Speeches, Statements & International Documents

 

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

OF THE 15th EAST ASIA SUMMIT (EAS) FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING

Kuala Lumpur, 11 July 2025

 

1. The 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was convened on 11 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Meeting was chaired by The Honourable Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.

Review and Future Direction of the EAS

2. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening the EAS as the premier Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia in line with the EAS foundational documents and based on the established principles, objectives and modalities of the EAS.

3. The Meeting reaffirmed that the EAS would continue to be an open, inclusive, transparent and outward-looking forum that is an integral component of the evolving ASEAN-centred, rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law under the guiding principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations (UN), ASEAN Charter, Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration, 2011 EAS Declaration on the Principles of Mutually Beneficial Relations (Bali Principles), and reaffirmed in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The Meeting reaffirmed ASEAN’s central role in the EAS and underscored ASEAN’s commitment to work in close partnership with all participating countries in the EAS, consistent with the principles of the AOIP. The Meeting emphasised the importance of the EAS in strengthening multilateralism and a rules-based international order that upholds international law. The Meeting recognised the importance of ASEAN centrality in addressing challenges to regional security, sustainable development, and economic growth. The Meeting also underscored the need to promote an enabling environment for peace, security, stability, and inclusive, prosperous development for all, by ensuring a culture of dialogue and cooperation, and by enhancing mutual trust, confidence, and respect for international law. 

4. The Meeting underscored the need to further strengthen the EAS to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in response to challenges amidst the rapidly evolving regional and global architecture, as well as the prevailing geopolitical dynamics, especially at the significant milestone of the 20th anniversary of the EAS. In this regard, the Meeting recognised the continued importance of the EAS as the premier Leaders-led platform for constructive dialogue on strategic issues as well as practical cooperation, including on the AOIP four priority areas, through ASEAN-led mechanisms to reinforce strategic trust and to address common challenges based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, and mutual respect with ASEAN as the driving force. The Meeting acknowledged that all countries have a responsibility to facilitate an enabling environment for peace, stability and shared prosperity by ensuring a culture of dialogue and cooperation and enhancing mutual confidence and respect for international law.

5. The Meeting underscored the importance of promoting strategic trust and ensuring transparent, predictable and responsible behaviour in accordance with principles and norms of the relevant ASEAN instruments. The Meeting emphasised their commitment to a region where sovereignty and territorial integrity is respected and where differences are managed through dialogue and in accordance with international law.

6. The Meeting reaffirmed ASEAN's integral role as the region's leading convener for strategic dialogue. They underscored their commitment to deepen cooperation through ASEAN-led mechanisms and other relevant regional and multilateral institutions to strengthen regional architecture to reduce risks of misunderstanding and miscalculation and prevent disputes from escalating into conflict. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of undertaking concrete confidence building and preventive diplomacy measures to bolster conflict prevention processes and strengthen strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

7. The Meeting took note of the continued efforts to strengthen the EAS work processes, to ensure the effective follow-up and implementation of the Leaders’ decisions and initiatives in a timely manner, including during inter-sessional periods, as well as to promote coherence with other ASEAN-led mechanisms which are mutually reinforcing, through fostering complementarity among the mechanisms and avoiding duplication of work. The Meeting also encouraged the further strengthening of the EAS Unit at the ASEAN Secretariat to facilitate and support EAS coordination and cooperation.

Areas of Cooperation

8. The Meeting noted progress in implementing the EAS Plan of Action (2024- 2028), including in priority areas such as Peace and Security, ASEAN Connectivity, Economic Cooperation and Trade, Sustainable Development, Climate, Environment and Energy, Education, Health, including Pandemic Diseases, and Maritime Cooperation, affirming the importance of the areas of cooperation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo‑Pacific (AOIP) with a view to explore further cooperation through relevant mechanisms, centres and institutions to promote mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual benefit, and maintain ASEAN Centrality and unity. The Meeting highlighted that the Plan of Action serves as the principal guide to enhance the EAS cooperation and ASEAN’s effort of mainstreaming the AOIP over the next few years, with the aim of enhancing the relevance, coherence, responsiveness, and effectiveness of the EAS.

9. The Meeting welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future by the ASEAN Leaders to guide the ASEAN Community-building process in the next 20 years. In this regard, the EAS participating countries expressed their commitment to support ASEAN Community-building by cooperating with ASEAN on concrete projects under the relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies and through ASEAN-led mechanisms to realise the strategic objectives of the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future towards achieving a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred ASEAN. The Meeting emphasised that future EAS cooperation should align with the strategic goals and objectives outlined in the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.

Peace and Security

10. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, which was showcased through the adoption of key regional frameworks by ASEAN, convened consultative platforms and established mechanisms in advancing WPS that involve EAS participating countries. The Meeting noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1325 on WPS, and that reaffirming our unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality, promoting inclusive peacebuilding, and ensuring the meaningful participation of women in all aspects of peace and security is imperative. The Meeting recalled the adoption of the EAS Leaders’ Statement on Women, Peace and Security in 2020 and called for EAS participating countries to undertake more practical activities to implement the Leaders’ commitments. The Meeting welcomed the convening of the Track 1.5 Workshop on Conflict Prevention, Crisis Management and the ASEAN-led Regional Architecture, co-hosted by Malaysia and Australia in December 2024 in Jakarta, and participated by officials and academics from all EAS participating countries. The Workshop underscored ASEAN’s central role in conflict prevention for the region. The Meeting looked forward to a follow-on Track 1 workshop co-hosted by Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia scheduled for September this year, to which all EAS participating countries would be invited.

11. The Meeting emphasised the growing importance of security in the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) and reaffirmed the need to enhance cooperation to promote an open, free, secure, stable, accessible, peaceful, interoperable, and cooperative ICT environment, including through capacity building measures and countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes in accordance with UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution A/RES/79/243 on UN Convention against Cybercrime. In this connection, the Meeting encouraged the EAS participating countries to further enhance cooperation in this area based on the guidance provided by the 2015 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Issues Related to Security of and in the Use of Information and Communications Technologies and the 2018 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Deepening Cooperation in the Security of Information and Communications Technologies and of the Digital Economy.

12. The Meeting acknowledged that discussions on safety and security have been increasingly featured in the EAS, and reaffirmed its commitment to implement the relevant EAS Leaders’ statements and declarations, including the 2020 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Women, Peace and Security; 2019 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Cooperation to Combat Transnational Crime; 2019 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Combating the Spread of Illicit Drugs; 2018 EAS Leaders’ Statement on the Safe and Secure Use, Storage, and Transport of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Materials; 2018 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Countering the Threat of Foreign Terrorist Fighters and Returnees; 2017 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Chemical Weapons; 2017 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Countering Ideological Challenges of Terrorism and Terrorist Narratives and Propaganda; and the 2016 EAS Statement on Non-Proliferation.

13. The Meeting reaffirmed the commitment of EAS participating countries to address the evolving threat of transnational crimes, including telecommunications fraud, cybercrime and online scams, which have increasingly harmed regional security and economic prosperity as well as the wellbeing of our peoples. The Meeting also emphasised the importance of safeguarding border security, preventing corruption, and countering cybercrime in line with international law and related domestic laws of the respective EAS participating countries, while reaffirming the shared determination to combat transnational crime and ensure a safe, secure, and prosperous region through practical cooperation. The Meeting acknowledged the need for comprehensive, multi-stakeholder responses involving not only states but also the private sector, civil society, local communities, youth and media, and reaffirmed support for the implementation of international and regional frameworks, including the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and relevant ASEAN instruments, including the ASEAN Plan of Action in Combatting Transnational Crime (2016-2025) and development of a renewed ten-year Plan of Action. The Meeting emphasised the importance of further strengthening coordination among EAS participating countries through ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC), and its subsidiary mechanisms, including the ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meetings on Transnational Crime (AMMTC+3), as well as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drugs (AMMD), ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN), ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity (AMCC) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Sustainable Development

14. The Meeting noted several initiatives relevant to sustainable development that are being led by Thailand as the ASEAN Coordinator for Sustainable Development Cooperation and that are being developed under the ambit of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE), with the involvement of different key stakeholders, including EAS participating countries. These initiatives include the High-Level Brainstorming Dialogue (HLBD) on Enhancing Complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2025 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; High-Level Seminar on Sustainable Cities (HLS-SC); ASEAN Forum on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with National Development Planning Agencies; and ASEAN Ministerial Dialogue on Accelerating Actions to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

15. The Meeting welcomed the convening of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) Forum: Towards UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 on 30 August 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, hosted by the Lao PDR in collaboration with Thailand; and the 14th EAS HLS-SC held on 26-28 November 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, back-to-back with the closing workshop of the SDGs Frontrunner Cities Phase 2, demonstrating steady progress of actions of ASEAN cities towards achieving SDG Goals.

Climate, Environment and Energy Cooperation

16. The Meeting recognised the importance of a sustainable recovery that supports economic growth, climate and sustainability goals, as well as the efforts by EAS participating countries to implement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. The Meeting discussed ways and means to address climate change and other environmental issues, including through the adoption of nature-based solutions, technology-based or scientific solutions and ecosystem-based approaches, sharing of best practices, and providing resources and technical expertise for regional initiatives, including the operationalisation of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change and the development and implementation of the ASEAN Climate Change Strategic Action Plan (ACCSAP).

17. The Meeting encouraged EAS participating countries to strengthen cooperation on addressing air pollution, particularly in relation to climate change, sustainable cities, marine pollution, conservation, and a one-health approach related to environmental health matters. The Meeting emphasised the need to address transboundary haze pollution and also encouraged EAS participating countries to explore collaboration for the establishment and operationalisation of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution (ACC THPC) to fully and effectively implement the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) and the Second Roadmap for ASEAN Cooperation on Transboundary Haze Pollution Control with Means of Implementation (Second ASEAN Haze-Free Roadmap) 2023-2030. The work of the ACC THPC, ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre, ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), and ASEAN Research and Training Centre for Space Technology and Applications (ARTSA), under the Establishment Agreement of the ACC THPC, will facilitate the effective implementation of this AATHP and further reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment in enhancing regional cooperation and coordination on transboundary haze pollution in the ASEAN region.

18. The Meeting noted the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan, which was launched at the Convention on COP 16 in Cali, Colombia, in October 2024, as ASEAN’s biodiversity strategy and action plan, ensuring complementarity with the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans of the ASEAN Member States and synergy with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to address ASEAN community-wide concerns related to biodiversity through region-wide approaches. The Meeting encouraged EAS participating countries to cooperate with the regional and/or sub-regional technical and scientific cooperation support centres including the ACB to support the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan.

19. The Meeting took note of the progress made under the EAS Leaders’ Statement on Sustainable Recovery, which was adopted at the 16th East Asia Summit in October 2021, particularly the importance of a sustainable recovery that is comprehensive, inclusive and resilient, and the need of promoting economic policies and growth including trade and investment, that contribute to sustainable development and addressing climate change, as well as addressing other economic, social, and environmental challenges. The Meeting encouraged regional dialogue and cooperation in driving greater adoption of environmental social governance and sustainability reporting as part of the sustainable recovery efforts, with the aim of enhancing market access, strengthening investment attractiveness, and building economic resilience across EAS economies.

20. The Meeting welcomed the outcome of the 18th EAS Energy Ministers’ Meeting (EAS EMM) on 27 September 2024, in conjunction with the 42nd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and Associated Meetings, that reaffirmed the need to explore concrete cooperation initiatives in energy cooperation, including to decisively accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) with the aim of realising it by 2045, as well as support the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025.

21. The Meeting highlighted the urgent need for regional collaboration to ensure energy security, advance energy interconnectivity, support green and low-carbon transitions and address climate change amid growing global megatrends affecting the region’s energy challenges. The Meeting welcomed ASEAN’s decision to realise the ASEAN Power Grid by 2045 and reaffirmed its commitment to support ASEAN’s efforts in advancing a secure, resilient, and interconnected low-carbon regional energy future, in line with the EAS Plan of Action workstream on energy cooperation. The Meeting looked forward to ASEAN’s signing of the enhanced APG Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the endorsement of the Terms of Reference of the Subsea Power Cables Development Framework, and the launch of the ASEAN Power Grid Transition Financing Facility by this year. The Meeting also encouraged the development of energy-optimising smart cities, raising public awareness on energy usage, and fostering sustainable lifestyles aiming to build an affordable, reliable clean, resilient, and low-carbon energy future through shared regional goals and international cooperation. The Meeting took note of activities under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) platform that contribute to APAEC and accelerate energy transitions in the region through various pathways.

Education Cooperation

22. The Meeting affirmed advancing long-term and mutually beneficial education cooperation among the EAS participating countries, particularly in enhancing youth and people-to-people exchanges through scholarship programmes, life-long skills development and digital literacy. The Meeting recognised that the EAS education cooperation has been pursued in line with priority areas under the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2021-2025. The Ministers commended the implementation of inclusive and quality education programmes and activities by EAS participating countries, especially in the areas of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), higher education, research, people-to-people exchanges including through scholarship programmes, strengthening competency of teachers in ICT, and promotion of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and mental health and well-being of students. The Meeting supported the priorities of the ASEAN TVET Council (ATC) to advance TVET in the region through the implementation of its Work Plan 2021-2030.

23. The Meeting highlighted the discussions at the 7th EAS Education Ministers’ Meeting held in August 2024, in Thailand, which emphasised the transformative role of digital education in shaping the future of education systems in the region and the urgent need to adapt education systems to the rapidly changing digital landscape. The Meeting also called for greater efforts to explore more initiatives for cooperation between ASEAN and the non-ASEAN EAS participating countries in sports, culture, and arts, drawing on the rich cultural diversity and heritage of ASEAN as an engine for economic growth and sustainable development, and for forging closer friendship and understanding between ASEAN and the non-ASEAN EAS participating countries.

Finance

24. The Meeting reiterated the need to work together to strengthen the global economic recovery. The Meeting encouraged further strengthening of the region’s resilience to external shocks through exploring practical cooperation and exchanging views on macro-economic and financial developments among the EAS participating countries.

Global Health Issues and Pandemic Diseases

25. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of EAS Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Collective Capacity in Epidemics Prevention and Response adopted in 2020 under the joint leadership of Russia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and China and called for EAS participating countries to undertake more practical activities to implement the Leaders’ commitments

26. The Meeting recognised the importance of mental health as a critical public health issue which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and called for greater cooperation in this area. The Meeting welcomed the successful convening of the 2nd EAS Mental Health Workshop on Advancing Regional and International Cooperation held on 12-13 November 2024 via videoconference as part of the implementation effort of the EAS Leaders’ Statement on Mental Health Cooperation, adopted at the 16th East Asia Summit in October 2021. The Workshop, co-hosted by Brunei Darussalam and Australia, provided an avenue for policymakers, practitioners and mental health experts across EAS participating countries to exchange best practices and foster greater cooperation to strengthen mental health sectors. The Meeting also looked forward to the finalisation of the EAS Joint Action Plan on Mental Health Cooperation that will provide a framework for practical mental health collaboration within the EAS.

Cooperation on Natural Disaster Management

27. The Meeting reiterated its commitment to continuously support the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and the AADMER Work Programme 2021-2025 and its successive programme. We commended the ongoing development of the AADMER Work Programme 2026-2030 and reaffirmed support to enhance the implementation of the “ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN, One Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region” to increase the speed, scale, and solidarity of ASEAN’s response, and the strengthening of the capacity of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) as ASEAN’s primary coordinating agency on disaster management and emergency response. The Meeting also encouraged the EAS participating countries to forge stronger collaboration to support ASEAN towards becoming a global leader in disaster management and strengthening climate and disaster resilience for sustainable development in line with the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Sustainable Resilience.

28. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of promoting localisation in anticipatory action for disaster preparedness and response, recognising that local actors and communities play a central role in mitigating the impacts of disasters, enhancing resilience, and strengthening regional cooperation and mechanisms. The Meeting looked forward to fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships among EAS participating countries to build capacities and mobilise resources to support localisation efforts, in line with the ASEAN Framework on Anticipatory Action in Disaster Management.

29. The Meeting underscored the importance of further strengthening engagement between the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) and the National Disaster Management Organisations (NDMOs) of non-ASEAN EAS participating countries, including through active participation in ASEAN-led initiatives and practical cooperation. The Meeting also encouraged EAS participating countries to continue advancing cooperation in disaster management, including through the effective implementation of the 2009 Cha-am Hua Hin Statement on EAS Disaster Management and 2014 EAS Statement on Rapid Disaster Response, while upholding ASEAN Centrality.

Cooperation on ASEAN Connectivity

30. The Meeting acknowledged the support and cooperation from non-ASEAN EAS participating countries in advancing ASEAN Connectivity, including the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, and encouraged continued efforts to support MPAC 2025 initiatives in its final year. The Meeting welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) as the successor document to the MPAC 2025 and looked forward to the implementation of the ACSP through tangible initiatives, programmes, and projects to enhance regional connectivity and advance the ASEAN Connectivity agenda.

31. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of continuing to foster greater synergies among various connectivity initiatives within and beyond the region. The Meeting emphasised the need for continued engagement and dialogue between the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) and the non-ASEAN EAS participating countries, with a focus on advancing connectivity cooperation through diverse platforms and connectivity-related events. In this regard, the Meeting looked forward to the participation of non-ASEAN EAS participating countries in the upcoming ACCC Consultation with Dialogue Partners and Other External Partners on Connectivity and the 16th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium which are scheduled for September 2025 in Malaysia.

Economic Cooperation and Trade

32. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening a rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, free and fair, inclusive, equitable, sustainable, and transparent multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. The Meeting noted that the 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO is working towards necessary reform of the WTO to improve all its functions. The Meeting expressed concerns over the rising global trade tensions and increasing uncertainty in the international economic landscape and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening economic relations among the EAS participating countries with ASEAN playing a central role, in the areas of mutual interest, such as digitalisation, green economy, and supply chain resilience and connectivity, to ensure regional resilience against future economic shocks and narrow the development gap in the region. The Meeting underscored the importance of promoting circular economy approaches to unlock future growth in a more sustainable way and support transitions to sustainable growth in the region. The Meeting also highlighted the significant role of the EAS in supporting the increased utilisation and steady implementation in a transparent manner of free trade agreements to facilitate more efficient cross-border trade and promote sustainable economic growth.

33. The Meeting welcomed the convening of the 12th EAS Economic Ministers’ Meeting (EAS EMM) held on 21 September 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, during which the Ministers exchanged views on regional and global economic challenges that could likely impact supply chain resilience in the region. The Meeting reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance economic integration and cooperation, particularly in the areas of digital transformation and sustainability, to navigate these challenges and strengthen supply chain resiliency. The Meeting looked forward to the 13th EAS EMM scheduled for September 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

34. The Meeting underscored the critical role of digital transformation in driving future economic growth, resilience, and competitiveness for all EAS participating countries. In this regard, the Meeting reaffirmed strong support for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is envisioned as a pathfinder initiative towards a seamlessly integrated, inclusive, and innovative regional digital economy. The Meeting welcomed ASEAN’s ongoing efforts in developing DEFA and encouraged continued momentum towards its substantial conclusion by 2025. The Meeting recognised that an ambitious, comprehensive, well-implemented DEFA will not only deepen digital integration among ASEAN Member States but also create opportunities for enhanced interoperability, cross-border data flows and digital trade, and innovation-driven partnerships with non-ASEAN EAS participating countries to ensure the region collectively benefits from the full potential of the digital economy.

35. The Meeting emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration on emerging technologies, digital upskilling, and cybersecurity, including through implementation of the 2018 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Deepening Cooperation in the Security Information and Communications Technologies and of the Digital Economy and active participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms, activities, and joint initiatives. The Meeting also encouraged continued engagement between ASEAN and non-ASEAN EAS participating countries to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation are widely shared, while upholding the principles of ASEAN Centrality and an open, free, secure, interoperable and inclusive digital future.

Poverty Alleviation

36. The Meeting recognised the strategic importance of advancing rural transformative agenda and poverty eradication strategy in ASEAN, and commended the work of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE) in strengthening cooperation which aims to eradicate poverty such as through, among others, the operationalisation of the ASEAN Master Plan on Rural Development (2022 – 2026), annual convening of the ASEAN Public-Private-People Forum on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, and the ASEAN Villages Network (AVN) that continue to facilitate meaningful dialogue and partnership between ASEAN and its key stakeholders, including the EAS participating countries, towards implementation of the 2017 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Cooperation in Poverty Alleviation to enhance closer relations and cooperation on shared rural and poverty eradication priorities.

37. The Meeting recognised the importance of advancing social protection agenda in the EAS and beyond as a basic human right. The Meeting recognised further that for social protection to have greater impact on the lives of the people, it must be adaptive to different risks and vulnerabilities brought about by the changes in the economy and labour markets and impacts of climate change, natural disasters and economic crises across EAS participating countries. In this regard, the comprehensive and meaningful involvement of governments, private sector, development partners, civil society, service providers, and community volunteers is important.

38. The Meeting welcomed opportunities for sharing of good practices on strengthening social protection systems, especially those that address the needs of the most vulnerable sectors, in support of the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection and its Regional Action Plan and the ASEAN Guidelines on Disaster Responsive Social Protection.

Food Security

39. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to implement the 2013 EAS Declaration on Food Security and stressed the need to further enhance food and nutrition security including through supporting the implementation of the Food, Agriculture, and Forestry Sectoral Plan for 2026-2030. The Meeting expressed support for the implementation of the Action Plan for Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN and the 2023 ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises to take practical and concrete measures in strengthening local, regional and global food supply chains and logistics systems to ensure regional and global food security and nutrition, and improving resilience against climate change.

Maritime Cooperation

40. The Meeting expressed support for the strengthening of maritime cooperation among the EAS participating countries to respond to maritime challenges, and promote the sustainable development of the seas and oceans, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as the 2015 EAS Statement on Enhancing Regional Maritime Cooperation, 2020 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Marine Sustainability, the 2011 Declaration of the East Asia Summit on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations (Bali Principles), and 2023 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Maintaining and Promoting the Region as an Epicentrum of Growth, in a collective and comprehensive approach, at the same time emphasising the need to enhance complementarity with other ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ARF, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF), with a view to avoiding duplication.

41. The Meeting recognised the importance of maintaining and further strengthening stability in the maritime domain in our region, and underlined the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation and exploring mutually beneficial initiatives in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. The Meeting welcomed the ASEAN Maritime Outlook, which serves as a practical reference in understanding maritime trends and challenges and promoting maritime cooperation in the region. The Meeting took into account the cross-cutting nature of maritime cooperation through activities such as the 6th EAS Conference on Maritime Security and Cooperation in July 2024, in Mumbai, organised by India and co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia and the AOIP Seminar Series on Submarine Cables co-hosted in February 2025 in Jakarta, organised and co-hosted by Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, Japan, and the ROK.

Tourism Cooperation

42. Recognising tourism as a key driver of economic growth, employment, social benefits and livelihoods of local communities, the Meeting commended the relentless efforts of the ASEAN National Tourism Organisation (NTOs) in implementing timely and innovative measures as guided by the Post-COVID-19 Recovery Plan for ASEAN Tourism and the updated ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016-2025. In this regard, the Meeting encouraged all EAS participating countries to implement the EAS Leaders’ Statement on Economic Growth through Tourism Recovery which was adopted at the 16th EAS on 27 October 2021, through a dialogue on tourism among relevant agencies of the EAS participating countries and the existing ASEAN tourism mechanisms with the Plus Ones and Plus Three countries in line with the Post-COVID-19 Recovery Plan for ASEAN Tourism. The Meeting further encouraged EAS participating countries to support the implementation of the Action Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism Development in ASEAN, endorsed in 2024, which aims to guide ASEAN and relevant stakeholders in promoting sustainable tourism practices, strengthening regional collaboration, and enhancing ASEAN’s position as a competitive and sustainable tourism destination.

43. The Meeting recognised the work of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information together with its dialogue partners in promoting awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of ASEAN. Culture and arts as concepts that encompass ways of life, traditions and beliefs manifested through tangible and intangible cultural heritage, creative industries, and cultural tourism, have an invaluable contribution toward promoting social, economic, human and sustainable development of EAS participating countries. Acknowledging diversity and the right to and enjoy and benefit from culture, the East Asia Summit can utilise culture as a key to strengthen regional cooperation, through cultural fora, cultural heritage protection and museum cooperation, and cooperation in culture and creative industries and creative economy.

Advancement and Empowerment of Women and Youth Participation

44. The Meeting expressed support for strengthening cooperation towards the advancement and empowerment of women and youth participation in the region, through the ambit of the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW), ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC), ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Youth (SOMY), and Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD). Numerous regional initiatives in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment have been finalised and implemented, involving key stakeholders, including the EAS participating countries.

45. The Meeting emphasised the importance of promoting regional cooperation in articulating and advocating for women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship as key drivers of an inclusive and sustainable growth in the region. The Meeting further highlighted the indispensable contribution of care work to sustainable development, social cohesion, and crucially, gender equality and women’s empowerment, which is increasingly shaping the cooperation and dialogue between ASEAN and the non-ASEAN EAS participating countries.

46. The Meeting commended the initiative of the SOMSWD and ACWC in safeguarding the rights of children in the digital space through convening the annual ASEAN ICT Forum with wider participation of the private sector from the IT and Communication industries. The Meeting expressed support to further accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action for the Protection of the Rights of Children from All Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse (ASEAN RPA on COEA) through collaboration on common agenda, including knowledge exchange and shared advocacy on child protection online.

47. The Meeting emphasised the importance in preventing and eliminating the worst forms of child labour guided by the ASEAN Roadmap on the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour by 2025. The Meeting welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on the Prevention of Child Labour, Including the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits spearheaded by the ACWC and Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM).

48. The Meeting expressed commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment and social inclusion through robust joint efforts in implementing the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework (AGMSF) and ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025: Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the three ASEAN Community pillars as gender, disability, and social inclusion rights are integral in the ongoing and future collaborative initiatives.

49. In the context of the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, the Meeting reiterated its commitment to promote the full and effective implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Regional and International Issues

Situation in the South China Sea

50. The Meeting discussed the situation in the South China Sea on which concerns were expressed by some Ministers over incidents in the area, including actions that have eroded trust and confidence, and may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region. The Meeting reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, the importance of non-militarisation and the exercise of self-restraint. The Meeting further reaffirmed its shared commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability in the region, as well as to the peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

51. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea and recognised the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity. The Meeting underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the DOC in its entirety and welcomed the progress achieved so far in the ongoing negotiations on an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), notably the completion of the third reading and renaming of the Single Draft COC Negotiating Text (SDNT) to Draft COC. In this regard, the Meeting also emphasised the importance of continued positive momentum towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

Developments in Myanmar

52. The Meeting expressed its deep concern over the escalation of conflicts and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, and encouraged progress on the implementation of the ASEAN Leaders’ Five-Point Consensus (5PC). The Meeting noted ASEAN’s united position that the 5PC remains its main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar and further reaffirmed the relevant Leaders’ decisions. The Meeting denounced the continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and civilian infrastructures, and create a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue. The Meeting welcomed the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on an Extended and Expanded Ceasefire in Myanmar. The Meeting also welcomed the continued progress in the provision of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar by the AHA Centre in support of Point 4 of the ASEAN Leaders’ 5PC.

53. The Meeting expressed appreciation for the efforts of H.E. Tan Sri Othman Hashim as the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar. In carrying out his mandate, the Special Envoy has actively engaged a wide and diverse range of Myanmar stakeholders. The Special Envoy has also engaged ASEAN Member States, ASEAN dialogue partners, Myanmar’s neighbouring countries, international and regional partners, civil society organisations, humanitarian actors, and think tanks towards finding an inclusive and sustainable resolution to the crisis. This inclusive engagement reflects ASEAN’s commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing the complex challenges in Myanmar.

Developments in the Korean Peninsula

54. The Meeting expressed concern over the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula and stressed the importance of resuming peaceful dialogue among all concerned parties in order to realise lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. The Meeting expressed grave concern over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) ongoing development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes in violation of relevant UNSC resolutions, which are worrisome developments that threaten peace and stability in the region. The Meeting called on the DPRK to comply fully with all relevant UNSC resolutions and called for peaceful dialogue among the concerned parties, and continue working towards the realisation of lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. The Meeting called for the full implementation of all relevant UNSC resolutions and noted international efforts to bring about the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions in a peaceful manner. Diplomatic efforts, including the creation of a conducive environment for peaceful dialogue among all concerned parties, should remain a priority. The Meeting reiterated its readiness to play a constructive role, including through utilising ASEAN-led platforms such as the ARF in promoting a conducive atmosphere for peaceful dialogue amongst the concerned parties. Some Ministers also emphasised the importance of addressing issues of humanitarian concerns of the international community, including the immediate resolution of the abductions and detainees issues.

Situation in Ukraine

55. With regard to Ukraine, as for all nations, the Meeting continued to reaffirm its respect for sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. The Meeting reiterated its call for compliance with the UN Charter and international law. The Meeting underlined the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and the serious engagement in a genuine dialogue for the peaceful resolution of the conflict. The Meeting supported the efforts of the UN Secretary-General in the search for a peaceful solution, and in this regard, noted efforts to discuss the way forward for a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Meeting also called for the facilitation of rapid, safe, and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for those in need in Ukraine, and for the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and persons in vulnerable situations.

Situation in the Middle East

56. The Meeting expressed great concern over the continued tension in the Middle East and called on all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint, avoid actions that could escalate an already-tense situation, and resolve any differences through diplomacy and dialogue in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

57. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza for over 20 months is unacceptable and needs to be addressed immediately. The Meeting called for rapid, safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access to all those in need, including through increased capacity at border crossings, including by sea. The Meeting commended the efforts of various ASEAN Member States and non-ASEAN EAS participating countries in providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and urged all EAS participating countries to continue providing and facilitating such assistance for Gaza. Some Ministers reaffirmed their support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the execution of its mandate.

58. The Meeting condemned all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, which have resulted in an alarming number of casualties, particularly among women and children, and the blocking of humanitarian aid, relief supplies and other basic needs has led to the further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Meeting urged all relevant parties to accept the ceasefire proposal as outlined in paragraph 2 of UNSC resolution 2735. The Meeting called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and the unconditional release of all hostages, especially women, children, the sick and the elderly. The Meeting also underscored the importance of release from any arbitrary detention. The Meeting called on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and to abide by international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

59. The Meeting reaffirmed its longstanding support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination, and to their homeland. In this regard, some Ministers urged all parties concerned to work towards realising the two-State solution in accordance with international law and the relevant UNSC and UNGA resolutions, including UNGA resolution A/RES/ES-10/23 on the Admission of New Members to the UN dated 10 May 2024, and UNGA resolution A/RES/ES-10/27 on protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations dated 12 June 2025. Some Ministers took note, and some Ministers underlined the importance of the order on provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 26 January 2024. Some Ministers acknowledged the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ on 19 July 2024, which is of the opinion, among others, that the United Nations, and especially the General Assembly, which requested this opinion, and the Security Council, should consider the precise modalities and further action required to bring to an end, as rapidly as possible the unlawful presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In this context, the Meeting reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law.

60. Some Ministers expressed alarm over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East since 13 June 2025 with the attack by Israel on Iran and welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran on 24 June 2025 brokered by the US and mediated together with Qatar. The Meeting urged all parties to respect the ceasefire and avoid further escalation of this conflict. The Meeting reaffirmed the obligation of all States to resolve their differences through peaceful means and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, in line with international law, including the UN Charter. The Meeting further reiterated the obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructures in armed conflicts consistent with international law and relevant UNSC resolutions. The Meeting supported ongoing efforts, including those led by the UN, aimed at de[1]escalating tensions and facilitating the resumption of constructive engagement among parties involved.

Other matters

61. The Meeting noted the proposed outcome documents of the 20th EAS: Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the 20th Anniversary of the East Asia Summit; EAS Leaders’ Statement on Inclusivity and Sustainability; EAS Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Localisation in Anticipatory Action for Disaster Preparedness and Response; EAS Leaders’ Statement on Combating Online Scams and Related Transnational Crime Issues; EAS Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Energy Cooperation; EAS Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening EAS Cultural Cooperation; and EAS Leaders’ Statement on Inclusive Digital Economy. The Meeting also noted with appreciation the work of the Group of the EAS Ambassadors in Jakarta towards finalising these statements. 

62. The Meeting discussed the preparations for the upcoming 20th East Asia Summit to be held in October 2025, in Malaysia, and highlighted the importance of ensuring meaningful engagement among all EAS participating countries to deliver concrete and actionable outcomes.

63. The Meeting looked forward to the convening of the 16th EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to be held in the Philippines in 2026.

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