According to the media report, the council said on Wednesday in its order statement that the martial law was imposed to ensure security…reports Asian Lite News
Myanmar’s State Administration Council imposed martial law in Momeik and Mabein townships in Shan state of eastern Myanmar, media reported.
According to the media report, the council said on Wednesday in its order statement that the martial law was imposed to ensure security, uphold the rule of law, and maintain peace and stability in the region, Xinhua news agency reported.
Subsequently, in its separate order, the council granted administrative and judicial power for the townships to the commander of the northern command to effectively carry out the works on security, law enforcement, and peace and stability of the region, the report added.
Myanmar has remained under a state of emergency, which was initially declared in February 2021 for one year and subsequently extended five times, each for six months, until end of July this year.
ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn is leading the ASEAN Secretariat delegation on a working visit to India….reports Asian Lite News
The door for India to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) remains open, said ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn on Wednesday, expressing hope that New Delhi will reconsider its participation in the world’s largest trade deal.
When asked whether ASEAN sees any willingness on India’s part to reconsider the trade deal, the ASEAN Secretary General enunciated that he does not think there is an absolute no from the Indian side on the matter and that the two sides would continue to engage with each other.
ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn is leading the ASEAN Secretariat delegation on a working visit to India.
In an interview with ANI, the secretary general shared the progress of RCEP and the discussion with India on this matter.
Signed in 2020, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is a free trade agreement among the Asia-Pacific nations of Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
India, which took part in the initial negotiations, later decided to opt out.
“…The door remains open (for India) and we believe that there’s an opportunity to work together, of course, through bilateral FTA, between ASEAN and India on the one hand, but of course, also the opportunity to do so…And of course, we still welcome in the house and we hope India will continue to look at ourselves ourself. You know, in the long term,” Kao Kim Hourn said.
“I don’t think that India is an absolute, no matter if it is all about flexibility. It’s about practicality. It’s about mutual interest. So I think as long as we continue to engage with one another, this engagement approach is important,” he added.
The RCEP was conceived at the 2011 ASEAN Summit in Bali, Indonesia, while negotiations were formally launched during the 2012 ASEAN Summit in Cambodia.
The RCEP Agreement, which entered into force on January 1, 2022, is an ASEAN-led initiative that creates the world’s largest free trade area in terms of the parties’ combined gross domestic product (GDP), which is almost a third of the world’s GDP, and the market size, as the parties’ combined population accounts for almost one-third of the world’s population.
Moreover, RCEP comprises the ten ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand. (ANI)
The two leaders, as they met, discussed connectivity, food security and trade….reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met ASEAN Secretary General, Kao Kim Hourn in Delhi.
The two leaders, as they met, discussed connectivity, food security and trade.
In a post on social media platform X, the EAM wrote, “Pleased to meet Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn of ASEAN today morning.”
“Discussed taking forward our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Our agenda focused on connectivity, food security and trade,” he added.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn arrived in Delhi on Sunday evening, kicking off his five-day visit to India.
This is Kao Kim Hourn’s first official visit to India since assuming office in January 2023, spanning from February 11 to 15.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, “A warm welcome to @ASEAN Secretary-General @hourn_kao on his first official visit to India. An opportunity to further strengthen the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Students from ASEAN Member States pursue higher education at the University under ASEAN-India cooperation projects. Nalanda University also leads the ASEAN-India Network of Universities (AINU), according to MEA.
In the press release, MEA stated, “Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India’s Act East Policy, which has entered into its 10th year in 2024, as well as its vision for the wider Indo-Pacific. In 2022, the ASEAN-India relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
“India firmly supports ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). India also supports the priorities set by Lao PDR in its ASEAN Chairmanship for the year 2024 under the theme ‘ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’,” it added. (ANI)
This will be the first official visit by Kao to India since assuming charge in January 2023…reports Asian Lite News
Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, will be on an official visit to India from February 11 to 15, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.
This will be the first official visit by Kao to India since assuming charge in January 2023.
During the visit, Secretary-General of ASEAN is scheduled to have meetings with the External Affairs Minister and other dignitaries in Delhi. He will deliver the Sapru House Lecture organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on the theme “The ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the Evolving Regional Architecture,” MEA also said.
At the invitation of the Government of India, Secretary-General of ASEAN will visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Gaya.
He is scheduled to deliver an address on “The Future of ASEAN: ASEAN’s Relevance and Resilience in the Evolving Strategic Environment” at the Nalanda University in Rajgir.
Students from ASEAN Member States pursue higher education at the University under ASEAN-India cooperation projects. The Nalanda University also leads the ASEAN-India Network of Universities (AINU), it added.
Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India’s Act East Policy, which has entered into its 10th year in 2024, as well as its vision for the wider Indo-Pacific. In 2022, the ASEAN-India relations were elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. India firmly supports ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
India also supports the priorities set by Lao PDR in its ASEAN Chairmanship for the year 2024 under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Conectivity and Resilience,” the MEA release concluded. (ANI)
Ambassador Jayant Khobragade emphasized the significance of millets in ensuring food security, with representation not only from Indian stakeholders but also from ASEAN member states …reports Asian Lite News
India and ASEAN jointly inaugurated a five-day Millets Festival in Jakarta, aimed at promoting awareness and establishing a market for millets and millet-based products among the 10-member bloc.
“The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) participated in the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit on September 7. During the ASEAN-India summit, one of the joint statements adopted was about food security,” India’s Ambassador to ASEAN Jayant Khobragade said, news agency PTI reported.
Ambassador Jayant Khobragade emphasized the significance of millets in ensuring food security, with representation not only from Indian stakeholders but also from ASEAN member states at the festival. Millets play a vital role in addressing global hunger and nutrient deficiencies, contributing to the broader ASEAN-India relationship.
The ‘ASEAN-India Millets Festival,’ organized by the Indian Mission to ASEAN and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, commenced on November 22. The festival includes a Millet-centric exhibition featuring participation from Millet-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), start-ups, and Indian chefs.
Arief Prasetyo Adi, Head of the National Food Agency in Indonesia, highlighted millets as a farmer-friendly and sustainable food choice, particularly in the context of climate change. The festival presents an opportunity to raise awareness about the nutritional, environmental, and economic benefits of millets.
The festival’s goal is to create a market for millets and millet-based products among ASEAN member states. Millets are known for their ability to grow on arid lands with minimal inputs and resilience to climate changes, making them an ideal solution for increasing self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imported cereal grains.
India, taking a lead in addressing food security challenges, spearheaded the UN General Assembly Resolution to declare 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets.’ This initiative aims to promote the sustainable production of millets and explore new market opportunities for producers and consumers.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is leading a diverse delegation representing Farmer Producer Organizations, industry leaders, and more at the festival. The Millet-centric exhibition features products from Indian FPOs and start-ups, showcasing millet-added products like cookies, namkeen, khakhra, cakes, and more.
Ankit Patel from Vaam Agro and Rizal Satria from Indonesia shared success stories, illustrating the growing market for millet-based products. The festival also includes a live cooking workshop where celebrity chefs from India and Indonesia showcase the culinary potential of millets.
In summary, the ‘ASEAN-India Millets Festival’ serves as a platform to foster collaboration, celebrate cultural diversity, and promote sustainable millet practices for a healthier future among ASEAN member states.
Due to the changing security conditions in Myanmar, the Ministry of External Affairs advises Indian nationals to refrain from non-essential travel…reports Asian Lite News
Following the recent fights between the rebel groups and the military junta in the bordering areas of Myanmar, India has issued an updated travel advisory for Indian nationals.
“In view of the evolving security situation in Myanmar, all Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release on Tuesday.
“Those already living in Myanmar are advised to take precaution and avoid travel to the regions affected by violence. Inter-state travel by road should also be avoided,” the MEA release also said.
“Indian nationals living in Myanmar are requested to register with the Embassy of India, Yangon by filling up the form,” the release added.
Indian nationals living in Myanmar need to download and fill out a registration form available on the MEA website and submit its hard and soft copies to the embassy.
Along with the filled form, they are also required to submit two colour passport size photographs of each member of their family, one copy of Passport’s first page, last page and current visa page, and passport of each individual for verification.
Applicants will not be charged any fee for their registrations and will be provided with a certificate of registration within one month. Indian nationals can submit their documents either in person or through authorised representatives who will be required to produce an authority letter and proof of identity, according to the MEA website.
A number of Myanmar nationals fled from their country following the recent airstrike by the Myanmar army in the bordering areas of the country.
More than 26,000 from Myanmar’s Rakhine state have been displaced since Monday after fresh fighting between Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Arakan Army (AA) according to the United Nations.
Meanwhile, around 5000 people from Myanmar have entered the Indian state of Mizoram following a fresh airstrike by the Myanmar army in the bordering areas along the Indo-Myanmar border.
In the wake of the situation. India has called for the end of violence after an airstrike at the Indo-Myanmar border and emphasised the resolution of the situation through constructive dialogue.
“Our position on the ongoing situation in Myanmar is very clear. We want secession of the violence and the resolution of the situation through constructive dialogue. We reiterate our call for the return of peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday in a weekly briefing.
Bagchi further emphasised that, as a result of fighting in the Rikhawdar area, which is opposite Zokhawthar on the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram, in the Chin state of Myanmar, “there has been a movement of Myanmar nationals to the Indian side. We are deeply concerned with such incidents close to our border.”
“We reiterate our call for the return of peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar,” Bagchi stressed.
According to Reuters, Myanmar’s military junta is facing its biggest test since taking power in a 2021 coup after three ethnic minority forces launched a coordinated offensive in late October, capturing some towns and military posts.
Last week, the military-installed president said that Myanmar was at risk of “breaking apart” because of an ineffective response to the rebellion. As per Reuters, the new combat will be another blow for the junta, which is increasingly stretched amid mounting armed opposition, fuelled by anger over the coup and crackdown. (ANI)
The Philippines President acknowledged ASEAN’s commitment but deems the issue complex, emphasising the humanitarian impact…reports Asian Lite News
The military-ruled Myanmar conflict poses challenges for Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to Philippines President Bongbong Marcos, who cited a slow progress towards a resolution and escalating fighting.
In a live-streamed forum, Marcos acknowledged ASEAN’s commitment but deems the issue complex, emphasising the humanitarian impact.
Over a million displaced since the 2021 coup, with ASEAN’s efforts hindered by the junta’s crackdown.
Marcos noted the growing strength of the resistance movement and ASEAN’s exclusion of top generals until commitment to the peace roadmap.
The Philippines, set to chair ASEAN in 2026, faces its own challenges with citizens impacted by the conflict’s humanitarian toll and human trafficking.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sworn in as Philippines’ 17th President.(photo: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbidV2368058591112&set=pb.100044537672013.-2207520000 )
Renewed Fighting
More than 26,000 from Myanmar’s Rakhine state have been displaced since Monday after fresh fighting between Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Arakan Army (AA) according to the United Nations.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said in a statement that the latest figures bring the total number of internally displaced people due to conflict between the two sides to approximately 90,000.
Notably, 11 deaths and over 30 injuries have been reported since an informal ceasefire agreed a year ago broke on November 13, the statement read.
It added that over 100 people have reportedly been detained by the MAF and five by the AA, CNN reported.
Battles between the military and resistance groups have unfolded almost daily across Myanmar since Army General Min Aung Hlaing seized power in February 2021, plunging the country into economic chaos and fresh civil war, according to CNN.
The most recent fighting began when the AA reportedly attacked two border posts near the Maungdaw township, which is near the border with Bangladesh.
The two parties had previously established an informal ceasefire in November 2022, according to the UN body.
It added that there have been reports of MAF shelling in AA-controlled areas and that the military had conducted at least one operation backed by air and naval support.
Most humanitarian activities have been suspended due to the fighting and “virtually all roads and waterways” between Rakhine townships have been blocked, CNN reported citing the statement..
Airstrikes and ground attacks on what the MAF calls “terrorist” targets have occurred regularly since 2021 and killed thousands of civilians, including children, CNN reported citing monitoring groups.
Meanwhile, around 5000 people from Myanmar have entered the Indian state of Mizoram following a fresh airstrike by the Myanmar army in the bordering areas along the Indo-Myanmar border.
In the wake of the situation. India has called for the end of violence after an airstrike at the Indo-Myanmar border and emphasised the resolution of the situation through constructive dialogue.
“Our position on the ongoing situation in Myanmar is very clear. We want secession of the violence and the resolution of the situation through constructive dialogue. We reiterate our call for the return of peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday in a weekly briefing.
Bagchi further emphasised that, as a result of fighting in the Rikhawdar area, which is opposite Zokhawthar on the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram, in the Chin state of Myanmar, “there has been a movement of Myanmar nationals to the Indian side. We are deeply concerned with such incidents close to our border.”
“We reiterate our call for the return of peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar,” Bagchi stressed.
According to Reuters, Myanmar’s military junta is facing its biggest test since taking power in a 2021 coup after three ethnic minority forces launched a coordinated offensive in late October, capturing some towns and military posts.
Last week, the military-installed president said that Myanmar was at risk of “breaking apart” because of an ineffective response to the rebellion. As per Reuters, the new combat will be another blow for the junta, which is increasingly stretched amid mounting armed opposition, fuelled by anger over the coup and crackdown. (with inputs from ANI)
‘75 Myanmar Army Personnel Repatriated From Mizoram’
Following the recent fights between the rebel groups and military junta in the bordering areas of Myanmar’s Chin State, the situation is still tense in Mizoram. Mizoram police, Assam Rifles have deployed adequate security along the bordering areas.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Mizoram DGP Anil Shukla said that following the incident, 75 Myanmar army personnel entered Mizoram and they have been taken back to Myanmar.
“Last week, there was a major fight between the rebel forces and military junta in Myanmar leading to overrun by rebels. Because of the fight, a large number of villagers of the Kawmoi village, next to Zokhawthar, have crossed over into India temporarily,” said DGP Shukla.
“Two major camps were overrun and because of that around 75 Myanmar army personnel entered Mizoram. We rescued them and also handed over them to our border guarding force Assam Rifles. They have been taken back to Myanmar,” he added.
Speaking about the Myanmar refugees who entered Mizoram following the recent incident in Myanmar, the Mizoram DGP said that most of the refugees who had come last week have returned.
“Some of them are still there because of lurking fear in their villages. But the situation is much better now,” DGP Shukla said.
Further speaking about the current situation along the international border and deployment of security personnel, the Mizoram DGP said that the Mizoram police have deployed adequate security.
“We are in coordination with Assam Rifles. We had rescued a number of persons. We have also admitted the injured persons in the local Champhai hospital and some of them have also been taken to Aizawl Civil Hospital,” said DGP Shukla.
“The security situation there remains slightly tense, but it is under control. There is no problem as of now,” he added.
A number of Myanmar nationals fled from their country following the recent airstrike by the Myanmar army in the bordering areas of the country.
Around 500 people from Sekan village crossed over the border and entered the Zokhawthar area, which is the nearest village in Champhai district and shares an unfenced border with Myanmar.
According to the villagers of Sekan village, almost all houses in the village were burnt down by the Myanmar army and they lost everything. (ANI)
President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is leading the UAE delegation to participate in the joint summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Riyadh….reports Asian Lite News
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the Kingdom’s unwavering support for achieving a just resolution to the Palestinian issue during his opening speech at the inaugural Gulf Cooperation Council-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit held in Riyadh. He expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Gaza, which has led to innocent civilians bearing the brunt, and firmly condemned the targeting of civiliants.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who led the 10-member ASEAN this year, echoed these sentiments, calling for an end to the violence in Gaza in accordance with international laws. Crown Prince Mohammed underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its relations with ASEAN countries across various sectors.
While the GCC and ASEAN established their relations in 1990, this summit marked their first meeting, aimed at optimising collaboration between the two regional groups. The ASEAN delegation was led by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, and the summit concluded with the issuance of a joint statement outlining the outcomes and cooperation plans for the period from 2024 to 2028.
For Southeast Asian leaders, this gathering provided an opportunity to seek support from Gulf states on matters pertaining to energy security. The GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE, while the ASEAN bloc consists of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines. The current trade value between ASEAN nations stands at more than $110 billion.
MBZ Arrives in Riyadh
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, leading the UAE delegation to participate in the joint summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The summit commenced today in the Kingdom.
Upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, His Highness was received by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, along with other high-ranking officials.
The UAE delegation to the summit includes H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; and Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Fresh Wave of ME Protests Expected
Fresh protests against Israel’s siege of Gaza are expected across much of the Middle East on Friday as aid agencies warned hospitals in the enclave are running out of fuel amid fears life-saving aid will be still stuck in Egypt for another day.
With the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deteriorating each hour, Israeli leaders have been rallying troops preparing for a potential ground incursion and on Friday morning they issued a mandatory evacuation order to some 23,000 residents living near the border with Lebanon, CNN reported.
Israeli warplanes’ relentless bombardment has left hundreds of thousands of people homeless and sparked growing protests across the Middle East.
Egypt’s state-aligned political parties and institutions have called for nationwide protests in Egypt on Friday in support of Palestinians, a rare moment during a decade of strict anti-protest laws, CNN reported.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday that the risk of regional spillover from the Israel-Hamas war is “real”.
“We have seen the Arab streets fill with rage, all across the region… This is exactly what Hamas was hoping to achieve. And this can derail the recent and historic rapprochement between Israel and its Arab neighbours,” von der Leyen said during a speech at the Hudson Institute in Washington.
With anti-Israel protests rising across the Middle East there are fears other fronts could open up, particularly on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon where Hezbollah dominates and has increasingly clashed with Israel’s military over the last week.
New Delhi also called for collectively raising issues being faced by Global South in multilateral fora and invited ASEAN countries to join Global Centre for Traditional Medicine being established by the WHO in India…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attended the 20th ASEAN-India Summit here and unveiled the 12-point plan for strengthening cooperation between New Delhi and the regional bloc.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said he Prime Minister attended the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) on Thursday morning on his day-long visit to the Indonesian capital.
At the ASEAN-India Summit, Modi held extensive discussions with partners of the regional bloc on further strengthening of ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and charting its future course, the Ministry.
“The Prime Minister reaffirmed ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted the synergies between India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). He also emphasized the need to complete the review of ASEAN-India FTA (AITIGA) in a time bound manner,” it added.
Had a very short but fruitful Indonesia visit, where I met ASEAN and other leaders. I thank President @jokowi, the Indonesian Government and people for their welcome. pic.twitter.com/wY82TMzDvY
Modi also presented the 12-point proposal for strengthening India–ASEAN cooperation covering connectivity; digital transformation; trade and economic engagement; addressing contemporary challenges; people-to-people contacts; and deepening strategic engagement.
The Indian side announced that establishing multi-modal connectivity and economic corridor that links Southeast Asia-India-West Asia-Europe and also offered to share India’s Digital Public Infrastructure Stack with ASEAN partners.
It also announced ASEAN-India fund for Digital Future focusing on cooperation in digital transformation and financial connectivity and announced renewal of support to Economic and Research Institute of ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) to act as knowledge partner for enhancing our engagement.
New Delhi also called for collectively raising issues being faced by Global South in multilateral fora and invited ASEAN countries to join Global Centre for Traditional Medicine being established by the WHO in India.
It also called for working together on Mission LiFE and also offered to share India’s experience in providing affordable and quality medicines to people through Jan-Aushadhi Kendras.
The Indian side furthercalled for collective fight against “terrorism, terror financing and cyber-disinformation”, invited ASEAN countries to join Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and called for cooperation in disaster management.
It also called for enhanced cooperation on maritime safety, security and domain awareness and two Joint Statements, one on Maritime Cooperation, and the other on Food Security were adopted.
While addressing the ASEAN Summit, the Prime Minister said: “The 21st century is Asia’s century. It is our century. For this, it is necessary to build a rule-based post-Covid world order and efforts by all for human welfare. The progress of free and open Indo-Pacific and elevating the Voice of Global South is in the common interest of all.
“I believe that today’s discussions will lead to new resolutions for strengthening the future of India and the ASEAN region.”
He further said that today, even in an environment of “global uncertainties”, there is continuous progress in every field in our mutual cooperation.
“This is a testament to the strength and resilience of our relationship. The theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit is ‘ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth’. ASEAN matters because here everyone’s voice is heard, and ASEAN is the epicenter of growth because the ASEAN region plays a crucial role in global development,” he said.
“’Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – ‘one earth, one family, one future’, this sentiment is also the theme of India’s G-20 Presidency.”
At the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS), the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of EAS mechanism and reaffirmed our support to further strengthening it.
Prime Minister Modi underlined India’s support for ASEAN centrality and called for ensuring a free, open and rules based Indo-Pacific and highlighted synergies of visions for Indo-Pacifi, and underscored that the bloc is the focal point of the Quad’s vision.
Th Quad comprises India, the US, Japan and Australia.
Healso called for a cooperative approach to address global challenges including terrorism, climate change and resilient supply chains for essential items including food and medicines, and for energy security.
Modi further highlighted India’s steps in the area of climate change and our initiatives such as ISA, CDRI, LiFE and OSOWOG.
The back-to-back ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit are being organised by host Indonesia at India’s request since New Delhi will host the G20 Summit over the weekend.
Vice President stated that US has an enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and, more broadly, to the Indo-Pacific…reports Asian Lite News
United States Vice President Kamala Harris announced that they are establishing the first-ever US-ASEAN Center in Washington, which will facilitate official ASEAN engagements.
Harris, who arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday, attended the ASEAN-US Summit and said that they have upgraded the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, according to the statement released by the US White House.
At the ASEAN-US Summit, Harris said, “And today, I am pleased to announce that we will establish, through a public-private partnership, the first-ever US-ASEAN Center in Washington, DC. The centre will facilitate official ASEAN engagements and support further exchange between our people, businesses, and academic institutions.”
“To further strengthen our ties, I’m also pleased that our ambassador to ASEAN, Yohannes Abraham, is here in Jakarta. He has been a close advisor to President Biden and to me since we took office, and I know his leadership will help make progress on the many issues we will discuss today,” she added.
At the Summit, she acknowledged and welcomed the presence of Timor-Leste in this meeting. The United States will continue to support Timor-Leste in its path towards ASEAN membership.
“I believe, as leaders, we must address the global challenges of today while also investing in a long-term vision. We must look 10, 20, 30 years out and measure our current steps against that vision,” Harris added.
The US Vice President stated that the country has an enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and, more broadly, to the Indo-Pacific. The US is a proud Pacific power, and the American people have a profound stake in the future of the Indo-Pacific.
She said that the US-ASEAN economic cooperation represents a huge opportunity for growth for both of our markets. The defence and deterrence commitments of the United States and our security presence in the Indo-Pacific help protect our homeland and ensure regional stability.
It is therefore in the vital interest of the US to promote a region that is open, interconnected, prosperous, secure, and resilient, according to the statement.
“And I’m pleased that our collective vision for the Indo-Pacific is in strong alignment. We have a shared commitment to international rules and norms and to our partnership on pressing national and regional issues, such as the crisis in Myanmar. The United States will continue to press the regime to end the horrific violence, to release all those unjustly detained, and to re-establish Myanmar’s path to inclusive democracy, and we will continue to support ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus,” Harris said.
“More broadly, in a demonstration of the enduring and important relationship between the United States and Southeast Asia, since President Biden and I took office, we have expanded US-ASEAN ties,” she added.
The United States and the Association of Southeast Asia nations (ASEAN) support narrowing the development gap in the bloc and assisting the region’s economic recovery.
In the ASEAN-US Leaders’ Statement, both countries said that they will “support narrowing the development gap in ASEAN, including the emerging gap arising from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and assisting the region’s economic recovery to realise an inclusive, participatory, and collaborative ASEAN Community that is no longer divided by the development gaps among its members.”
US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday to meet with leaders of the ASEAN, in a summit hosted by Indonesia.
In a joint statement, the US and ASEAN said that they will Promote the stability, peace, prosperity, and sustainable development of the Mekong subregion through shared initiatives under the Mekong-U.S. Partnership (MUSP), which complements the Friends of the Mekong and supports the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the IAI Work Plan IV (2021-2025), in support of ASEAN Centrality and unity in promoting ASEAN’s sub-regional development;
To achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, the US and ASEAN said that they will “advance efforts to accelerate progress and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 by maximizing the complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through cooperation in food security, health security and the building of resilient health systems, gender equality, human rights, clean energy and climate action, smart and sustainable cities, environmental conservation, transparency, and the rule of law as well as other SDG priorities.”
“Further collaborate to accelerate clean and just energy transition and the fight against climate change; support the promotion of an inclusive community in ASEAN; and strengthen support for the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre),” the statement read. (ANI)
