Category: Government

 

WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States of America, met via videoconference, on 26 October 2021, under Brunei Darussalam’s 2021 ASEAN Chairmanship, on the occasion of the 9^th ASEAN-U.S. Summit;

RECOGNISING the important role that smart digital development can have in creating economies that are resilient to the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19)pandemic and other economic shocks, ensuring that economic gains can be accessed by all sectors of the population and potentially enabling a sustainable, inclusive and resilient economic growth, especially during and in the post-pandemic era;

REAFFIRMING commitment to support digital development in ASEAN so as to realise our vision of a peaceful, secure, open, interoperable,reliable and resilient ICT environment;

NOTING that our reliance on digital infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of accelerating the development of digital infrastructure, digital competitiveness,and digital literacy of users, while reducing the digital gapamong and within ASEAN Member States, including women, youth and rural communities;

UNDERLINING the importance of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) and its Implementation Plan in guiding ASEAN towards inclusive digital transformation in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)as outlined in the Consolidated Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution for ASEAN, as well as to boost economic growth and improve society;

RECALLING the adoption of the ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on Cybersecurity Cooperation at the 6^th ASEAN-U.S. Summit on 15 November 2018 and the subsequent convening of the 1^st ASEAN-U.S. Cyber Policy Dialogue held in Singapore on 3 October 2019 and the 2^nd ASEAN-U.S. Cyber Policy Dialogue held virtually on 8 October 2021, as well as the U.S.’ participation at the 1^st ASEAN Digital Ministers + U.S. Meeting held virtually on 22 January 2021, as manifestation of our commitment towards the advancement of a shared digital future;

FURTHER RECALLING the adoption of the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Partnership (2021-2025) and the ASEAN-U.S. Joint Statement on Human Capital Development at the 8^th ASEAN-U.S. Summit in November 2020, which underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in digital literacy education, digital economy especiallythe development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and improving cybersecurity capabilities;

FURTHER RECALLING the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution 71/199, which affirms that the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online;

Hereby decide to:

1. Support ASEAN’s vision for a leading digital community and economic bloc, powered by secure and transformative digital services, technologies and ecosystem, and undergirded by a secure and resilientcyberspace thatfosters trust and sustainable growth in the digital economy;
2. Support the continued implementation of ASEAN-U.S. cooperation in the area of cybersecurity, including through relevant ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting on the Security of and in the Use of ICTs (ARF ISM on ICTs Security), the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus  Experts’ Working Group on Cyber Security (ADMM-Plus EWG on CS), as well as other relevant platforms including the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity and the ASEAN-U.S. Cyber Policy Dialogues;
3. Support the development of ASEAN’s digital infrastructure to drive robust, inclusive economic growth and prosperity; and promote the development of a secure, resilient and innovative 5G ecosystem and networks, as well as exchange views and experiences on cyber threats and on regulatory framework and technical standards that protect personal data in light of emerging technologies and their vulnerabilities;
4. Enhance digital infrastructure development to facilitate cooperation in disaster response in areas such as search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster management in support of existing regional mechanisms and platforms;
5. Support implementation of the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) and Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Work Plan, including the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Inclusive Growth in ASEAN through Innovation, Trade and E-Commerce (IGNITE) programme, and deeper cooperation through the ASEAN Digital Integration Index, the U.S.-ASEAN Connect Digital Economy Series and the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP), and other initiatives on digital literacy, digital development and integration;
6. Collaborate to broaden and deepen cooperation on mutually identified areas of cooperation under the 2021 ASEAN-U.S. ICT Work Plan and to promote an open, interoperable, reliable and secure ICT environment that fosters efficiency, innovation, communication and economic prosperity, as well as promote growth in the digital economy, including through enhancing the ease of doing business and promoting a business-conducive ecosystem;
7. Explore ways to accelerate economic recovery from COVID-19 by strengthening cooperation on digital trade;
8. Explore cooperation in mutually identified areas such as smart manufacturing, blockchain applications, trade facilitation, promotion of digitalisation and E-commerce of MSMEs, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 5G, digital connectivity, cross-border data flows, data governance cybersecurity, digital financial services and regional payment connectivity, and digital health, in line with relevant ASEAN agreements and frameworks such as the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF), the ASEAN Digital Integration Framework Action Plan (DIFAP) 2019-2025, the ASEAN Agreement on E-commerce and the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM2025), as well as increase technical assistance, including new and emerging technologies for ASEAN Member States;
9. Support the development of interoperable digital solutions to facilitate safe and seamless travel in the region, ​and the consideration of digital health certificate solutions for COVID-19 tests and vaccinations;
10. Strengthen cooperation on low carbonenergy transformation, in particular digitalisation in the energy sector in line with the ASEAN-U.S. Energy Cooperation Work Plan 2021-2025. Explore collaboration on digital solutions, smart grids and systems integration of renewables in the region;
11. Explore possible platforms for collaboration on digital development, including through the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership, U.S.-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership programmes, cybersecurity capacity-building initiatives delivered through the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (ASCCE) and the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC), USAID assistance on digital literacy and digital entrepreneurship on other areas, and the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) program to educate youth and support entrepreneurship, as well as cooperation with other regional partners;
12. Explore further cooperation in bridging the digital divide and ICT development gaps within ASEAN, including for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), through developing digital competencies, to include cybersecurity best practices, market-driven approaches and exchange of views on regulatory best practices, while promoting the importance of performance, security and resilience in next generation ICT networks;
13. Exchange views and best practices on the responsible design, development, and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and promote partnerships for AI research and development (R&D) while supporting capacity building activities on the responsible use of AI;
14. Support the improvement of digital inclusion in the region, including for women, young entrepreneurs, and vulnerable or marginalised groups as part of increasing their participation in the economy through promoting digital and financial inclusion in MSMEs, capacity-building activities, facilitating access to finance and alternative financing, mentorship, technical assistance, technologies and sharing of best practices;
15. Enhance collaboration with stakeholders, including the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), the ASEAN-U.S. Digital Policy Consultative Forum, and the ASEAN Telecommunications Regulators’ Council’s (ATRC) Stakeholders’ Consultative Dialogue in developing the region’s digital ecosystem that is conducive to the growth of digitally-enabled innovation and trade, as well as investment in the digital sector, development of ICT infrastructure, and support for digitalisation of MSMEs;
16. Strengthen human capital development in ASEAN, including promoting digital skills and literacy, as well as 21^stcentury skills in basic education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through the ASEAN TVET Council (ATC), and higher education, and human resource development towards 4IR and developing standards and the quality of the workforce to meet the demands of the global labour market, reskilling and upskilling for employment, including digital skills for the benefit of the people in the region;
17. Encourage partnerships between universities and TVET institutions in ASEAN Member States and the U.S. on curriculum exchanges and vocational training in the areas of business administration, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and other related fields;
18. Support the next generation of ASEAN leadersin the technology and digital sectorsby providing scholarships through the Billion Futures Program and through YSEALI programs that promote human capital development, including the YSEALI Academy at Fulbright University Viet Nam; and
19. Cooperate with the private sector as well as relevant stakeholders in the implementation of this Joint Statement.

 

Source: The white House

 

Various strategies and initiatives are taken by Brunei Darussalam to mitigate and adapt climate change impacts. One such efforts is the introduction of the Brunei National Climate Change Policy, BNCCP, which outlines 10 key strategies that would pave pathways toward a low carbon and climate-resilient Brunei Darussalam. This was highlighted by the Deputy Minister of Development during the High Level Dialogue on Climate Change and Promoting Green Development at the ASEAN-China High Level Forum on Green and Sustainable Development ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Forum 2021.

 

Dato Seri Paduka Architect Awang Haji Marzuke bin Haji  Mohsin added as a predominantly oil and gas country, Brunei Darussalam have placed great emphasis on the just transition of the energy sector through carbon capture, utilisation and storage, zero routine flaring, and carbon pricing. At the same time, Brunei Darussalam are also leveraging on Nature-Based solutions by planting 500,000 new trees by 2035. Held on 25th to 26th of October 2021 via video conference, the forum was co-hosted by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

 

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

At the 39th ASEAN Summit, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah express belief that it is important to reflect on developments within the region, while ASEAN should also uphold its integrity and credibility. The situation in Myanmar has captured global attention this year. To this end, His Majesty reaffirms that Myanmar is a part of the ASEAN family and, with respect to the principle of non-interference, it is important to give Myanmar space to return to normalcy. His Majesty expresses the hope that Myanmar fully implements the Five-Point Consensus in a timely manner to help the country regain the confidence of the regional and international community.

 

In the titah, the Monarch highlights ASEAN’s significant progress in strengthening cooperation with external partners, noting the expansion of work to collectively address COVID-19 and prepare for the future. ASEAN-led processes continue to be the best way for ASEAN to effectively address issues of common concern. His Majesty also welcomes the United Kingdom as the first new Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in over two decades. The Monarch then highlights the need for ASEAN to uphold an open, inclusive and rules-based regional architecture, with ASEAN at its centre.

 

At the Summit, the leaders underscored that, in light of geopolitical tensions and conflicts between major powers, ASEAN centrality and unity are especially vital when engaging with external partners on issues such as the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea, Korean Peninsula as well as new security agreements. Leaders also urged for the mediation of the situation in Myanmar to uphold ASEAN’s credibility and preserve regional peace, security and stability. At the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits, the Chairman’s Statement of the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits was issued and adopted by ASEAN Leaders.

 

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

At the 24^th ASEAN-China Summit, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam emphasizes the need for ASEAN and China to continue to uphold multilateralism and international law, including the U.N. Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS. In the titah, His Majesty expresses appreciation for China’s donations of vaccines and medical supplies to ASEAN Member States, including Brunei Darussalam. The Monarch highlights that China has continued to play a crucial role in the long-term development of the region, which is evident through cooperation in various areas, ranging from economic, people-to-people exchanges, and recently, pandemic response. In this regard, His Majesty looks forward to the Special Summit to Commemorate 30 Years of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations in November 2021, which will be a good opportunity to reflect on the ASEAN-China partnership for the last 30 years, and chart the way to a new level of relations that will benefit the people and region.

 

Meanwhile, His Excellency Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China in his statement, emphasised China’s commitment to multilateralism, anti-COVID cooperation, promotion of economic growth and business cooperation as well as to uphold regional architectures centered around ASEAN. ASEAN stands as a priority of China’s diplomacy in ASEAN integration and centrality. His Excellency Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN delivered the ASEAN Common Statement on ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, which underscored the support for maintaining ASEAN centrality and unity in the evolving regional architecture as well as the importance of multilateralism, regionalism and international law in promoting regional peace and prosperity.

 

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday morning Chaired the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits which carry the theme “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”, held virtually via video conference from Baitul Mesyuarah, Istana Nurul Iman. The Summits were also attended by other ASEAN Leaders. At the 38th ASEAN Summit, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, as ASEAN Chairman for 2021 in a titah says ASEAN is making efforts to ensure youths will inherit a region that can progress and develop in a sustainable way. In this regard, His Majesty expresses the belief that the circular economy model that ASEAN has developed will enhance efficiency and lay the foundations for green recovery.

 

Furthermore, His Majesty welcomes ASEAN’s work to protect vulnerable groups through the ASEAN Comprehensive Framework on Care Economy to ensure the recovery is also inclusive. His Majesty in the titah states that these initiatives will help strengthen ASEAN’s preparedness and safeguard peoples’ welfare and development and enable sustainable prosperity for all. ASEAN, His Majesty adds, has made good progress in advancing ASEAN Community-building efforts while at the same time, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also emphasised that ASEAN’s unity and collective efforts are vital for the region’s future in a rapidly changing world. His Majesty informs that this year, Brunei Darussalam has emphasised the importance of caring for the people and preparing them for the future.

 

At the beginning of the summit, the Leaders were presented with a progress report by His Excellency Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, ASEAN Secretary-General which included the ASEAN’s recovery efforts in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic through the prioritisation of vaccine security and successful implementation of recovery frameworks, as well as the need to operationalise interconnectivity and digitalisation to spearhead regional recovery. Aside from that, the ASEAN Leaders also commended ASEAN’s collective efforts in the successful development of the ASEAN Post-2025 Community Vision and urged for the continued cooperation with external partners in promoting ASEAN’s regional frameworks. In preparing for future public health emergencies, Leaders emphasised the importance of affordable, accessible and equitable distribution of vaccines as well as medical, technical and financial support across the region. ASEAN should also leverage on opportunities to develop its digital sector to accelerate economic regional recovery.

 

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

ASEAN and China welcomed positive progress in several cooperation areas such as combatting transnational crime; trade and economy; and education. His Excellency also acknowledged China’s proposal to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN. At the Summit, the leaders appreciated China’s generous contributions towards COVID-19 recovery including the provision of vaccines, medical supplies and technical expertise.

 

ASEAN and China are each other’s largest trading partners and to this end, Leaders hoped to upgrade the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, in efforts to adhere to the multilateral trading system. At the end of the Summit, the Joint Statement on Cooperation in Support of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework; and Joint Statement on Enhancing Green and Sustainable Development Cooperation were adopted.

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

 

U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday rebooted his country’s lapsed relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations by attending the annual meeting of the 10-member bloc virtually and announcing plans to provide up to $102 million to expand the U.S. strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Our partnership is essential in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, which has been the foundation of our shared security and prosperity for many decades,” Biden said in his opening remarks delivered from the White House as leaders of nine of the 10 nations listened. “And the United States strongly supports the ASEAN outlook and the Indo-Pacific — on the Indo-Pacific and the rules-based regional order.”

The last U.S. president to attend an ASEAN-U.S. meeting was in 2017 when Donald Trump attended in Manila.

Biden underscored the importance of ASEAN and called the relationship a “linchpin for maintaining the resilience, the prosperity, and security of our shared region.”

The White House said the new funding will go toward health, climate, economic and education programs.

Included in the package is $40 million that will go to an initiative to help address the current COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen ASEAN’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to future outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Another $20.5 million will finance climate mitigation, and up to $20 million will support cooperation on trade and innovation. Another $17.5 million is earmarked for education projects, and $4 million to promote gender equality and equity.

US-China rivalry

The summit is the first time in four years that an American president participated at the top level with an economically dynamic regional bloc seen as key to countering an increasingly assertive China.

Marc Mealy, senior vice president for policy at the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, said he welcomes Biden’s re-engagement. “We’re talking about a region that by 2030 is going to be one of the largest regional economies in the world,” he said.

While the United States is seen as a security guarantor against rising Chinese ambition in the region, Washington is lagging behind Beijing in terms of economic ties. According to ASEAN data, the bloc became China’s largest trading partner in 2020.

ASEAN and China are also part of the world’s biggest free trade agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The U.S. is not part of the deal, which covers nearly 30% of the global economy.

The U.S. is also left out of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade agreement formerly known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The 2016 TPP was promoted by former president Barack Obama but Trump withdrew from it in 2017.

“On several issues, whether it’s trade or climate, the United States plays an important role in setting the table, and then sometimes leaves the table,” said Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow at the Wilson Center’s Asia program.

He pointed out that geographically, Washington is at a disadvantage and will need to work harder to win ASEAN support at the same time that regional players, including China, Japan, South Korea and Australia, are eager to step in.

“When you raise the bar, and then you subsequently walk away, there’s a double disadvantage,” Parameswaran said.

In recent years, the U.S.-China rivalry in Southeast Asia has intensified significantly. The Biden administration is continuing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy in the region, which singles out Beijing for pursuing regional hegemony.

But most members of ASEAN refuse a binary choice between the U.S. and China and underscore the need to cooperate with both, while ensuring freedom of navigation, including in the Taiwan Straits.

“What’s the benefit for conflict happening in that area? Who gets the benefit?” Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan said to VOA. “Nobody. COVID is enough (to) create the problem,” he said.

Where’s Myanmar?

Although Myanmar did not attend the ASEAN meeting, U.S. officials said the delicate state of that nation was part of discussions. In February, the military deposed the elected government and jailed its leader amid allegations of electoral fraud in last November’s elections.

In April, participants agreed on a five-point plan that called for an immediate end to violence and sent a special ASEAN envoy to the country, formerly known as Burma.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the bloc, with the help of the U.S., is trying to reach a regional solution. On Monday, he said he met virtually with officials from Myanmar’s government-in-exile.

“We discussed broader diplomacy with key countries in the region and those with influence on the military junta, and how the United States could send strong messages to those countries, as well,” he said. “And in fact, just this morning, President Biden has participated in the U.S.-ASEAN Summit, and ASEAN has taken the step of denying a seat at that summit to the junta leader.”

That exclusion, Parameswaran said, was no mere formality.

“I think it’s a significant move,” he said. … In a virtual setting, you literally had a screen where Myanmar was a blank screen while the meeting was going on. And I think this is a very sort of vivid signal from ASEAN. I think the jury remains out on how ASEAN manages this challenge. I mean, the fact remains that when ASEAN admitted Myanmar into the grouping, they were very aware of these challenges, and they decided to keep Myanmar in rather than keeping Myanmar out. So, this is something which ASEAN can’t sort of sweep under the rug and sort of say this is a Myanmar problem. It is a Southeast Asia problem. It is an ASEAN problem.”

What’s next?

Sullivan told VOA that the U.S. will continue to support ASEAN’s five-point plan to bring about a solution.

“We will continue to stay focused on our steadfast support for the people of Burma for a democratic path in Burma,” he said. “And for the protection of the safety, security and human rights of the citizens.”

On to the G-20

In a way, these meetings form a preview for the administration’s vow to conduct “aggressive diplomacy.” What that looks like in practice is likely to come into focus in the coming days, as Biden heads to Rome on Thursday for the meeting of the world’s 20 wealthiest nations, known as the G-20. And from there, to the 26th United Nations climate summit in Glasgow.

“President Biden and key European partners will sit down at these two summits to coordinate policies on Iran, on supply chains, on global infrastructure efforts and so much else,” Sullivan said.

He noted that two of the world’s top leaders who won’t attend the summits in person could affect the outcome.

“Neither China nor Russia will be attending the summit in person at the leader level, largely, it seems, due to COVID-19,” Sullivan said. “The U.S. and Europe will be there. They’ll be there energized and united at both the G-20 and at COP26, driving the agenda, shaping the agenda as it relates to these significant international issues.”

 

 

Source: Voice of America

 

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, opened a three-day regional summit without Myanmar, after the country’s ruling junta refused to send a nonpolitical representative to the meeting in place of its top military leader.

ASEAN ministers decided on October 15 to exclude Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing from the summit. This was considered ASEAN’s biggest rebuke of Myanmar since February 1, when the Myanmar military toppled a civilian government under the de facto leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Instead, the regional bloc invited Chan Aye, permanent secretary in the junta’s foreign ministry, to attend the ASEAN virtual summit as a nonpolitical representative.

Myanmar military government spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun said the invitation “didn’t place Myanmar at the same level” as the other countries and was thus rejected.

“For us, attending a meeting that doesn’t place us at the same level with others is like an assault to the sovereignty of our nation,” he said, according to Bloomberg. “Given that it’s a summit for state leaders, they should invite the state leader.”

Sun Yun, co-director of the East Asia Program and director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, said the junta is sending a signal to ASEAN by choosing not to send anyone.

“The signal is that the junta sees itself as the sole, legitimate ruler of the country and does not accept ASEAN’s attempt to influence its decision,” she told VOA Mandarin via email. The Stimson Center is a Washington think tank.

Myanmar has been one of ASEAN’s most divisive issues since it joined the bloc in 1997 as a military dictatorship criticized by many Western nations for its authoritarian rule. Even after that regime lost power in 2015, in the nation’s first openly contested election in 25 years, Myanmar has tested ASEAN with its treatment of the Rohingya minority and other issues.

The decision not to invite Min Aung Hlaing was an unprecedented move for the 10-member regional bloc, which traditionally does not interfere in its members’ internal affairs.

Current ASEAN chair Brunei issued a statement on October 16, saying that it could not reach a consensus on inviting the general to attend the summit.

The statement said that because of “insufficient progress” in the situation in Myanmar, the bloc wanted “to allow Myanmar the space to restore its internal affairs and return to normalcy.”

Neither the ASEAN chair nor the bloc’s secretary-general mentioned Myanmar’s absence during opening remarks at Tuesday’s virtual meeting, according to Al-Jazeera. [[

When the Myanmar military launched its coup in February, it imprisoned dozens of elected government officials including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, triggering large-scale protests across the country.

Since then, the military has used force to suppress the opposition, and the international community has condemned the junta. The junta has described members of the opposition as terrorists.

To mediate the situation in Myanmar, ASEAN’s special envoy to Myanmar Erywan Yusof requested a meeting on October 10-14 which the junta rejected.

Since the establishment of ASEAN in 1967, it has rarely commented on the internal affairs of its member states. According to Yuyun Wahyuningrum, Indonesia’s representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, the strong response to Myanmar stems from the junta’s failure to keep to the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus, which was hammered out at an April 24 meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, attended by coup leader Min Aung Hlaing.

“All member states agreed that the issue in Myanmar is a regional issue, requiring a regional solution and all member states to commit to it. If Myanmar or any country in the region does not commit to a Five-Point Consensus, there should be an implication,” Wahyuningrum told VOA Mandarin via phone.

The plan called for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, constructive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special ASEAN envoy to facilitate dialogue, the provision of humanitarian assistance, and a visit by the envoy to Myanmar.

In the days following the Jakarta meeting, Myanmar’s junta called the points in the plan “suggestions” that it would consider only when Myanmar “returns to stability” as its priority was to “maintain law and order,” reported Reuters.

Nicholas Coppel, a former Australian ambassador to Myanmar and an adjunct associate professor at Monash University in Melbourne, agreed with Wahyuningrum.

“ASEAN is sending a very clear signal that the Senior General Min Aung Hlaing would not be welcomed at another leaders’ meeting until there is some improvement in regards to implementing the Five-Point Consensus,” he told VOA Mandarin in a phone interview.

Sun, of the Stimson Center, said she doesn’t see any further moves by the regional bloc, which is known as an organization based on consensus.

“While the decision to invite a nonpolitical figure was a major move for ASEAN and shows that ASEAN members are frustrated with Myanmar, I don’t think the organization will take further moves to suspend Myanmar’s membership or expel the country,” she told VOA. “It is laudable, but I don’t expect much more.”

 

 

Source: Voice of America

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 18th ASEAN-India Summit, to be held virtually on October 28, at the invitation of the Sultan of Brunei. He will also attend the 16th East Asia Summit to be held on October 27 virtually.

The ASEAN-India Summit will be attended by Heads of State or Government of the ASEAN countries.

The summit will review the status of ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and take stock of progress made in key areas including Covid-19 & Health, Trade & Commerce, Connectivity, and Education & Culture, MEA said.

“Important regional and international developments including post-pandemic economic recovery will also be discussed. ASEAN-India Summits are held annually and provide opportunities for India and ASEAN to engage at the highest level,” the MEA statement said.

 

Source: TREND News Agency

 

 

The Minister Of Home Affairs stated the Ministry of Home Affairs informed that His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented for the current building tax relief for 2021 to commercial building tax payers under the purview of the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board, Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Board and Tutong Municipal Board following the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak since 7th of August 2021.

 

The objectives for providing the relief are:

First as an incentive to commercial building owners to alleviate the burden of tenants affected by reducing rental rates;

Secondly,  to assist in terms of cash flow of building tax payers and tenants for commercial properties; third, to ensure that it will not have a worse effect on building tax arrears; and finally to help reduce the burden on traders who conduct business in privately owned commercial buildings

 

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam as the Chair of ASEAN for 2021, in a titah looks forward to continuous cooperation between the private and public sectors so that the region can recover together and and emerge stronger. His Majesty made the titah via video recording at the Opening Session of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, ABIS 2021.

 

His Majesty in the titah states that with the pandemic still ongoing, the global economy remains fragile and uncertain. In combating this crisis, it is more important than ever for ASEAN and its dialogue partners to enhance solidarity and cooperation and to encourage continued engagement between the private and public sectors. The monarch stresses that as the Chair of ASEAN for 2021, Brunei Darussalam has the honour of leading the region towards economic recovery. The theme, “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper” affirms ASEAN’s collective commitment to care for its people and prepare for future challenges and opportunities, with the goal of ensuring that the whole ASEAN Community can sustainably prosper.

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei

By the consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Prime Minister’s Office informed that ‘Operasi Pulih’ control measures are extended by another 14 days, from Monday the 1st of November 2021 until Sunday the 14th of November 2021. The extension is a step to prepare Brunei Darussalam towards its recovery process in facing the new normals by controlling COVID-19 as well as to enable the increase of vaccination coverage of the country’s population towards achieving the desired target.

 

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs said ‘Operasi Pulih’, which has been carried out for three weeks has shown positive and significant results since last week, in which findings from the Ministry of Health have shown that the epidemiological measurement value rate is at a stable level, with a decreasing Effective Reproductive Number (Rt) and longer doubling time. Although the daily rates of infection numbers are still high, the number of critical patients, in Categories 4 and 5, are stable and did not show any increase. The operation has also opened the opportunity for the Government of His Majesty to identify trends and real patterns of infection that require further attention. Meanwhile the National Vaccination Programme has also shown its efficacy and are on course towards achieving the target of 80 per cent by the end of 2021. The extension of ‘Operasi Pulih’ will also give time and space for the Government to speed up the administration of vaccines to citizens and residents, especially the extension of the vaccination programme to individuals aged 12 to 17, and at the same time further intensifying efforts in dealing with issues related to the risk of COVID-19.

 

 

Source: Radio Television Brunei