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Joint Press Statement The ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting To Discuss International Developments Affecting The Region
Manila, 13-14 July 1972 |
- At an informal meeting in Singapore- 13 - 14 April 1972, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia and Singapore and the special envoys of the Philippines and of the National Executive Council of Thailand agreed to Meet at least once a year to discuss international developments affecting the region. In accordance with this agreement the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Assistant-Chairman of the National Executive Council of Thailand and the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore met in Manila 13 - 14 July 1972, upon invitations of the Philippine Government.
- The meeting discussed a wide variety of subjects of common interest. Noting the rapid pace of international developments affecting the region, the meeting reiterated its view that peace and stability in Southeast Asia is the primary responsibility of the countries -of the region. In this context, the meeting stressed the importance of continuing this form of periodic informal consultations in order to enhance cooperation among the ASEAN countries and to provide a forum in which they could coordinate their efforts in safeguarding the interest of the region as a whole. The meeting reviewed with grave concern the continuing conflicts in Indochina. Recognizing that it is vital to the interest of the region to bring these conflicts in Indochina to a speedy conclusion, the meeting decided to urge the parties concerned to intensify their efforts to achieve a just settlement which would ensure durable peace and stability in the region. Towards that end, the meeting is of the view that ASEAN countries should explore the possibility of making concrete contribution towards the final settlement of the Indochina question.
- The meeting deplored nuclear tests anywhere in the world. Such tests pose unknown hazards to human life, disturb ecology and pollute the environment, and are in defiance of the declaration adopted by the Stockholm Conference on Human Environment. Moreover, they are contrary to the letter and spirit of the UN Treaty banning nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere in outer space and under water, which has received almost universal support.
- The meeting received the report of the Committee of Senior officials which met in Kuala Lumpur 6 - 8 July to discuss means of implementing the objectives of Kuala Lumpur Declaration of 27 November 1971. In this Declaration, the ASEAN members expressed their determination to exert initially necessary efforts to secure the recognition of, and respect for, Southeast Asia as a Zone of Peace, Freedom And Neutrality, free from any form or manner of interference by outside powers; the Declaration also stated that Southeast Asian countries should make concerted efforts to broaden the areas of cooperation which would contribute to their strength solidarity and closer relationship.
- The meeting noted with satisfaction that the Committee had reached a common understanding of the interpretation of a "Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality" in the context of Southeast Asia. It reiterated the view that neutralization of Southeast Asia is a desirable objective and also noted with satisfaction that the Committee at its next meeting will continue its study of neutralisation as a means of establishing Southeast Asia as a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality and that other means will also be considered.
- The meeting took note of the draft principles on archipelago states adopted by Indonesia and the Philippines and agreed to have discussions among members of ASEAN countries on this as well as other matters pertaining to the forthcoming International Conference n the Law of the Sea.
- The meeting decided to create a technical committee to study and report to the Foreign Ministers at the Sixth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok on questions which the Foreign Ministers may decide to be important enough to be brought to the attention of the Heads of Government for a possible exchange of views.
- The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Assistant Chairman of the National Executive Council of Thailand and the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia and Singapore expressed their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Government and people of the Philippines for the warm and generous hospitality extended to them during the meeting.
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