest situation on the Korean accession.
Peninsula, the recent developments on
terrorism and the issue of Iraq and the Middle In a meeting with President Roh Moo Hyun of
East. the Republic of Korea, the ASEAN leaders
reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful
Also during the Summit, on 7 October, the solution of the North Korean nuclear issue
Ministers issued the Declaration of ASEAN through dialogue, and welcomed the convening
of the Six-Party Talks as a positive step Ministers welcomed the progress in the
towards this end. They expressed their hope implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty,
that the next talk would be held soon to stressed the importance of direct consultation
maintain the momentum for dialogue, and that between ASEAN, and the NWS and
the ARF could be utilized as a forum to discuss considered this significant progress towards
this particular issue. encouraging the accession of the NWS to the
Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty. In this
The ASEAN leaders and Prime Minister Shri connection, they welcomed the first direct
Atal Bihari Vajpayee of India held talks on the consultation between ASEAN and the NWS in
issue of terrorism and agreed to enhance Hanoi on 19 May 2001, reaffirmed their support
cooperation in fighting terrorism. Both sides for this process, and called for continued
adopted the Joint Declaration for Cooperation consultations with the NWS. The Ministers also
to Combat International Terrorism. noted with satisfaction the progress in the
implementation of the overlapping confidence
On 12 December, during the ASEAN-Japan building measures (CBMs) and preventive
Commemorative Summit in Tokyo, Japan diplomacy (PD).
signed a declaration of its intent to accede to
the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in The Ministers stressed the importance of
Southeast Asia, and ASEAN issued a achieving universal adherence to
declaration of consent to the accession., of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia by (CTBT) and the Non-Proliferation Treaty
Japan. ASEAN States and Japan also issued (NPT) , called on the NWS to make further
an ASEAN-Japan Plan of Action emphasizing efforts towards the elimination of all nuclear
economic, cultural, and security-related weapons, noted the progress on negotiating a
cooperation. verification Protocol to the Biological and Toxic
Weapons Convention (BTWC), noted the
outcome of the UN Conference on Small Arms
2002 and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects held in
New York on 9-20 July 2001, and expressed
The 35th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting took place their hope that the Program of Action adopted
in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, by this conference would be implemented
on 29-30 July. The Ministers acknowledged effectively. They also noted the recent
that following the 2001 ASEAN Declaration on dialogues among the major powers and
Joint Action to Counter Terrorism, ASEAN at concerned States on national missile defenses
all levels had undertaken practical measures (NMD).
and expressed its determination to further
enhance ASEAN’s role and contribution in the On 5-6 November, at the 7th ASEAN Summit at
fight against terrorism. Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, ASEAN Heads
of State adopted a Declaration on Joint Action
The Ministers welcomed on-going to Counter Terrorism, in which they
consultations between ASEAN and the nuclear unequivocally condemned “in the strongest
weapon states (NWS) on the Protocol to the terms” the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks
SEANWFZ Treaty and urged the NWS to sign in New York and Washington and considered
the Protocol to the Treaty as soon as possible. such acts as an attack against humanity and
an assault on “all of us.” ASEAN Heads of
In view of the US withdrawal from the State stated that they viewed acts of terrorism
1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty, the in all its forms and manifestations, committed
Ministers welcomed the signing of the Treaty wherever, whenever and by whomsoever, as a
on Strategic Offensive Reductions between the profound threat to international peace and
Russian Federation and the United States on security. They rejected any attempt to link
24 May 2002. They noted the importance of terrorism with any religion or race and
this Treaty as a contribution to strategic committed to counter, prevent, and suppress
balance, world peace, and long-term all forms of terrorist acts in accordance with the
international security. They further called for UN Charter and other international law,
the NWS to continue dialogue to look for new especially taking into account the importance
ideas and approaches to address the issue of of all relevant UN resolutions. They shall
nuclear disarmament. consider joint practical counter-terrorism
measures in line with specific circumstances in
2001 the region and in each member country. The
Heads of State agreed on the practical steps to
The 34th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting took place counter international terrorism, including review
in Hanoi, Vietnam, on 23-24 July. The and strengthening of national mechanisms to
combat international terrorism; early signing negotiating the BTWC verification Protocol by
and/or ratification of or accession to all relevant the Ad Hoc-Group of the State Parties to the
anti-terrorism conventions including the BTWC.
International Convention for the Suppression of
the Financing of Terrorism; deeper cooperation
among front-line law enforcement agencies in
1999
combating terrorism and sharing “best
practices”; enhanced information intelligence At their 6th Meeting in Singapore from 23 to 24
exchange to facilitate the flow of information, in July, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers convened
particular, on terrorists and terrorist the Commission of the SEANWFZ Treaty for
organizations, their movement and funding, the first time. The Commission ordered the
and any other information needed to protect preparation of the draft rules of procedure and
lives, property, and the security of all modes of initiation of all necessary actions in compliance
travel; strengthened cooperation at bilateral, with the Treaty, including consultations with the
regional, and international levels in combating NWS, the IAEA, and other related bodies. The
terrorism in a comprehensive manner affirming Ministers noted the consultations which had
taken place between the ASEAN Working
that at the international level the UN should
Group on ZOPFAN and the SEANWFZ and the
play a major role in this regard, etc.
NWS and urged the NWS to accede to the
Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty as another
2000 means of enhancing the regional security
environment.
The Foreign Ministers of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations convened at the The Ministers noted the entry into force of the
33rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok on Convention on the Prohibition of the Use,
24-25 July under the chairmanship of Dr. Surin Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-
Pitsuwan, Foreign Minister of Thailand. The Personnel Mines and on their Destruction and
Ministers welcomed the progress made in agreed to support initiatives to enhance
implementing the SEANWFZ Treaty and noted international cooperation on de-mining,
with satisfaction the establishment of all the including training, and in the removal of
various organs under the Treaty and the work unexploded ordinance as well as the
undertaken by these organs, including rehabilitation of mine victims.
consultations with the International Atomic
Energy Agency. They welcomed China’s
announcement made in July 1999 of its
1998
readiness to accede to the Protocol to the
Treaty, and called on the other NWS to The 6th ASEAN Summit was held in Hanoi,
exercise greater flexibility in consultations on Vietnam from 15 to 16 December. Participants
the Protocol. The Ministers reiterated issued the Hanoi Declaration in which States
importance of CBMs and PD in the intra- pledged to intensify their efforts to address
regional relations and stressed the importance arms smuggling, and to intensify consultations
of continued participation of defense and with NWS with a view to their accession to the
military officials in the ARF process. Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty. The Hanoi
Plan of Action, also adopted at the Summit,
The Ministers reiterated the importance of also called for the convening of the
achieving universal adherence to the CTBT Commission for the SEANWFZ to oversee
and the NPT and welcomed the convening of implementation and ensure compliance with
the NPT Review Conference 2000 in New York the Treaty. The ASEAN countries reaffirmed
on 24 April-19 May and hoped that it would their support for and active participation in all
efforts to achieve the objective of general and
create momentum towards the implementation
complete disarmament, especially the
of concrete measures on nuclear disarmament
nonproliferation of nuclear weapons and of
by the NWS. In this regard, the Ministers
other weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
affirmed the unanimous conclusion of the
Advisory Opinion of the International Court of
Justice of 8 July 1996 that “there exists an At the 5th Ministerial Meeting in Manila from 24
obligation to pursue in good faith and bring to a to 25 July, the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN
conclusion negotiations leading to nuclear issued a Joint Communiqué in which they
disarmament in all its aspects under strict and reiterated that signature of the SEANWFZ
effective international control.” The Ministers Protocol by the NWS would equal a pledge of
stressed the importance for all States that had support for nuclear disarmament and nuclear-
not ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention weapon-free zones. The Communiqué also
(CWC) to consider doing so at the earliest addressed the nuclear tests by India and
opportunity and noted the progress in Pakistan, by stating their view that the recent
tests in South Asia were not conducive to the The DSG AEC assists SG in supporting the realisation of
full realization of the Treaty. the AEC by 2015. He oversees the implementation of
the AEC Blueprint towards the establishment of a Single
Market and Production Base, a competitive economic
1997 region characterised by equitable development, and a
region that is fully plugged into the global economy.

The “ASEAN Vision 2020” adopted in Kuala Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN
Lumpur on 15 December, by the Heads of Socio-Cultural Community
State/Government of ASEAN, envisioned a
“Concert of Southeast Asian Nations” to be in The DSG ASCC supports SG in implementing the ASCC
2020 a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Blueprint. He oversees the implementation of projects
Neutrality, as envisaged in the Kuala Lumpur under ASCC that focus on forging a common identity
and building a caring and sharing society which is
Declaration of 1971. It envisioned a Southeast
inclusive and where the well-being, livelihood and
Asia free from nuclear weapons, with all the welfare of the peoples are enhanced.
NWS committed to the purposes of the
SANWFZ Treaty through their adherence to its Click here for CV of DSG of ASEAN for ASCC, H.E.
Protocol. It also envisioned the region to be Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee (date of commencement:
free from all other WMD, and the ASEAN 12 October 2015).
Regional Forum as an established means for
confidence-building and preventive diplomacy Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community
and for promoting conflict-resolution. and Corporate Affairs

The DSG CCA assists SG and is responsible for

1996 providing strategic direction and guidance on research,
public affairs and outreach programmes for the ASEAN
Community. He is also responsible for the
The 29th Annual ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, implementation of corporate support functions, including
involving Foreign Ministers, issued a core corporate services and ensuring clear prioritisation
communiqué in Jakarta on 21 July. It called for and alignment to overall policy objectives. The DSG
the expeditious ratification of the SEANWFZ CCA will ensure that ASEAN Secretariat has in place the
Treaty, and for an end to nuclear testing and systems, procedures and resources required to fulfil its
mandate.
the conclusion of a CTBT.

1995
At the 5th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, on 15
December, ASEAN leaders signed the
SEANWFZ Treaty. The parties to the
SEANWFZ comprise the current 10 ASEAN
members. The notion of a SEANWFZ dates
back to 27 November 1971, when the original
five members of the ASEAN meeting in Kuala
Lumpur signed a Declaration on a [ASEAN]
Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality
(ZOPFAN). None of the NWS had yet signed
the Protocols, largely due to US and French
objections regarding the unequivocal nature of
security assurances and over the definitions of
territory (including exclusive economic zones).

The DSG APSC supports SG in implementing the APSC

Blueprint and strengthening relations with ASEAN
Dialogue Partners and the international community.

Click here for CV of DSG of ASEAN for APSC, H.E. DR.

Hoang Anh Tuan (date of commencement: 15 February
2018).

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN

Economic Community