ASEAN has concurred to allow Laos to continue the outcomes of Indonesia’s chairmanship
LUANG PRABANG, LAOS (AGENCIES) – ASEAN Foreign Ministers held the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ (AMM) Retreat in Luang Prabang, Laos, on (29/1).
The first ministerial-level meeting under Laos’ chairmanship agreed to continue the outcomes of Indonesia’s chairmanship from the previous year.
“Some of the agreements from the AMM Retreat include the continuity of various deliverables from Indonesia’s chairmanship last year, including support for the continuation of the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) and the ongoing implementation of the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue,” said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in a press statement after the meeting.
READ MORE : Indonesia warns nuclear weapons put Southeast Asia a ‘miscalculation away’ from a catastrophe
Additionally, the meeting agreed to continue prioritising the maritime agenda in ASEAN to promote regional maritime stability and cooperation, including blue economy initiatives and the organisation of the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF)/Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF).
Another agreement is to continue emphasising the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) in various ASEAN-led mechanisms. In this regard, Indonesia’s Concept Note on AOIP-based Comprehensive Regional Architecture has been approved for further discussion.
The meeting also expressed support for the China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Summit plan. Regarding Palestine, the meeting conveyed concerns and a call for an immediate cessation of violence and a ceasefire in Gaza. It strongly condemned acts of violence against civilians, expressed support for a two-state solution, and urged Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice’s decision on Gaza.
The AMM Retreat was divided into two sessions: Session I discussed Laos’ priorities as the ASEAN Chair and follow-ups from the previous summit, including the implementation of the 5PC, while Session II addressed regional and international situations.
In Session I, Indonesia expressed support for Laos’ chairmanship this year. Indonesia also highlighted several important matters that need to be addressed under Laos’ chairmanship.
Regarding the situation in Myanmar, Indonesia welcomed the reaffirmed commitment of ASEAN foreign ministers to make the 5PC the primary reference for ASEAN’s efforts to help Myanmar out of the crisis. Indonesia also conveyed all notes on addressing Myanmar’s issues during Indonesia’s chairmanship last year to Laos as the Chair this year.
“Indonesia also expects no permissive actions that could hinder or setback the implementation of the 5PC. Engagement with stakeholders must be done carefully to avoid being politically capitalised by certain stakeholders,” said the Foreign Minister.
Indonesia expressed its readiness to contribute through the troika mechanism. Discussions within this troika mechanism are expected not only to be limited to consultations but also to include coordinating humanitarian assistance and facilitating inclusive dialogue.”
China Sea, seeking to “enhance favorable conditions for a peaceful and durable solution of differences and disputes,” but there has been little sign of adherence to that in recent years.
In Luang Prabang, the group “underscored the importance of the full and effective” implementation of the declaration, according to a statement issued by Laos after the talks.
“We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in, and overflight above, the South China Sea,” it said.
Under last year’s chair, Indonesia, ASEAN agreed with China on guidelines to accelerate negotiations for a South China Sea code of conduct, but that has yet to produce results.
In the talks Monday, Saleumxay said several ASEAN nations brought up the tensions in the South China Sea and that Laos hoped to have a third reading of the code of conduct with China “as soon as possible.”
“That would create an environment where both ASEAN member states, especially the claimant states, and China can build more trust and confidence,” he said. “Whatever happens in the South China Sea should be resolved in a peaceful manner through dialogue and consultations.”
Saleumxay said all sides with claims in the South China Sea need to respect the United Nations convention on the law of the sea.
Under that convention, a U.N.-backed tribunal ruled in 2016 that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea on historical grounds were invalid and that Beijing had violated the right of Filipinos to fish in the shoal.
China has refused to participate in the arbitration, rejected its outcome and continues to defy it.