On the 28th of April 2018, which was the 4th and final day of the 32nd ASEAN Summit, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong held a press conference that highlighted several key points from the biannual gathering. First and foremost, a reaffirmation was made with regards to strengthening the resilience and innovative capacity of ASEAN, incorporating regional cooperation towards a common vision of solidarity and progress.
Second, the establishment of the ASEAN Smart cities network was mentioned, with the use of technology in improving the lives and livelihoods of the ASEAN community in all 10 countries encompassing 26 cities, emphasised. Thirdly, a leader statement on cybersecurity was carried out, highlighting the importance towards deepening regional coordination to keep up with the rapid pace of global digitalisation.
Hsien Loong was also pleased to finalise the ASEAN Extradition Treaty last month at the working level. From that point, he looks forward to completing it and commencing work on an actual ASEAN Extradition Treaty.
Also pointed out was the Singapore ASEAN Youth Fund, an initiative to support budding ASEAN youths. The island nation looks to revitalise the fund with a US$3.8 million (SG$5 million) top-up grant. Next, Singapore’s PM talked about the setting up of an annual training workshop, to be named the ASEAN Law Academy Programme. This initiative is to gather officials, legal practitioners and educators to develop an ASEAN legal integration base.
Positive discussions were also carried out on regional issues as well as external engagements. Hsien Loong reiterated a commitment towards maintaining ASEAN centrality in both the short and long run.
On the point of North Korea’s denuclearisation decision, ASEAN member states have accepted the verdict with open arms and also welcomed the inter-Korean summit (yesterday). With regards to the South China Sea dispute, a useful exchange of views took place and ASEAN is quite happy that the situation is relatively calmer compared to previous years. Hsien Loong also talked about the significance of the Declaration of Conduct so as to build trust between neighbouring countries and to prevent miscalculations on the ground.
Another pivotal issue brought to the fore is the dire situation of the Rakhine state. A briefing was made by Myanmar, with a detailed explanation on the delicate matter carried out. There is no denying that such a complex and inter-communal dilemma is a cause of regional concern. Hsien Loong believes that the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) will help the affected peoples. He also urges Myanmar and Bangladesh to work together in bringing the displaced communities back home in a safe, secure, and dignified way without undue delay. ASEAN stands ready to secure a long-term viable solution so that the affected communities are able to rebuild their lives.
Towards the end of the press conference, Singapore’s eloquent leader extended his appreciation towards the other ASEAN leaders and those who have made the summit a success.
The 32nd ASEAN Summit will take place in Singapore from the 25th to the 28th of April 2018. Visit The ASEAN Post for the latest news, updates, and developments on this year’s summit.