ASEAN and Australia pledge to prevent conflict and uphold regional stability through joint statement at 5th ASEAN-Australia Summit.
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN and Australia have reaffirmed their collective commitment to prevent conflict and strengthen peace in the Indo-Pacific.
The joint statement was adopted at the 5th ASEAN-Australia Summit held in Kuala Lumpur today.
Both parties emphasised that “the peace and stability of our region are our collective responsibility, and underscoring our shared commitment to working together to advance the security and prosperity of the region.”
They reaffirmed mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality, non-interference and political independence of all nations.
These principles are enshrined in the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The leaders expressed concern over the increase in conflicts in recent years and their dire consequences.
They acknowledged growing concerns that intensifying geostrategic shifts are heightening the risk of conflict.
The statement reiterated calls for peace and stability in the region while emphasising ASEAN’s role in shaping the evolving regional architecture.
It also reaffirmed commitment to supporting an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture.
This architecture upholds international law and is built upon ASEAN-led mechanisms including the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus.
The leaders recognised that addressing heightened tensions requires a proactive approach by all states to maintain peace and prevent conflict.
They emphasised the importance of promoting mutual reassurance and opening lines of communication at all levels, particularly between major powers.
The statement also reaffirmed the importance of supporting ASEAN-led efforts in maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security.
It highlighted freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful maritime commerce and other internationally lawful uses of the sea in the region.
The statement noted continued attention on the South China Sea, taking note of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Maintaining and Promoting Stability in the Maritime Sphere in Southeast Asia.
The leaders pledged 13 key commitments to bolster regional peace mechanisms and conflict prevention efforts.
One pledge is to strive to maintain regional peace, stability and prosperity through maintaining and strengthening an open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture with ASEAN at its centre.
This architecture upholds international law and supports ASEAN’s efforts in developing practical cooperation to reduce the risk of conflict in the Indo-Pacific. – Bernama
