ASEAN Leaders Adopt New Declaration

● Leaders express common adherence to the principles enshrined in the Asean Charter, uphold UN pact

The 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit concluded on Sunday with the adoption of the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration on the Realization of the Asean Community by 2015.

In the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration, President Benigno S. Aquino III and his fellow leaders expressed their common adherence to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Asean Charter and in upholding the Charter of the United Nations.

Aside from welcoming the progress made in implementing the Roadmap for an Asean Community, the leaders also recognized the urgency of the successful establishment of the Asean Community by 2015. The member-countries also commended the efforts of the Asean in formulating the Asean Community’s post-2015 vision.

The leaders committed to further strengthen efforts to enhance Asean integration and narrow the development gap by building on existing initiatives including the Initiative for Asean Integration and the Master Plan on Asean Connectivity.

Moreover, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with all partners through various Asean-led processes, such as Asean Plus One, Asean Plus Three, East Asia Summit, Asean Regional Forum, and Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus.

Furthermore, they stressed the importance of cooperation among Asean countries and the realization of an Asean Community that is politically cohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible.

The Asean Summit was held for the first time in Myanmar with the theme: “Moving Forward in Unity to A Peaceful and Prosperous Community,” highlighting the importance of a united Asean.