THE 32nd ASEAN Summit wrapped up yesterday on a hopeful note reaffirming that Southeast Asian countries will work more closely with new powers China and India to counter the pressure of protectionism and ensure continued growth.
Addressing the Retreat Session of the summit of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which was also attended by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Prime Minister of Singapore and Chairman of ASEAN Lee Hsien Loong, said that regional economic growth is under threat because the political mood in many countries had turned against free trade. He said recent trade tensions between the US and China in particular are worrying.
“The global strategic balance is shifting, and so is the regional balance,” Lee said. “New powers, including China and India, are growing in strength and influence.This has opened up new opportunities for ASEAN member states as we expand our cooperation with them.”
He said that the group faces challenges closer to home as well, such as the Islamic State (IS) group, cybersecurity and strengthening of regional economic community.
In a statement yesterday, ASEAN leaders affirmed the need for peace in the South China Sea, where the bloc is currently negotiating a set of rules with China to avoid conflict situations arising from a territorial dispute.
The Retreat Session was held at the Tower B Ballroom, Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.
The session was also attended by the Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi.
The session commenced with an opening statement by Lee Hsien Loong in which he welcomed all the ASEAN Heads of State and Government to the session.
During the session, His Majesty and other leaders discussed issues on cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern as well as on ASEAN’s external relations and its future direction.
His Majesty then proceeded to the Tower A Ballroom to attend a luncheon hosted by the Chairman of ASEAN.
Earlier, His Majesty attended the opening ceremony of the 32nd ASEAN Summit which was held at the Island Ballroom, Shangri-La Hotel. Upon arrival, the monarch was welcomed by Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching.
The ceremony commenced with the ASEAN’s theme song, followed by an opening statement by the Prime Minister of Singapore in which he welcomed the ASEAN Heads of State and Government to Singapore.
His Majesty then joined other ASEAN leaders for a group photograph session.
After the ceremony, His Majesty, together with other ASEAN leaders proceeded to the Island Ballroom foyer to view the Smart Nation Showcase.
After attending the summit, His Majesty left the Republic of Singapore.
Prior to departure from the hotel, a Doa Selamat was recited by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
Present at the VIP Complex, Changi International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty was Senior Minister of State for Health and Transport of the Republic of Singapore, Dr Lam Pin Min, and High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Singapore, Haji Awang Saifulbahri bin Haji Mansor.
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