Southeast Asia proffers shared stances following foreign ministers' retreat in Laos

Natural disasters, climate change, terrorism, epidemics, cyber security and irregular migration were among topics discussed as foreign ministers from 10 South-East Asian nations gathered in the Lao capital Saturday.

International developments such as conflicts in the Middle East, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace, security, stability in the South China Sea were also aired at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' retreat in Vientiane.

The 10-member group also agreed to promote "a peaceful, stable and outward-looking ASEAN region with highly integrated and cohesive regional economy, enhanced connectivity and strengthened efforts in narrowing the development gap," Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongloun Sisoulith said in opening remarks as chair.

Addressing reporters at a press conference following the retreat, Thongloun highlighted the Association's 2016 theme, "Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community."

Eight related priorities were agreed to at the ministerial gathering including implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and its three blueprints for cooperation in political-security, economic and socio-cultural spheres.

Additional focus areas include improved connectivity and cross- border tourism development as well as joint efforts for preservation, protection and promotion of the region's rich cultural heritage.

The group also committed to narrowing development gaps while facilitating trade, development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), promotion of decent work and greater formalization of the region's still highly informal economies.

Regarding the South China Sea, as a bloc ASEAN "remained seriously concerned over recent and ongoing developments and took note of the concerns expressed by some ministers on land reclamations and escalation of activities in the area which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region," the joint statement delivered by Thongloun said.

According to the statement, ASEAN members called for all parties operating in the South China Sea to "enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law."

The Vientiane retreat was the first such gathering since the inception of the trade, investment and skilled-employment liberalizing ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of 2015 and comes in advance of the ASEAN Leaders Summit and related events set for September in the Lao capital.