Sharing his perspectives at the
plenary session of the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Mr Lee suggested
several ways to achieve this.
First, ASEAN has to redouble its
community building efforts. He supports the proposal to realise the ASEAN
Community built on three pillars -- political security, economic and
socio-cultural cooperation -- by December 31, 2015.
It is also imperative that member
countries meet the target set, otherwise ASEAN's credibility will be affected
and its people's hopes will be dented.
The second area is to implement
the ASEAN Connectivity projects. Mr Lee said a more integrated ASEAN benefits
its people, businesses and the wider region, and hence the grouping must
implement projects in the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity.
He noted that most attractive
projects have already been taken up and the grouping should identify new
projects and scope remaining projects properly so they are economically viable.
The third is to expand
cooperation with its external partners and in this regard, Mr Lee welcomes the
launch of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations,
which will involve nearly half the world's population and a third of the
world's GDP.
Mr Lee called for the RCEP
discussions to be open and inclusive so that future ASEAN FTA partners can
participate in it when they are ready.
The Singapore Prime Minister also
welcomed the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, describing it as a significant
step forward as it demonstrated the regional will to promote human rights in
ASEAN's own way but in conformity with international law.
Mr Lee also touched on the need
to manage tensions in the South China Sea. He said overlapping claims are in
the heart of the ASEAN region and that the group must play a constructive role
in managing problem.
Mr Lee stressed that ASEAN should
not take sides on the merits of the various claims, but it must state a
position which is neutral, forward-looking, and in accordance with
international law.
Therefore, he has urged that
ASEAN should counsel all parties to continue to abide by the Declaration of
Conduct, exercise maximum restraint, and refrain from provocative actions.
-CNA/ac
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