ASEAN Foreign Ministers Congratulate the Philippines for Successfully Ending Marawi Siege, Vow Greater Regional Cooperation Against Terrorism and Other Transnational Crimes, and in Community-Building Efforts
13 November 2017 MANILA - During the 16th ASEAN Political Security Community Council (APSC) Meeting held today in Pasay City, Philippines, the Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) congratulated the Philippines for successfully ending the Marawi siege, neutralizing the terrorist group's top leaders, and bringing to justice the remnants of the group. Noting the growing tide of terrorism fueled by violent extremist ideologies and the problem posed by foreign terrorist fighters, the Foreign Ministers renewed their commitment to cooperate regionally and with external partners in fighting the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism.
During the meeting, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers also commended the significant progress made by various sectoral bodies in the APSC to implement the APSC Blueprint 2025. In particular, they noted the development of an ASEAN-wide instrument to provide greater protection to migrant workers in the region.
Noting the threats posed by transnational crimes, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers also renewed their commitment to realize the vision of a drug-free ASEAN though greater cooperation on capacity-building activities, exchange of intelligence information, and closer engagement between and among relevant ASEAN law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, they noted the need to develop norms to ensure a transparent, responsible and secure cyber-space.
With regards to the situation in the Northern Rakhine State of Myanmar, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to assist Myanmar in addressing the situation in Rakhine State, including through the provision of humanitarian assistance to the affected communities and helping the Myanmar government in implementing the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission.
In his closing remarks, Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, chair of the APSC, thanked and commended his fellow ASEAN Foreign Ministers for vigorously helping realize the APSC Blueprint 2025 which seeks to create and maintain an environment of peace, stability and economic prosperity for all the peoples of ASEAN. END