The 31st Asean Summit Chairman Statement, delivered by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of the Philippines in November 2017, offered a compelling vision for a future-ready ASEAN. Under the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World,” the statement highlighted key priorities and commitments aimed at fostering regional integration, strengthening partnerships, and promoting peace and stability.
ASEAN Summit 2017 Philippines
Fostering a People-Oriented, People-Centred ASEAN
The Chairman’s statement emphasized the importance of putting people at the heart of ASEAN’s agenda. It underscored the need to promote inclusive growth that benefits all segments of society, particularly women, youth, children, and persons with disabilities. The statement called for enhanced efforts to address poverty, inequality, and social injustice, ensuring that no one is left behind in ASEAN’s development journey.
Deepening Economic Integration and Connectivity
The statement reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to deepening economic integration and promoting seamless connectivity within the region. It highlighted the importance of accelerating the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025, further liberalizing trade and investment, and facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people across borders. The statement also underscored the significance of enhancing digital connectivity, promoting innovation, and fostering an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Strengthening ASEAN’s Global Partnerships
Recognizing the significance of robust international partnerships, the Chairman’s statement called for strengthening ASEAN’s engagement with external partners. It emphasized the need to deepen cooperation with dialogue partners in areas of mutual interest, such as trade and investment, connectivity, sustainable development, and counter-terrorism.
Maintaining Peace, Security, and Stability in the Region
The statement reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region. It addressed key regional security challenges, including the South China Sea dispute, terrorism, and transnational crime. The statement emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law in resolving disputes peacefully.
What were the key takeaways from the 31st ASEAN Summit Chairman Statement?
The 31st ASEAN Summit Chairman Statement, delivered by the Philippines, underscored the following key takeaways:
- People-centered ASEAN: Placing the well-being and prosperity of ASEAN’s people at the forefront of the regional agenda.
- Economic integration: Deepening economic ties, promoting trade, and enhancing connectivity within the ASEAN community.
- Global partnerships: Strengthening collaborations with external partners to address common challenges and advance shared interests.
- Peace and stability: Maintaining a secure and stable regional environment through dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law.
How did the statement address the South China Sea issue?
The statement addressed the South China Sea issue by emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation, and overflight in the region. It called for the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
What was the significance of the 31st ASEAN Summit Chairman Statement?
The 31st ASEAN Summit Chairman Statement was significant as it provided a roadmap for ASEAN’s future direction, emphasizing a people-oriented, integrated, and globally engaged community. It reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to key principles of regional cooperation, peace, and development, aiming to create a more prosperous and secure future for its people.
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