asean-adopts-kuala-lumpur-declaration

The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the 20th Anniversary of the East Asia Summit (EAS) has reaffirmed the participating nations’ commitment to peace, stability, and the central role of ASEAN.

 

The declaration underscored the importance of dialogue, multilateralism, and adherence to international law in addressing regional challenges and fostering cooperation, trust, and sustainable development across East Asia.

 

The declaration reiterated the member countries’ commitment to the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the East Asia Summit, which outlined the broad vision, principles, objectives, and modalities of the forum.

 

It also reaffirmed their dedication to the 2010 Ha Noi Declaration, marking the fifth anniversary of the EAS, the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Declaration, commemorating the tenth anniversary, and the 2020 Ha Noi Declaration, celebrating the fifteenth anniversary.

 

Recognising that the region faces complex geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and security challenges, the declaration highlighted the urgent need for collective collaboration to ensure lasting peace, social development, and economic progress for all.

 

It reaffirmed the shared commitment of EAS nations to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

 

The 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration and the 2011 Declaration of the East Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations (the Bali Principles) were described as “vital foundations” for promoting trust and cooperation among member states.

 

The declaration reaffirmed ASEAN’s unity and centrality, recognising it as the driving force within the East Asia Summit and its associated mechanisms.

 

It called for stronger partnerships with participating countries to promote strategic trust and to ensure transparent, predictable, and responsible conduct in regional and international affairs.

 

Acknowledging the considerable progress made by the EAS over the past two decades, the declaration encouraged further strengthening of the summit’s role, guided by its established principles and objectives.

 

It expressed the collective desire to nurture a peaceful environment conducive to deeper cooperation and stronger friendships among EAS participants, based on equality, partnership, consultation, and mutual respect.

 

The declaration also recognised the respective and complementary roles of the EAS Foreign Ministers, Senior Officials, and Ambassadors in Jakarta as essential for continued engagement and dialogue.

 

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It acknowledged the contribution of the EAS Unit within the ASEAN Secretariat in providing institutional support and ensuring the continuity of the EAS framework.

 

These mechanisms were praised for their role in implementing the EAS Leaders’ statements, declarations, and the EAS Plan of Action (2024–2028).

 

The declaration stressed the importance of information exchange on regional development, cooperation, and security matters to strengthen mutual understanding and coordination.

 

On this 20th anniversary, the Kuala Lumpur Declaration reaffirmed the East Asia Summit’s position as the leading platform within ASEAN’s regional architecture.

 

It emphasised that the EAS remains a Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on strategic, political, and economic issues of shared interest, with the overarching aim of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in East Asia.

 

The declaration reaffirmed the EAS’s commitment to dialogue, international law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. It called upon all nations to work together to maintain and advance peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.

 

Reiterating its support for multilateralism grounded in international law, including the UN Charter, the declaration described this as essential to building a more peaceful and prosperous world.

 

It also reaffirmed the EAS’s resolve to uphold the 2011 Bali Principles, which guide mutually beneficial relations among its members.

 

The declaration further emphasised that the EAS should continue to serve as a forum for open, constructive dialogue and practical cooperation. It called for maintaining the summit’s informal and inclusive nature to ensure its long-term relevance and effectiveness.

 

It also reaffirmed ASEAN’s central role in enhancing economic cooperation among participating nations. The declaration stated that the EAS would focus on promoting regional resilience, sustainable development, and reducing development disparities among countries.

 

To strengthen the summit, the declaration outlined collective measures such as joint activities, project collaborations, and the continued implementation of the EAS Plan of Action.

 

It also reaffirmed support for ASEAN’s efforts to implement the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which aims to deepen ASEAN Community-building and cooperation with external partners.

 

In conclusion, the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Twentieth Anniversary of the East Asia Summit reaffirmed the participating nations’ shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous East Asia.

 

Built on dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation, the declaration underscored the EAS’s enduring role as a cornerstone of regional peace and progress, guided by ASEAN’s centrality and respect for international law.