MFA PRESS STATEMENT: SPECIAL INFORMAL ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING, 10 TO 11 APRIL 2011, BANGKOK - 11/4/2011

MFA PRESS STATEMENT: SPECIAL INFORMAL ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING, 10 TO 11 APRIL 2011, BANGKOK

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo attended the Special Informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, from 10 to 11 April 2011.

The Foreign Ministers exchanged views on the future direction of the East Asia Summit (EAS), including the issues of maintaining ASEAN's central role in the EAS, and how the EAS can contribute to a stable and peaceful regional architecture. Given that the EAS is a Leaders-led strategic forum, the Foreign Ministers were open to the Leaders discussing current and relevant political and security issues at the EAS. At the same time, the Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening the EAS process, particularly in the EAS priority areas and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA). The Foreign Ministers also agreed that ASEAN Connectivity is an important issue on the EAS agenda.

The Foreign Ministers also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, including developments in Myanmar, the border issue between Thailand and Cambodia, and cooperation in the provision of consular assistance to nationals of ASEAN member states.

The Foreign Ministers discussed the issue of the safety of nuclear energy in the region in view of the Fukushima Nuclear Plants crisis. There was general agreement on the need to have common safety standards in line with international and IAEA requirements. The Foreign Ministers also noted the need to enhance cooperation and information exchange on issues relating to nuclear safety in the region.

The Foreign Ministers noted that the issue of Timor-Leste's application to join ASEAN as a full member could be discussed further before any decision is taken.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
11 APRIL 2011