ASEAN Meeting Approves Jakarta Declaration for Peace and Security
The ASEAN Meeting held in Jakarta has successfully concluded with the approval of the Jakarta Declaration for Peace, Prosperity, and Security. This significant declaration acknowledges the existing security threats, geopolitical changes, and the impact of competition among major powers that may affect ASEAN.
During the meeting, a Vietnamese delegation, led by Politburo member, Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission, and Minister of National Defense Gen. Phan Van Giang, actively contributed to the event’s success. The meeting began by approving the agenda and listening to an update from ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn on recent developments within ASEAN.
Key outcomes of the meeting included the passing of guidelines for the implementation of the observer mechanism for Timor-Leste in the ADMM, ADMM, and related meetings. Moreover, delegates adopted several crucial concept papers, such as the ADMM Work Programme 2023-2026, the Implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and the Harmonizing ADMM and ADMM Initiatives. The delegates also took note of a discussion paper on using military assets to maintain food security in the region.
Several important amendments were approved during the meeting. These included draft amendments to the Standard Operating Procedures of ASEAN’s Our Eyes Initiative, evaluation of the current cycle of ADMM Experts’ Working Groups, and the Concept Paper on the US-ASEAN rising defense leaders’ program.
The Jakarta Declaration for Peace, Prosperity, and Security was a significant highlight of the meeting. The declaration emphasizes the necessity of adhering to various international agreements and frameworks, including the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the Bali Process, and international law. It highlights the core objective of maintaining peace, prosperity, and security in the region.
Furthermore, the Jakarta Declaration stresses the importance of peace, stability, and safety in the region, as well as the freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea. It encourages peaceful means for dispute resolution in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) from 1982. The declaration urges the exercising of self-restraint and avoidance of any activities that could escalate tensions and jeopardize peace and stability.
Importantly, the document welcomes ongoing trust-building measures such as the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), the Guidelines for Air Military Encounters, the Guidelines for Maritime Interaction, the ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure, and various activities within the framework of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).
The meeting concluded with unanimous approval of the Jakarta Declaration, signifying ASEAN’s firm commitment towards maintaining peace, prosperity, and security in the region. The adoption of this declaration serves as a crucial step in promoting stability amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes and contributes to ASEAN’s role as a significant regional player.
Keywords: ASEAN Meeting, Jakarta Declaration, peace, security, Vietnam, Central Military Commission, Minister of National Defense, concept papers, East Sea, international law, Code of Conduct, trust-building measures.
