The following is the full text of a joint statement issued by South Korean President Park Geun-hye and leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) at the end of their two-day summit in South Korea’s port city of Busan on Friday.
We, the Heads of States/Government of Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) and the Republic of Korea, gathered on 12 December 2014 in Busan, ROK, to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations, under the theme “Building Trust, Bringing Happiness.”
Recalling with satisfaction that ASEAN-ROK relations have deepened and broadened over the past 25 years since the establishment of dialogue relations in 1989;
Acknowledging the achievements made in implementing the 2004 Declaration on Comprehensive Cooperation Partnership between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Republic of Korea and the 2010 Joint Declaration on ASEAN-ROK Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity and its Plan of Action 2011-2015;
Acknowledging the commitment of ROK to support ASEAN’s Community building efforts and to contribute to ASEAN Community’s
Post-2015 Vision, as well as the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations (Bali Concord III);
Recognizing ASEAN’s centrality and its leadership role as the primary driving force in the evolving regional architecture, which allow for a stable and peaceful regional environment that is essential to the pursuit of sustainable development; Adhering to the fundamental norms, principles and common values as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC);
Noting with satisfaction that ASEAN and the ROK have developed mutually beneficial cooperative relations on the basis of mutual trust and respect for the past twenty five years. The ASEAN-ROK cooperation has expanded and deepened in a wide range of fields, including political, security, economic, functional and socio-cultural cooperation, in the pursuit of shared peace and prosperity and progress.
Noting that since joining the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in
1994 and acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in 2004, the ROK has strengthened its political and security relations with ASEAN, which have contributed to regional peace and stability. We welcome the progress in further strengthening political and security dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN and the ROK, in accordance with the Plan of Action 2011-2015, including discussion on security related issues held at the 18th ASEAN-ROK Dialogue in Busan in June 2014. We further note that ASEAN and the ROK have strengthened cooperation to address major global and trans-boundary challenges, such as international terrorism, climate change and environment, including by concluding the ASEAN-ROK Forest Cooperation Agreement in 2011 and its recent extension, and disaster management, within the framework of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations as well as in the ASEAN Plus Three, ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus, ASEAN Regional Forum, including co-organizing the 2013 ARF Disaster Relief Exercise
(DiREx) with Thailand, and East Asia Summit.
Noting with satisfaction the increase in trade volume between ASEAN and the ROK to approximately USD 135 billion and in mutual investment amounting to approximately USD 4 billion in 2013, as well as the steady increase in the number of visitors traveling between ASEAN Member States and the ROK over the years, averaging more than five million people per year.
Recalling the positive impact of the implementation of the ASEAN-ROK Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) since the entry into force of the Trade in Goods Agreement in 2007, the Trade in Services and Investment Agreement in 2009, which boosted the total volume of trade and investment between ASEAN and the ROK and well on its way to reach the trade target of USD 150 billion in 2015. We note the on-going discussion on the further liberalization with the aim to conclude by 2015 and improvement of the ASEAN-ROK FTA for greater mutual benefits.
Recalling that since the establishment of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations in 1989, a total amount of around USD 67 million has been contributed to the ASEAN-ROK Cooperation Fund, which has been effectively used in a wide range of projects in the fields such as trade, investment, technology transfer, people-to-people exchanges, and human resource development.
Noting with appreciation the support and contribution of the ROK to narrowing development gaps within ASEAN and enhancing regional connectivity, including through the Mekong-ROK cooperation framework.
Recognizing the growing cultural exchanges between the ASEAN and ROK, and its contribution to promoting economic growth, better understanding between our peoples, and greater awareness of cultural heritage of the region, which form the basis of close friendship and mutual understanding.
Welcoming the progress made through meetings between ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) and the ROK’s Task Force on ASEAN Connectivity in the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC).
Acknowledging with appreciation ROK’s leading role in presenting the vision for an East Asian community through the East Asia Vision Group I (EAVG I), the East Asia Study Group (EASG), and the recommendations of the EAVG II for an East Asian Economic Community.
Noting with satisfaction the substantive works undertaken by the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and the Mission of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to ASEAN in Jakarta, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat, in further strengthening ASEAN-ROK Strategic Partnership.
Recognizing the role and contribution of the ASEAN-Korea Centre in promoting trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges between ASEAN and the ROK, and appreciating the continuous commitment and support of the ROK for the Centre.
In order to further strengthen cooperation, ASEAN and the ROK hereby reaffirm to:
The Way Forward
1.1. Promote the enhancement of dialogue partnership between ASEAN and ROK with the aim of having a friendly, mutually beneficial, meaningful and strategic partnership.
1.2. Continue to support the establishment of the ASEAN Community and beyond, enhanced connectivity, narrowing development gaps, and the strengthening of the ASEAN Secretariat, in realizing a politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible and a truly people-oriented, people-centred and rules-based ASEAN.
1.3. Continue to support ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture towards securing the region’s peace, prosperity and security.
1.4. Strengthen cooperation to contribute positively to global issues by supporting the implementation of the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations “Bali Concord III”
(2011-2022) and its Plan of Action (2012-2017).
1.5. Enhance cooperation in promoting common prosperity and caring and sharing society, taking note of the common values of the ASEAN Community Building goals for a people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN and the ROK’s pursuit for the happiness of its people.
1.6. Based on the understanding that the security of Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia are closely interconnected, we agree to reinforce political-security cooperation to promote sustainable peace and stability in the region. We are confident that ASEAN’s centrality in spearheading regional cooperation, based on dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect and tolerance, would contribute to reinforcing trust and shared peace in the region. We also support ASEAN’s efforts in promoting norms and principles enshrined in, among others, the ASEAN Charter, and other relevant ASEAN instruments such as the TAC and the EAS Declaration on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations (Bali Principles), towards the development of a more rules-based and norms-based regional architecture.
1.7. Given the prospect that ASEAN and its dynamism will be the main driving force behind economic growth both in East Asia and globally, we agree to harness the momentum by expanding and intensifying our economic ties through various initiatives, including the on-going discussion on the improvement of the AKFTA.
We also agree to usher in shared prosperity by further deepening trade and investment ties. Moreover, we resolve to work in close concert so that ASEAN, with its abundant natural resources and 600 million people, will be able to reach its full potential in realizing the ASEAN Community 2015 and beyond.
1.8. Resolve to cooperate towards shared progress by alleviating poverty and narrowing the development gap through increased cooperation in the field of development.
1.9. Share the view that solidarity and identity as East Asians will provide a cognitive basis for friendship and cooperation and to this end agree to further promote two-way cultural and people-to-people exchange that will allow our two peoples a deeper understanding of each other.
Political-Security Cooperation towards Shared Peace
2.1 Strengthen cooperation in ASEAN-led regional processes and arrangements, such as ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three, ARF, ADMM-Plus and the EAS, and enhance engagement at other relevant regional and multilateral fora, to promote peace, stability, security, development and prosperity in the region.
2.2 Work closely to strengthen the EAS, with ASEAN as the driving force, as a leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity and integration in East Asia.
2.3 Agree to strengthen cooperation in the area of Political-Security matters by further developing the dialogue on security related issues as part of the ASEAN-ROK Dialogue.
2.4 Look forward to increased exchanges between our legislative bodies including through the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly
(AIPA) and the ASEAN-ROK Forum that was launched in February 2014.
2.5 Foster greater cooperation to address traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including combating terrorism and transnational crimes such as trafficking in persons, illicit drugs, money laundering, arms smuggling, sea piracy, international economic crimes and cybercrimes, as well as proliferation of Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD).
2.6 Promote maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded commerce, the exercise of self-restraint, the non-use of force or threat to use force, and the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the relevant standards and recommended practices by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
2.7 Promote cooperation to address common challenges on maritime issues such as environment, connectivity, fisheries, and search and rescue at sea.
2.8 Promote further dialogue and strengthen cooperation in the areas of good governance, democracy and rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as encourage cooperation in inter-faith and inter-civilization dialogue and the promotion of moderation.
2.9 Foster cooperation to promote conflict prevention and resolution, and conflict management to enhance peace, security and stability in the region.
2.10 Support ASEAN Member States’ active participation in UN Peacekeeping and Post-Conflict Peace Building efforts.
2.11 Support the efforts to address humanitarian aspects of landmines and explosive remnants of war issue in the region such as through ROK’s support in financial and technical assistance, and capacity building. Moreover, we support the work of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) in addressing this issue.
Economic Cooperation for Shared Prosperity
3.1 Strengthen efforts to boost economic cooperation between ASEAN and ROK, to improve the trade balance between both sides including where possible by providing greater market access for goods and services.
3.2 Promote economic growth and development by strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interests related to trade in goods, trade in services and investment through trade facilitation and other regulatory improvements and encourage greater involvement from the private sectors. Maximizing the utilization of the ASEAN-ROK Free Trade Agreement and, based on the complementarity of our economies, we resolve to make efforts to further expand our trade volume to USD 200 billion by 2020.
3.3 Continue to enhance regional economic partnership and integration through the timely conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations by the end of 2015.
3.4 Enhance economic cooperation, especially capacity building, in various fields such as finance, customs, transport, agriculture, labour, tourism, energy, food security, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), forestry, mining, fisheries, logistics, intellectual property rights, connectivity and infrastructure development for the well-being of our peoples.
3.5 Promote SMEs partnership and cooperation through human resources development, and sharing of best practices that will strengthen SMEs and industries linkages in the supply chain networks.
3.6 Promote cooperation on innovation between ASEAN and ROK and appreciate the proposal to establish and ASEAN-ROK innovation center to enhance innovation capacity, optimize human capital development and improve the capacity and capability of ASEAN Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to be globally competitive and contribute towards strengthening of the ASEAN Economic Community.
3.7 Welcome the launch of the ASEAN-ROK Business Council. We agree to cooperate to make the ASEAN-ROK Business Council a business driven consultative body that will both assist ASEAN and ROK SMEs in entering each other’s markets and in promoting bilateral trade and investment. In addition, we welcome the success of the ASEAN-ROK CEO Summit held on 11 December 2014 in Busan, ROK, and recognize that entrepreneurship and innovation are important elements in enhancing competitiveness of our economies.
3.8 Look forward to the continued discussion between ASEAN and ROK on aviation cooperation and to building upon the work of the ASEAN-ROK Transport Ministers Meeting on 28 November 2014 in Mandalay, Myanmar.
3.9 Contribute to narrowing development gaps in the region through the implementation of Initiative for ASEAN Integration
(IAI) Work Plan II 2009-2015 and its successor document and other sub-regional economic cooperation frameworks, including the Mekong-ROK Action Plan (2014-2017) adopted at the 4th Mekong-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July 2014 in Seoul.
3.10 Work more closely together in energy and infrastructure projects as well as in identifying new areas for cooperation.
3.11 Recognize the importance of administrative and human resource capacity building within the government for sustained development, we agreed to enhance and expand training programs for mid-level public officials of ASEAN Member States. In addition, the ROK plans to also contribute to building a network of policy experts within ASEAN.
3.12 Recognize the importance of agriculture in the areas of food security, poverty eradication and sustainable development, and agree to explore joint cooperation on increasing rural income and sharing development experiences, through various projects including training programmes in related areas to develop expertise in the field of agricultural policy. In this regard, we noted ROK’s implementation of the Saemaul Undong policy that contributed to the rural development in the ROK.
Socio-cultural Cooperation for Shared Progress
4.1. Further promote people-to-people contacts, in the public and private sectors to deepen mutual understanding and friendship.
In this regard, ASEAN welcomes ROK’s efforts to simplify the visa process for Southeast Asian nationals.
4.2. Recognize the importance of establishing and expanding a network for our future generations. To this end, ASEAN welcomes the ROK’s initiative under the “ASEAN-ROK Next-generation Opinion Leaders Programme”.
4.3. Strengthen consular cooperation, especially in the protection of the nationals of both sides, including tourists, business people, officials who are traveling to ASEAN and the ROK as well as students, permanent residents and workers residing in the ASEAN Member states and the ROK.
4.4. Enhance cooperation in education and human resource development to achieve socio-economic development, including through increasing the number of scholarships, promoting students and faculty exchanges and joint research in higher education, as well as increasing Technical and Vocational Education and Training
(TVET) opportunities for ASEAN students. We also welcome the promotion of Korean studies in ASEAN and ASEAN studies in the ROK.
4.5. Look forward to further collaboration with multilateral organizations such as UNESCO through the World Education Forum 2015 to be held on May 19-22, 2015 in Incheon, ROK.
4.6. Support ASEAN Community building in social protection by promoting the implementation of ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection, and providing support and cooperation in the implementation of ASEAN Social Work Consortium (ASWC) Work Plan.
4.7. Promote cooperation in the area of culture, art and sports, including the development of creative industries, including cooperation in the field of co-production, co-financing and co-distribution of diverse content projects between the two regions and undertake other industry engagements to foster talent in multi-media in ASEAN Member states and fostering of greater awareness of cultural heritage of the region.
4.8. Welcome the designation of 2017 as the year of ASEAN-ROK Cultural Exchange, and appreciate ROK’s contribution in establishing an “ASEAN culture house” in ROK to enhance understanding of ASEAN and Southeast Asian culture in the ROK.
4.9. Promote cooperation in science, technology and innovations, information and communication technology (ICT) and facilitate continued sustainable development of ASEAN Community and beyond. To promote technical cooperation among private entities of both sides, the ROK will make efforts to increase its support for developing human resources, sharing of knowledge and enhancing cooperation in the field of science and technology.
4.10. Share experiences and knowledge on health issues, including strengthening of healthcare systems, to overcome challenges to health and to make use of opportunities to achieve better health for our peoples.
4.11. Recognize the on-going threat of the Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs), including Ebola Virus Disease, and we commit to strengthen cooperation and share information on EIDs prevention and control and pandemic preparedness, including through improving health capacity building, effective monitoring and promote collaboration in control of trans-boundary EIDs in coordination with relevant regional and international health agencies. As part of this effort, we welcome Thailand’s initiative to convene the ASEAN Plus Three Health Ministers’ Special Meeting on Ebola Preparedness and Response on 14 – 15 December 2014 in Bangkok, Thailand, which would strengthen regional cooperation in response to EIDs.
4.12. Enhance ASEAN-ROK cooperation in responding to climate change, including seeking ways to cooperate with the Global Green Growth Institute and Green Climate Fund (GCF), and sharing ideas and promoting capacity development on climate change.
4.13. Enhance ASEAN-ROK cooperation in environmental management including integrated water resource management; environmentally sustainable cities; environmentally sound technologies and cleaner production; biodiversity conservation; public awareness and education; sustainable use of coastal and marine environment and trans-boundary environmental pollution. In addition, we encourage ASEAN’s participation at the World Water Forum to take place in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, ROK in 2015.
4.14. Welcome the on-going activities implemented under the ASEAN-ROK Forest Cooperation Agreement and note the ongoing dialogues towards the establishment of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization.
4.15. Strengthen cooperation in disaster management to mitigate the impacts of disaster, reducing disaster losses and enhancing joint emergency response to disasters including collaboration with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and supporting the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme 2010-2015 and beyond, as well as its priority projects.
ASEAN Connectivity
5.1 Enhance support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), especially in the areas of physical infrastructure, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and people-to-people connectivity, including through financial and technical assistance, investment and public-private partnership to enhance connectivity within ASEAN and with ROK.
Regional and International Issues
6.1 Share the view that it is important to maintain sustainable peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.
To this end, we are committed to continue our efforts to achieve the early denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. In this regard, we express our concern over the recent developments on the Korean Peninsula, including the testing of ballistic missiles. We urge the DPRK to fully comply with international obligations under all relevant UNSC Resolutions and commitments under the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks. We also highlight the importance of enhancing dialogue and creating necessary conditions for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks which would pave the way for the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization.
6.2 Welcome ROK’s Trust-Building Process on the Korean Peninsula and the Initiative for Peaceful Unification on the Korean Peninsula as well as the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative (NAPCI) in promoting lasting peace on the Korean peninsula and cooperation and trust in Northeast Asia.
6.3 Continue to cooperate for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and beyond, as well as support the formulation of the UN post-2015 development agenda to eradicate poverty and transform economies through sustainable development.
6.4 Strengthen cooperation across different sectors to address global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, food security, energy security and communicable diseases.
6.5 Continue to contribute to the strong, sustainable, inclusive and balanced growth of the world economy through strengthening collaboration and policy consultation between ASEAN and ROK in the multilateral fora.
6.6 Reaffirm the need for the United Nations reform, including that of the Security Council.
Implementation Arrangement
7.1 Encourage the ROK’s continuous commitment to expand and deepen the development cooperation as well as sharing its experience and technical expertise with ASEAN, including through the South-South cooperation and trilateral cooperation.
7.2 Support ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen the capacities of the ASEAN Secretariat through various programmes including human resources development, knowledge management and ICT system upgrade in ASEAN’s efforts to the ASEAN Community building process.
7.3 Fully utilize the ASEAN-Korea Centre to facilitate promotional activities for trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
7.4 Welcome ROK’s continued support for the ASEAN Community building process and ASEAN-ROK Cooperation through effective utilization of the ASEAN-ROK Special Cooperation Fund and the ASEAN-ROK Future Oriented Cooperation Fund in implementing a new Plan of Action 2016 – 2020.
7.5 Task our relevant officials to develop a new plan of action for the period 2016-2020 to continue implementing the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity and to realize the goals identified in this Joint Statement and other existing ASEAN-ROK mechanisms for cooperation. (Yon
