BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam has taken over the Chairmanship of Asean, the second time since 2001. The two crucial events which the country will host this year are the 22nd Asean Summit on April 24 and 25 which focuses on Asean matters alone where heads of government of Asean member countries convene and the Asean Plus Dialogue Partners Summit on Oct 9-10 with China, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, Asean-US Leaders’ meeting/First Asean-US Summit, Asean Plus 3 Summit and 8th East Asia Summit, Borneo Bulletin reported.
In addition, at least 60 other meetings will be held throughout this year in the Sultanate.
It ranges from Asean Senior Officials Meetings (SOM), Asean Finance and Central Bank working group, Asean Defence and Security, Asean Socio-Cultural Community, Military operations informal meeting, Asean central bank deputy ministers meeting, Defence senior officials, Asean Finance Ministers meeting, Senior economic officials meeting, Asean Foreign Ministers meeting, Asean Defence Ministers meeting and Senior officials and ministerial meetings on youths. Others include Asean Economic Ministers meeting and Asean-Japan Joint Committee meetings.
The theme chosen under the Brunei Chairmanship this year is ‘Our People, Our Future Together’ which emphasises the important role of people in realising the vision of Asean Community.
This theme stresses on the role of the people in Asean Member States in advancing cooperation in the areas of political-security, economic and socio-cultural. It also asserts the region’s future dependent on how the people of Asean move and work together to ensure progress for the development of the whole region.
In terms of political-security, the priorities are to continue supporting the implementation of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in South China Sea (DOC), pursue the Code of Conduct in South China Sea (COC) through a step-by-step approach, closely consulting major powers and Asian dialogue partners and carry forward the ongoing work in Asean under APSC blueprint. Brunei Darussalam will also be implementing the activities of AICHR identified in 2013.
Meanwhile as for priorities in the economic community, it is vital for Asean to continue to implement its target in achieving the Asean Economic Community by 2015, enhance Asean competitiveness through regulatory reforms including Ease of Doing Business in Asean member states as well as increase intra and extra regional trade and investment.
As for priorities in the socio-cultural community, it would continue the previous work of the Asean SocioCultural Community (ASCC) with the most vulnerable and influential group in Asean, focus on cross-cutting youth related projects, enhance Asean awareness and completion of ongoing work on Asean communication plan.
Asean will also continue to work with Asean Plus Three countries and Asean Regional Forum in the East Asia Summit and the respective dialogue partners.
Another crucial event towards the end of this year is the Commemorative Summit to mark the 40th anniversary of Asean-Japan relations in Japan.
His Majesty in his New Year 2013 titan, said, “In 2013, the nation is taking over the Chairmanship of Asean and becomes host to meetings which among others include the Asean Summit with heads of government of Asean and the Asean Summit with its dialogue partners.
“By Allah the Almighty’s Will, we will take this opportunity to leverage our role in terms of contributing towards peace and prosperity both regionally and internationally. Besides, as a host, it is an opportunity for us to showcase to the world our capability in attaining progress, peace and harmony in our society, including in welcoming our guests warmly and with respect.”
Meanwhile, a logo has been chosen for this year’s summit. The entire logo is in the form of “Bunga Berputar”, one of the flower patterns found in Bruneian traditional woven fabrics. This reflects the dynamism of Asean which is constantly moving ahead to meet its needs in the political, security, economic and social areas.
The logo features 10 human figures holding hands with one another, symbolising Asean nationals from all the 10 Asean Member States who are united in working together in developing Asean in the political-security, economic and social aspects.
The red, black, yellow, white and blue colours of the human figures reflect the colours of the flags of Asean Member States. The blue colour represents peace and political stability; red depicts courage and dynamism in upholding security; white shows purity; and yellow symbolises economic prosperity. The Asean emblem in the centre represents a stable, peaceful, united and dynamic bloc.