Implementation of Post-2015 ASEAN Community poses challenges, says Thein Sein

 

 

The president made his remarks in his opening speech at the Summit. He currently holds the alternating Asean chairmanship for 2014. On the first day of meetings, Asean leaders called for further economic integration after the implementation of the Asean Economic Community at the end of next year. The 10-nation bloc pledged to fight the rise of extremism, as well as international problems such as Ebola and climate change. 

“Despite the achievements that we have made in various fields and accomplishing nearly 80 per cent of the overall measures due under the three ASEAN Community Blueprints, challenges remain in implementing the remaining 20 per cent of the targets and addressing the issues that will emerge in the post-2015 Asean Community,” said Thein Sein. 

He said two main tasks were undertaken by his government during this year, namely, consideration for strengthening the Asean Institutions in line with the Asean Charter and endeavouring to implement the Asean Community’s Post-2015 Vision.

At the summit, leaders of Asean countries discussed matters pertaining to the establishment of the Asean Community, the Asean Community’s Post-2015 Vision and the strengthening of Asean organisations. Delegate salso exchanged views on regional and international issues. 

The Summit adopted the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration on the Asean Community’s Post-2015 Vision, the Declaration on Strengthening the Asean Secretariat and Reviewing the Asean Organs, as well as the Asean Joint Statement on Climate Change. 

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also attended the Summit alongside leaders of the ten Asean countries and other world leaders.

President Thein Sein’s opening speech lasted for about 14 minutes and expounded on his efforts to strengthen Asean throughout the year, as well as prospects for future work.