Published on December 13, 2005

Asean leaders have issued a chairman’s statement at the end of their first day of the summit in Kuala Lumpur. The following is the gist of the statement:

l Asean leaders agreed that the East Asia Summit and the Asean plus China, Japan and South Korea process should move on parallel tracks without overlapping and complement one another as well as other regional process.

l Asean leaders underscored the importance of Asean’s cohesion in dealing with issues and challenges facing the region to enhance Asean’s credibility, transparency and solidarity to protect and nurture the collective interest of Asean.

l They agreed to establish an Eminent Persons Group, comprising well respected citizens of Asean countries with a mandate to examine and provide recommendations on the Asean and its charter.

l They recognise the important role of inter faith dialogue in fighting the spread of terrorism and promoting understanding among people

l Despite the current uncertainty of oil prices and rising interest rates, Asean’s economic growth is likely to be sustained at around 5.5 per cent in 2005.

l They noted the progress in implementing a formula to allow countries that are ready to go ahead in moving Multilateral Agreement on the Full Liberalisations of All Cargo Air Service.

l They placed importance on Asean to cooperate on setting up a regional network of anti-viral drugs stockpile.

l They agreed to work closely to combat avian flu. Malaysia intended to establish the Regional Avian Influenza Research and Reference Centre and the Regional WHO Collaborating Centre for Influenza.

l Asean will establish Asean university games, Asean Youth peace corps, Asean computer games and Asean science Olympiad to promote greater interaction and understanding among the youth.

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