Joint Communique Of The Thirteenth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
Kuala Lumpur, 25-26 June 1980


    Introduction

  1. The Thirteenth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur on 25 and 26 June, 1980. The Meeting was formally opened by the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, H.E. Dato' Hussein Onn.

  2. The Meeting was attended by H.E. Professor Dr. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Tengku Ahmad Rithaudeen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia; H.E. Dato'-Mokhtar bin Hashim, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, H.E. Arturo M. Tolentino, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines; H.E. S. Rajaratnam, Second Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore (Foreign Affairs): H.E. S. Dhanabalan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore: H.E. Air Chief Marshal Siddhi Savetsila. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand: and their respective delegations.

  3. H.E. Datuk Ali bin Abdullah, Secretary General of the ASEAN Secretariat was also in attendance.

  4. H.E. Dominic P. Diya, Leader of the Delegation of Papua New Guinea attended the open session of the Ministerial Meeting.

  5. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Tengku Ahmad Rithaudeen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia. H.E. Arturo M. Tolentino, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines was elected Vice-Chairman.

    Opening Statement

  6. The Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, H.E. Dato' Hussein Onn, in declaring open the Meeting stated that ASEAN is a thriving and viable regional organisation. ASEAN's socio-economic cooperation has been satisfactory. Internationally, ASEAN has been given its due recognition and its views are listened to by the international community.

  7. The Honourable Prime Minister remarked on the close cooperation between ASEAN countries and said that through closer inter-actions, they are now more conscious of their community of interests.

  8. He said that as regards economic cooperation, ASEAN has made significant progress on regional economic cooperation. In this collection, ASEAN has agreed on a number of projects, some of which are being implemented especially on tariff preferences where ASEAN member countries agreed to increase the number of items to 4,325. As ASEAN develops economically, trade among them will further increase. He urged that the ASEAN spirit of cooperation should be instilled and fostered among its peoples.

  9. The Honourable Prime Minister reiterated that Malaysia wants peace and stability in the region so that she can pursue its social and economic objectives for the benefit of its people. He warned that any threat to the peace and security of the region is a matter of grave and serious concern to Malaysia. The Vietnamese military intervention in Kampuchea is such a threat. Consistent with its desire for peace in the region, ASEAN has taken a common stand on this issue. ASEAN's stand, and its actions on the matter, are motivated by its desire to create conditions conducive to a peaceful solution of the Kampuchean issue. The Prime Minister also reiterated ASEAN's conviction that a political solution to the Kampuchean problem must be found. He said that it is as much in the long-term interest of Vietnam that such a solution should be found. Malaysia he said, will continue to have dialogues with Vietnam as she believes that this is important to ASEAN's efforts in finding a peaceful solution to the Kampuchean problem.

  10. The Honourable Prime Minister also referred to the violation of the sovereignty and integrity of Afghanistan, consistent with ASEANs stand that the sovereignty and integrity of a nation must always be respected. ASEAN has made known its position oh this matter. ASEAN strongly deplores this act of intervention.

  11. The Honourable Prime Minister also said that ASEAN has been apprehensive of the possible spillover into Thailand of the conflict in Kampuchea. This apprehension is not unjustified, because it was reported that two days before, Vietnamese troops intruded into Thai territory. This latest development may have far reaching and serious consequences. Whatever may be the cause, Malaysia looks upon this armed intrusion into Thai territory as an irresponsible and dangerous act.

  12. Within the framework of expanding ASEAN's relationship with other countries, the Prime Minister said ASEAN has entered into dialogue with Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the EEC. ASEAN has also had dialogue with India. The Prime Minister also said that he was pleased to note that the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand and the Secretaries of States of Canada and the United States will be in Kuala Lumpur, to continue the dialogue with ASEAN. This indicates the seriousness with which these countries take the dialogue and their relations with ASEAN. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the dialogue will result in expanded action-programmes on trade and economic cooperation. It ill also enable ASEAN to understand and appreciate the views of the respective countries regarding major international issues.

  13. In his concluding remarks the Prime Minister said that ASEAN has worked hard and covered much in making ASEAN what it is today. He expressed confidence that ASEAN, because of its abundant natural resources and its strategic location, can contribute towards peace and economic well-being, not only of the Southeast Asian region, but of the world in general.

    Situation in Indochina

  14. The Foreign Ministers commenced their deliberations with a discussion on -the serious developments along the Thai/Kampuchean border arising from the act of aggression by Vietnam against Thailand and the incursion into Thai territory by Vietnamese forces. In view of the nature of the developments and the grave implications they pose to Thailand and ASEAN in general, they immediately issued on 25 June 1980 a joint statement on the matter.

  15. The Foreign Ministers discussed at length the Kampuchean situation and noted with gave concern that despite the constructive efforts by ASEAN and the international community, the Kampuchean armed conflict remained unsolved. The Foreign Ministers reiterated that the Kampuchean problem is not the making of any of the ASEAN member countries and that none of them is a party, directly involved. As countries belonging to the region, their security interests are directly threatened by the conflict in Kampuchea. They expressed their particular concern over the continued presence of Vietnamese troops in Kampuchea and the denial of the right of self-determination for the Kampuchean people. They also expressed regret at the lack of positive response from Vietnam, to the calls by ASEAN and the international community for attaining a durable political solution to the Kampuchean conflict. They viewed with serious concern that the increasing rivalry of outside powers in the Southeast Asian region which aggravates the existing tensions and undermines the earnest efforts of ASEAN member countries to seek a durable political solution to the conflict. In this context, the Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Resolution 34/22 of the UN General Assembly on the Situation in Kampuchea of 14th November, 1979, the ASEAN Joint Statements on the Kampuchean conflict, and the ASEAN-EEC Joint Statement on Political Issues, of 7th March, 1980. To this end they reiterated their request to the United Nations Secretary General to convene an international conference on Kampuchea.

  16. The Foreign Ministers strongly the solidarity of ASEAN member countries, in and their continued total contest to their position the Kampuchean conflict, particularly on the fundamental issues of total withdrawal of Vietnamese forces from Kampuchea, the exercise, of the right of self -determination of the Kampuchean people, free outside inference subversion and coercion and non-interference in the internal affairs of States of Southeast Asia.

  17. The Foreign Ministers stressed that the situations in Kampuchea and Afghanistan have as a common denominator the imposition of will on small independent States by foreign powers through the use of force in open violation of international law, thereby threatening international peace and security. They reiterated their strong condemnation of the armed intervention against these two countries by foreign powers. The Foreign Ministers expressed their grave concern over Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan, a non-aligned and developing country, and deplored the continued presence of Soviet forces in that country, in violation of principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and in total disregard of the views of the international community. In this regard the Foreign Ministers reiterated their strong support of UN Resolution No . ES-6/2 on the Situation in Afghanistan which called for the immediate, unconditional and total withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan and to enable the Afghan people to decide their own political future without foreign interference, coercion or intimidation. The Foreign Ministers were briefed on the deliberations and outcome of the recent 11th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers on this issue by the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia and Malaysia. The Foreign Ministers expressed strong support for the earnest efforts of the Organisation of Islamic Conference to seek ways and means of finding a comprehensive solution to the grave crisis in Afghanistan. They appealed to all States to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Kampuchea and Afghanistan. They also took the view that there must be total withdrawal of foreign forces from Kampuchea and Afghanistan and that the crises in the two countries could be overcome through the emergence of an independent, neutral, non-aligned Kampuchea and Afghanistan, free from foreign interference.

  18. The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed that they continue to recognise the Government of Democratic Kampuchea and to extend their support of its representation at the United Nations. They were firmly of the view that there was no justification for attempts to overthrow the legitimate Government of Democratic Kampuchea by foreign military international Such actions violate the internationally -recognised principles governing inter-State relations. They therefore called upon Member States of the United Nations to support the continued recognition and representation of the Government of Democratic Kampuchea at the United Nations.

  19. Foreign Ministers rejected the various arguments that are being advanced to justify the continued occupation of Kampuchea and to accord recognition to the regime that has been established in Phnom Penh by Vietnamese forces.

    The Foreign Ministers reiterated their stand that no regime set up by occupying foreign forces, howsoever it is given the appearance of legitimacy, can satisfy the principles enunciated in the UN Charter. They stressed that the grounds for their support for the credentials of Democratic Kampuchea are based on the fundamental principle that foreign intervention must be opposed and that any change in the recognition of Democratic Kampuchea's credentials would be tantamount to condoning Vietnamese military intervention.

  20. The Foreign Ministers were convinced that it is in the interest of the Kampuchean people to work together towards the establishment of an independent, neutral and non-aligned Kampuchea, free from foreign interference. While expressing their own determination to continue with efforts towards the attainment of a durable political solution to the Kampuchean conflict, the Foreign -Ministers emphasized that it is also in the long-term interest of Vietnam to cooperate with ASEAN to find such a solution.

  21. The Foreign Ministers expressed their conviction that the solution of the Kampuchean conflict is vital to the implementation of ZOPFAN which will contribute. to the peace and security of the Southeast Asian region and ensure for all States in the region their independence and sovereignty and freedom from foreign interference.

    Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality

  22. The Foreign Ministers welcomed the endorsement and support extended by the Commonwealth Heads of Government/State at their Meeting in Lusaka on 1-8 August, 1979, by the Heads of State/Government of the Non-Aligned Countries at their Meeting in Havana in September 1979, and by the Member States of the European Community in their Meeting with ASEAN on 7th March 1980, to the efforts and consultations being undertaken for the, establishment of ZOPFAN in Southeast Asia.

  23. The Foreign Ministers also noted the acceptance of Vietnamese leaders of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration as a basis for discussion on the establishment of peace and stability in Southeast Asia.

  24. The Foreign Ministers reiterated their determination to further work towards the realization of the objectives of ZOPFAN.

    The Indochina Refugee Problem

  25. The Foreign Ministers expressed their serious concern at the continued tension long the Thai/Kampuchean border as well as the presence of large numbers of Kampuchean illegal immigrants in Thailand and the danger of further increases as a result of continuing fighting, widespread famine and deteriorating conditions in Kampuchea. In this context, they reiterated their request to the United Nations Secretary General to consider the stationing of a United Nations Observer Team along the Thai side of the border.

  26. The Foreign Ministers expressed their appreciation to the United Nations, the international community and various relief agencies for their humanitarian assistance to these destitute Kampuchean people and reiterated their conviction that the extension of first refuge in ASEAN Member Countries depends on Commitment of resettlement in Third Countries and continued support from the international community as well as the avoidance of residual problems in the area.

  27. The Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore expressed their full support for the programme of voluntary Repatriation of Kampuchean refugees carried out by the Government of Thailand in cooperation with the UNHCR and other international and voluntary agencies. They expressed their conviction that it is the legitimate right of these people to return to their own country, to resume their livelihood if it is. their wish to do so. They also recognised that such action is in full accord with humanitarian principles and constitutes the most natural solution to the problem.

  28. The Foreign Ministers expressed deep satisfaction that the UN' Meeting on Humanitarian Assistance and Relief to the Kampuchean People was convened in Geneva on 26-27 May, 1980 by the UN Secretary General in response to the initiative by ASEAN member countries through ECOSOC. They expressed their, appreciation of the positive response of the international community to the Meeting resulting in further substantial contributions made by donor countries. They called upon the United Nations Secretary General to speedily implement the decisions reached at the meeting, particularly on the following :

      (a) The urgent need for increased international assistance to Thai villagers uprooted and displaced by the influx of Kampucheans;

      (b) Immediate steps to improve border encampments in order to enhance the safety of Kampuchean civilians from all hostilities;

      (c) That a senior representative of Sir Robert Jackson, the Coordinator of the Relief Program, be provided with a resident office in Bangkok to coordinate the humanitarian efforts in Kampuchea and along the Thai border;

      (d) A Special Fund for Kampuchean Relief be established designed to ensure more effective coordination of assistance to the people affected; and

      (e) The need for more international officials to be in Kampuchea and the need for them to be given greater mobility and access in order to effect improvements in distributing and monitoring relief supplies.

  29. The Foreign Ministers also held discussions on the problem of the Indochina displaced persons/refugees and other illegal immigrants. They noted that since the United Nations Meeting on Refugees and Displaced Persons in Southeast Asia held in Geneva in July 1979, there has been an improvement in the overall situation. They expressed their appreciation for the efforts and contributions of resettlement countries, UNHCR and international and voluntary agencies in reducing the burden of this problem on countries of first refuge/transit.

  30. The Foreign Ministers, however, stressed that the problem has by no means been resolved as there still remain in the camps of the ASEAN member countries a considerable number of these people awaiting resettlement in Third Countries. They reiterated their strong view that it is imperative that all these illegal immigrants/refugees should be quickly resettled so that the ASEAN member countries will not be saddled with a residual problem. The Foreign Ministers of Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand expressed their profound appreciation to the Governments of Indonesia and the Philippines for the generous offers of refugee processing centres on Galang Island and in Morong, Bataan province, respectively. The Foreign Ministers drew attention to the fact that they are already coordinating their measures in dealing with this problem and resolved to further strengthen their cooperation.

  31. The Foreign Ministers, however, noted with concern that there has been, in recent months, an increase in the number of arrivals of Vietnamese illegal immigrants in ASEAN member countries, and a slowing down in the rate of resettlement to Third Countries. They called upon Vietnam to continue to prevent further illegal departures there by discharging its responsibility to solve the problem at source. They also urged Vietnam, the UNHCR and resettlement countries to exert earnest efforts in working out a Programme of Orderly Departure. They further called on resettlement countries to increase and expedite their intake of illegal immigrants/refugees.

    The Drug Problem

  32. The Foreign Ministers expressed concern over the state of the drug problem in the ASEAN region. They drew attention to the political and security threat posed by the problem and stressed the importance of joint ASEAN action to combat this menace. In this connection the Meeting also called for or international cooperation with the objective of promoting and encouraging coordination and cooperation with other nations and international organizations on the drug problem.

    ASEAN Cooperation

  33. The Meeting in reviewing the developments in ASEAN cooperation during the past year observed with satisfaction that ASEAN has grown in status and that it is recognised as an important economic factor in international affairs. The intensification of ASEAN's collective efforts and commitments to promote the economic well-being of the region and its peoples has strengthened ASEAN unity, solidarity and cohesiveness and enhanced its image as a viable, dynamic and credible regional organization devoted to promoting peaceful and harmonious relations among nations in Southeast Asia.

  34. The Meeting reiterated its commitment to the principles and objectives of the Bangkok Declaration and of the ASEAN Concord which would continue to provide the basis and operational framework for the further intensification of ASEAN cooperation and its expanding role in international relations.

  35. The Meeting adopted the Annual Report of the ASEAN Standing Committee. It noted with satisfaction that there has been accelerated progress in ASEAN cooperation in the implementation of projects and activities in the various fields as well as cooperation between ASEAN and Third Countries and international organizations in furtherance of ASEAN economic, social and cultural goals.

  36. The Meeting commended the ole of the ASEAN Economic Ministers in expanding and broadening the scope of intra-ASEAN trade. The Meeting expressed satisfaction in particular that the ASEAN Economic Ministers had approved tariff preferences on 1498 items bringing the total number of items exchanged under the ASEAN Preferential Trading Arrangement to 4325. The trade preferences on the 1498 items will be implemented with effect from 22nd July 1980. The Meeting also welcomed the decision of the ASEAN Economic Ministers to reduce existing tariff across the board by 20% on all imports items with import trade value of less than US$50,000 as recorded in the trade statistics for 1978 of each ASEAN country.

  37. The Meeting considered the importance of the ASEAN Industrial Projects as a clear manifestation of the ASEAN spirit of cooperation, unity and solidarity and urged their early implementation. In this connection, the Meeting noted with satisfaction that the agreements for the ASEAN industrial projects, namely the Basic Agreement on ASEAN Industrial Projects Supplementary Agreement on the ASEAN Urea Projects ( Indonesia and Malaysia ) and the Protocol on the CIF selling price of the ASEAN Rock Salt Soda Ash Project (Thailand) were signed by the five ASEAN Foreign Ministers-on 6 March 1980.

  38. The Meeting welcomed the decision of the ASEAN Economic Ministers that the Integrated Pulp and Paper project is now the ASEAN industrial project for the Philippines. The Meeting noted that the Singapore Diesel Engine Project is under review.

  39. The Meeting noted with satisfaction that all ASEAN member countries had signed the ASEAN Food Security Reserve Agreement which is a positive step towards ensuring adequate supply of food in the ASEAN region particularly in times of shortages. The Meeting urged that cooperation be extended to other vital areas to meet ASEAN needs.

  40. The Meeting, in considering the importance of energy cooperation in ASEAN countries, welcomed the decision of the ASEAN Economic Ministers to convene a meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers on Energy Cooperation in Indonesia later this year.

  41. The Meeting in reviewing the various stages of implementation of ASEAN projects in the field of food, agriculture and forestry stressed that ASEAN cooperation in this direction is an important adjunct of national economic development policies and urged that activities be intensified in this area to enhance the agricultural development of ASEAN countries for the benefit of the rural sectors in particular.

  42. In the field of transportation and communications, the Meeting noted that negotiations will soon be concluded on the utilization of the Palapa System as the regional satellite-telecommunication system while the ASEAN Sub-marine Cable Network will presently be brought into operation. The Meeting expressed satisfaction that the ASEAN-Australian sector in the package settlement on the Australian low fare scheme has been resolved while negotiations are continuing on the other sectors. The Meeting welcomed the decision of the ASEAN Economic Ministers to have an updated and comprehensive report on the transportation and communications problems of the ASEAN region.

  43. In the area of science and technology, the Meeting welcomed the expansion of the food protein project directed in particular to research and development in high protein low cost foods in ASEAN countries. The Meeting also noted with satisfaction that the ASEAN Regional Climatic Atlas and Compendium, of Climatic statistics is under printing for circulation.

  44. On social development, the Meeting noted with satisfaction the increased cooperation in the areas of education, population, drug prevention, health and disaster preparedness. The Meeting also expressed the hope that activities and projects on social development be intensified in order to keep pace with activities in-the the economic fields.

  45. In the field of culture and information, the Meeting expressed satisfaction on the, successful implementation of several projects, including the initial six projects under the Cultural Fund which have resulted in increased cultural interactions and awareness in the region.

  46. In regard to ASEAN Cooperation on Labour matters, the Meeting welcomed the positive steps taken by the ASEAN Labour Ministers to expand their activities under the ASEAN TCDC Programme of Labour and Manpower for the improvement of the working environment within the ASEAN region. The Meeting further commended the ASEAN Labour Ministers for their decision to jointly take up the matter of the protectionist and interventionist activities of the International Trade Secretariats (ITS) at the forthcoming ILO regional conference with a view to urging the ILO to study the matter and determine the proper relationship of ITS with individual nations. The Meeting agreed that ASEAN countries should remain vigilant of the practices of ITS in the ASEAN region.

    Cooperation with Third Countries

  47. On cooperation with Third Countries and international organizations, the Meeting noted with appreciation the progress made in the dialogues with Australia, Canada, the EEC, Japan, New Zealand, the USA and UNDP/ESCAP. The Meeting urged that such cooperation be further intensified to assist in the achievement of the development goals of ASEAN with emphasis on rural development, technological and industrial advancement. To this end the Meeting expressed the hope that there would be greater access for ASEAN manufactured and semi-manufactured products and commodities to the markets of these countries.

  48. The Meeting welcomed Australia's announcement made during the Fifth ASEAN-Australia Forum Meeting in Jakarta on 16 and 17 April 1980 of an increase in assistance under the ASEAN Australian Economic Cooperation Programme. In particular, the Meeting welcomed Australia's assistance to the ASEAN Development Education Project, the ASEAN Population Project and the ASEAN Project on the Management and Utilization of Food Waste Materials.
  49. The Meeting welcomed Canada's desire to broaden the dimension of cooperation with and assistance to ASEAN in economic and development programmes. It was noted with appreciation that Canada would provide financial and technical assistance to implement the ASEAN Forestry Seed Centre project in -Bangkok.

  50. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the signing of the ASEAN-EEC Cooperation Agreement on 7 March 1980 during the Second ASEAN-EEC Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur which represents and important milestone in ASEAN-EEC relations. It marked the beginning of a new stage in operation between the two organizations in the field of trade, investment, industry, technology and culture. The Meeting noted that the first meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee established under the Cooperation Agreement would be held in Manila later in the year to coordinate and accelerate ASEAN-EEC cooperation activities.

  51. The Meeting noted that the ASEAN-Japan Economic Ministers in their meeting in Tokyo in November 1979 exchanged views on ASEAN needs in the fields of trade commodities, investment, technology and development assistance. The Meeting welcomed with appreciation the scholarship grant from the Government of Japan for ASEAN youth and the-disbursement of the balance of Japan's contribution to the ASEAN Cultural Fund.

  52. The Meeting noted the steady progress in ASEAN- New Zealand cooperation. The Fourth ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue held in Wellington on 3-7 September 1979 has highlighted new areas of cooperation in commerce, ASEAN investment in New Zealand, civil aviation and energy development. The Meeting noted that the Survey on the End Uses of Timber conducted with New Zealand's assistance has been updated in 1979.

  53. The Meeting noted with satisfaction that the Memorandum of Understanding on the ASEAN Agricultural Development Planning Centre funded by the US to be located in Bangkok will be signed by Thailand on behalf of the other ASEAN member countries. The Meeting urged that cooperation with the US be further intensified and made more substantial in the fields of trade, investment, technology, education and social development and that these be looked into in detail at the Third Meeting of the ASEAN- US Dialogue in Manila late, this year.

  54. The Meeting noted with satisfaction that ASEAN has expanded its dialogue to include developing countries as evidenced in the start of the ASEAN-India Dialogue.

    International Economic Issues

  55. In the international economic field, the Meeting noted with deep concern the increasingly negative trends in international economic relations, pointed out that the continuing resistance on the part of the developed countries to restructure their economies and to adapt to shifting international competition has led to a consequent slow-down in growth and development. In view of this, the developed countries were strongly urged to undertake appropriate and positive adjustment policies and to exert genuine efforts and political will to eliminate protectionism.

  56. The Meeting viewed with concern the institutionalization of the concepts of 'selectivity' and 'graduation' by the developed countries which could be utilized to arbitrarily discriminate against the developing countries. The Meeting also expressed disappointment at the delay in reaching an agreement in the highly sensitive area of safeguards under the MTN. It was hoped that this vital issue to the developing countries could satisfactorily be resolved in the near future.

  57. In the field of commodities, the Meeting welcomed the successful conclusion of the Negotiations on an International Agreement on Natural Rubber in October/November 1979 and urged interested countries which have not done so to accede to the Agreement at an early date so that it can come into force as scheduled. Noting that the question of the site of the Headquarters of the Agreement had yet to be resolved, the Foreign Ministers reiterated their support for Kuala Lumpur to be the Headquarters of the International Natural Rubber Agreement.

  58. The Meeting expressed concern over the failure to reach consensus at the recent Negotiating Conference on the Sixth International Tin Agreement in Geneva. The Meeting upheld the position of the producing countries that unnecessary radical changes to the Agreement should be avoided and called on the consuming countries to understand the producers' aspirations in this regard in order that the reconvened Negotiating Conference achieve success.

    The Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organizations

  59. The Meeting recognized that the private sectors in ASEAN such as the ASEAN-CCI have an important role to play to broaden and strengthen ASEAN cooperation and solidarity and in particular people-to-people contact for the promotion of goodwill, understanding and friendship. The Meeting in this connection welcomed the establishment of joint business councils with some of ASEAN's dialogue partners and noted with satisfaction that an increasing number of non-governmental organizations have sought affiliation with ASEAN.

  60. The Meeting announced the appointment of the Honourable Narciso G. Reyes of the Republic of the Philippines as the new Secretary General of the ASEAN Secretariat. His term of office will commence on 1st July 1980.

  61. The Meeting expressed its deep appreciation to the out-going Secretary General H.E. Datuk Ali bin Abdullah of Malaysia for his dedication and diligence in the discharge of his duties and responsibilities.

    Fourteenth Annual Ministerial Meeting

  62. The 14th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting will be held in the Republic of the Philippines in 1981.

    Acknowledgement

  63. The Delegations of Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand expressed their sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Malaysia for the warm and generous hospitality accorded them and for the excellent facilities provided and efficient arrangements made for the Meeting.

  64. The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN friendship and solidarity.