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I. Track 1: Governmental Meetings

January

ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM); ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM); ASEAN+3 SOM & SEOM; ASEAN-China SOM; ASEAN-Japan SOM & SEOM; ASEAN-Republic of Korea SOM & SEOM; ASEAN-India SOM & SEOM; Final Meeting of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the ASEAN Charter
Date: January 10–14, 2007
Location: Cebu, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Senior foreign affairs and economic officials from ASEAN and ASEAN+3 countries, as well as India, met in an array of meetings on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. In addition, the EPG on the ASEAN Charter held its final meeting before presenting its recommendations to ASEAN leaders.
For information, see: http://www.12thaseansummit.org.ph/innertemplate3.asp?category=docs&docid=62
ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers Meeting; Japan-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting; Foreign Ministers of the East Asia Summit (EAS) Meeting; Japan-Cambodia/Laos/ Vietnam (CLV) Foreign Ministerial Meeting; Cambodia-Lao PDR-Myanmar-Vietnam (CLMV) Ministerial Meeting; 4th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Ministerial Meeting
Date: January 11–12, 2007
Location: Cebu, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
On the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, foreign ministers held an array of bilateral and multilateral meetings. The ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers Meeting held a working lunch to exchange views on ways to further promote ASEAN+3 cooperation and to discuss preparations for the ASEAN+3 Summit Meeting.
The Japan-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting was held to review and further promote Japan-ASEAN cooperation and to prepare for the Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting.
There was a working lunch of the foreign ministers of the EAS member countries to exchange views on regional cooperation and on preparations for the next EAS. In addition, a Japan-CLV Foreign Ministerial Meeting was held to exchange views on ways to further promote cooperation. Japan expressed its regard for the Mekong region as a priority area for economic assistance and pledged to increase its development aid to CLV countries and the entire region.
The fourth Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Ministerial Meeting brought together ministers from the six member countries of India, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. These countries stress cooperation in tourism, culture, education, and transportation linkages to create a foundation for trade and investment cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2007/1/0105-3.html
http://www.kh.emb-japan.go.jp/speech/2007/20070530.doc

10th ASEAN-China Summit; 10th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit; 10th ASEAN-Japan Summit; 5th ASEAN-India Summit
Date: January 11–12, 2007
Location: Cebu, Philipines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
On the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, heads of state held an array of bilateral and multilateral summit meetings. At the ASEAN-China Summit, leaders welcomed China's five-point proposal for strengthening political mutual trust, bringing ASEAN-China economic relations and trade to a new level, carrying out cooperation in nontraditional security fields, actively supporting ASEAN community building and integration, and expanding social, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. ASEAN leaders thanked China for its pledge of US$1 million for Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) projects. Participants signed agreements on trade in services, information and communications technology cooperation, and agricultural cooperation.
The ASEAN-ROK Summit addressed North Korea's recent missile launches and nuclear test. Participants expressed concern, reaffirmed the need for full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, and noted the possible role that the ASEAN Regional Forum might play in helping to promote dialogue and interaction with the DPRK. ASEAN leaders thanked the ROK for being the top contributor to the IAI, and the ROK announced that it will double its official development assistance (ODA) to ASEAN member countries by 2009.
At the ASEAN-Japan Summit, ASEAN leaders thanked Japan for its support of the Vientiane Action Programme and the IAI. Japan pledged new funding to help bridge the development gap in ASEAN through the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership and launched an initiative to expand its ODA to the Mekong region.
At the ASEAN-India Summit, participants welcomed India's "Look East Policy." ASEAN and India will launch a dialogue on an Open Skies Agreement to liberalize air services between the regions and foster interaction and movement between its peoples. Participants also welcomed India's increasingly active participation in the region.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2007/1/0105-3.html
http://www.kh.emb-japan.go.jp/speech/2007/20070530.doc

3rd Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit; 2nd Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Summit; 3rd Cambodia-Lao PDR-Myanmar-Vietnam (CLMV) Summit
Date: January 12, 2007
Location: Cebu, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
In broad-ranging discussions that covered topics related to the region's economy, security, energy, environment, and sociocultural issues, the leaders of the BIMP-EAGA reaffirmed their commitment to narrowing development gaps in ASEAN as an essential step in the realization of an ASEAN Community. Participants discussed the progress made in the implementation of the BIMP-EAGA Roadmap to Development 2006-2010, such as the completion of a BIMP-EAGA database on cross-border trade, investment, and tourism; the preparation of an energy action plan; and the conduct of joint trade and tourism promotion activities. To enhance regional transport connectivity, leaders signed a memorandum of understanding on expansion of air linkages. The second Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Summit and third CLMV Summit were held as well.
For information, see: http://www.12thaseansummit.org.ph/innertemplate3.asp?category=docs&docid=51

12th ASEAN Summit
Date: January 13, 2007
Location:Cebu, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The heads of state of ASEAN exchanged views on regional and international developments, focusing on how to deepen ASEAN integration to better foster the region's sustainable development, stability, security, and prosperity. Participants signed the Cebu Declaration on the Blueprint of the ASEAN Charter to endorse the Report of the Eminent Persons Group on the ASEAN Charter, and also directed the High-Level Task Force to complete the drafting of the ASEAN Charter in time for the 13th Summit in November 2007. Leaders also discussed measures to further create linkages within ASEAN to work toward an economic, social/cultural, and security community.
In terms of external relations, participants welcomed the progress of free trade agreement negotiations with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand. Leaders also considered forging closer cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
For information, see: http://www.12thaseansummit.org.ph/innertemplate3.asp?category=docs&docid=62

7th China-Japan-Republic of Korea Summit Meeting
Date: January 14, 2007
Location: Cebu, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Government of China
The seventh summit meeting among the leaders of China, Japan, and South Korea was held with the attendance of Wen Jiabao, Abe Shinzo, and Roh Moo-hyun. The three leaders expressed satisfaction with the recent development of relations among the three countries and shared the view that they shoulder a great responsibility for maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia. They stressed that strengthening future-oriented trilateral cooperation serves the long-term interests of their peoples and contributes to stability and development in the region. The leaders agreed to have more frequent exchanges and decided to set up a trilateral consultation mechanism at the level of senior foreign affairs officials. The first round of these consultations was to be held in China later in 2007.
For information, see: http://chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/wjdt/2649/t289953.htm

10th ASEAN+3 Summit
Date: January 14, 2007
Location: Cebu, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Heads of ASEAN member countries and of China, Japan, and South Korea reaffirmed their long-term goal of realizing an East Asia community. ASEAN+3 cooperation has expanded to such areas as women, poverty alleviation, disaster management, and minerals. Proposals included Japan's support for disaster reduction/preparedness education through the Asian Disaster Reduction Center and China's setting up of a regional monitoring network on infectious diseases. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN community building, according priority to the successful implementation of the Vientiane Action Programme, narrowing the development gap, and facilitating ASEAN integration.
For information, see: http://www.12thaseansummit.org.ph/innertemplate3.asp?category=docs&docid=61

2nd East Asia Summit (EAS)
Date: January 15, 2007
Location: Cebu, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: EAS; chaired by the Philippines
The heads of state and government of ASEAN, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand exchanged views on regional and international issues, as well as on issues of strategic importance to the East Asian region. Issues discussed included poverty eradication, energy, education, finance, avian influenza, natural disaster mitigation, the Doha Development Agenda, economic development and regional integration, interfaith initiatives, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and the future direction of the EAS.
Energy was a particular priority area for the second EAS, and a special session was devoted to achieving the shared goal of ensuring affordable energy sources for development in the region. Discussions covered energy security, renewable and alternative energy sources, energy efficiency and conservation, and climate change and resulted in the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security.
Participants agreed to initiate concrete projects in all five of the priority areas of EAS cooperation-energy security, finance, education, avian influenza, and disaster mitigation-before the next summit.
For information, see: http://www.12thaseansummit.org.ph/innertemplate3.asp?category=docs&docid=36

3rd Meeting of the BIMSTEC Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (JWG-CTTC)
Date: January 16-17, 2007
Location: Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
Organizers/Sponsors: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
BIMSTEC established the JWG-CTTC in 2004 to coordinate efforts of BIMSTEC member states in the areas of intelligence sharing and capacity building, as well as to strengthen joint efforts on counterterrorism and transnational crime. Participants at this third meeting unanimously approved an agreement to jointly combat international terrorism and illicit drug trafficking, which was then recommended to the BIMSTEC Summit. Moreover, participants decided to submit a recommendation to set up a BIMSTEC general secretariat office, establish a border liaison office, and promote mutual legal assistance in criminal matters to enhance cooperation against terrorism and transnational crime.
For information, see: http://www.bimstec.org/NewsletterII.pdf

10. 1st APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM I) for the 19th APEC Ministerial Meeting
Date: January 18, 2007
Location: Canberra, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
At the APEC SOM I, participants discussed trade and investment liberalization and business facilitation; structural reform; economic and technical cooperation; and enhancement of human security, including counterterrorism, health issues, emergency preparedness, and energy.
For information, see: http://aimp.apec.org/Documents/2007/SOM/SOM1/07_som1_summary.doc

Special ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (WGIPC)
Date: January 21–22, 2007
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The WGIPC was established in the mid-1990s to implement the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Intellectual Property Cooperation and to serve as a forum for regular consultations to monitor regional and international developments on intellectual property. The working group brings together representatives from national intellectual property offices in ASEAN and international partners to discuss regional strategies on the development of intellectual property.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/9268.htm

1st Meeting of the ASEAN Nuclear Energy Safety Sub-Sector Network (NES-SSN)
Date: January 22–23, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
In response to the recommendation of the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the ASEAN energy ministers created the NES-SSN to discuss civilian nuclear energy safety and security issues and to develop a nuclear safety regime at the regional level that meets international standards. In attendance at the first meeting as observers were two representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who presented the IAEA's program on nuclear safety and security, with particular emphasis on the global nuclear safety and security regime and the Asian Nuclear Safety Network. The meeting offered an opportunity to discuss potential ways of strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and the IAEA in the area of nuclear safety.
For information, see: http://www.ugm.cl/portal-corea/pdf/11-ASEAN-Plus-3_Statements.pdf

15th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF)
Date: January 22–25, 2007
Location: Moscow, Russia
Organizers/Sponsors: APPF
The 15th APPF was held with participants from 23 member nations. The first session examined political and security matters, and participants discussed such traditional and nontraditional threats to stability in the region as terrorism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, and nuclear proliferation. The second plenary session was on economic and trade matters, and participants noted the dynamism and significant economic potential of the region. They called on the APPF to become a platform for multilateral efforts to create the necessary environment for enhanced economic cooperation in the region. In the third plenary on regional cooperation, delegates exchanged views on intercivilization dialogue, disaster relief and emergency response, transport logistics, environmental and healthcare issues, pandemic diseases, information technology, and educational exchanges. Poverty eradication and migration were given the highest priority. The fourth plenary examined the future activities of the APPF. The meeting produced a joint communiqu� and 20 resolutions.
For information, see: http://www.appf.org.pe/meeting/fiftennth/communique-ingles.pdf

1st Chiang Mai Initiative Task Force for Multilateralization Meeting
Date: January 23, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) is intended to address short-term liquidity difficulties and supplement existing international financial arrangements through a network of bilateral swap arrangements (BSA). At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting+3 in 2006, ministers agreed to set up a new task force to further study various options toward an advanced framework for a more effective multilateral framework of regional liquidity support. The proposal for multilateralization that was approved at the 2006 meeting culminated in the conversion of BSA bilateral contracts into a single contract informally known as a common fund or a self-managed reserve pooling arrangement. The ministers agreed in principle that this type of reserve pooling arrangement governed by a single contractual agreement is an appropriate form of multilateralization of the existing swap system, and they established this task force to carry out further in-depth studies on the key elements of the multilateralization. This was their first meeting.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/ASEAN+3Database.pdf
http://www.icrier.org/pdf/6nov08/Charles%20Wyplosz-Paper.pdf

ASEM Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)
Date: January 23–24, 2007
Location: Berlin, Germany
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
The ASEM SOM is held twice a year, once on the eve of ministerial or summit meetings and once separately. No chairman's statement is issued publicly after these meetings, although the chairman does write to participants, summarizing the main conclusions of the meeting. The conclusions are reported to foreign ministers.
For information, see: http://www.aseminfoboard.org/OfficialsMeetings/SOM/

ASEAN Policy Dialogue on National Occupational Safety and Health Framework
Date: January 23–25, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health Network (ASEAN-OSHNET); Government of SIngapore
At the 19th ASEAN Labor Ministers Meeting in May 2006, participants agreed to include occupational safety and health (OSH) as an additional priority area in the ASEAN labor ministers work program. As a result, ASEAN-OSHNET and the government of Singapore jointly convened this meeting, which was attended by delegates from the ASEAN+3 countries. Representatives of the ASEAN-OSHNET and ASEAN secretariats, and experts from the International Labour Organization were also in attendance.
The meeting resulted in a five-year plan of action (2007-2011) to help guide ASEAN member countries in the implementation and strengthening of national OSH frameworks and to enhance OSH standards, systems, strategies, and programs in the region. The plan of action also addresses ways to strengthen regional OSH cooperation within ASEAN and collaboration with partner countries and international organizations.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/20917.pdf

Network of Asian River Basin Organizations 4th Thematic Workshop on Water Allocation and Water Rights
Date: January 23–26, 2007
Location: Saitama, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Network of Asian River Basin Organizations (NARBO); support from Asian Development Bank; hosted by Japan Water Agency, Government of Japan
As increased water demand and water use conflicts are occurring in many countries in Asia, NARBO conducted four thematic workshops on water rights and water allocation issues as part of the organization's major activities in 2005-2007. The first three workshops focused on identifying water rights and water allocation issues in each member country, uncovering the causes of the issues, and identifying improvements and solutions.
This was the fourth workshop, and it served to finalize country-specific action programs for addressing water allocation and water rights issues. While most of the proposed action plans directly address allocation issues, they also create an enabling environment for implementing a water rights system. After discussing the action plan with their respective organizations, the participants were to submit a final version of the action plan in February 2007. The participants also were expected to report on the progress of the implementation of the action plan at the third NARBO General Meeting in early 2008.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/water/NARBO/2007/4th-thematic/meeting-report.asp

4th Asian Senior-Level Talks on Non-proliferation (ASTOP-IV)
Date: January 25–26, 2007
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Director-general-level government officials in charge of nonproliferation policies from ASEAN countries, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United States attended this meeting. Based on the common understanding that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction constitutes a real threat to the peace and security of the Asian region and beyond, participants reviewed non-proliferation efforts and discussed future cooperation in this area. Topics included strengthening the international nuclear nonproliferation regime, implementing recent UN Security Council resolutions concerning North Korea and Iran, ensuring the nuclear fuel supply, addressing challenges facing the domestic implementation of nonproliferation measures, and assessing the Proliferation Security Initiative.
For information, see: http://www3.mofa.go.jp/k/news/2007/01/18d.html

4th ASEAN+3 Oil Market & 5th ASEAN+3 Oil Stockpiling Forums; 6th ASEAN+3 Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME+3) Energy Policy Governing Group Meeting; 4th Energy Security Forum
Date: January 25–26, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/1-2007.htm

1st ASEAN Defence Senior Officials Meeting (ADSOM)
Date: January 25–26, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Following the first ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in May 2006, the ADSOM was established to meet between ministerial meetings to follow up on the decisions reached at the ADMM. The inaugural ADSOM was held in January 2007. The participants agreed on a draft Protocol to the Concept Paper on the Establishment of the ADMM, which outlines the existing military-to-military arrangements that fall under the purview of the ADMM and the organizational structure of ASEAN defense dialogue and cooperation. ADSOM also agreed on a draft ADMM Three-Year Work Programme that will contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Security Community Plan of Action and the Vientiane Action Programme. Both the draft protocol and the work program were considered at the following ADMM.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/ar07.pdf

11th ASEAN Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM)
Date: January 29–30, 2007
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/1-2007.htm

1st Meeting of the 38th ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM 1/38); ASEAN-European Union SEOM; ASEAN-Australia SEOM
Date: January 29–31, 2007
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/1-2007.htm

5th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (AMRDPE)
Date: January 31, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The fifth AMRDPE focused on the theme, "Community Empowerment: A Crucial Path to Rural Development and Poverty Eradication." The meeting was attended by ASEAN ministers responsible for rural development and poverty eradication or their representatives, and the secretary-general of ASEAN also attended. Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont offered a keynote address in which he noted that rural development and poverty reduction are crosscutting issues that need to be addressed in all three pillars of the ASEAN Community. Participants discussed the Millennium Development Goals, the future of rural development and poverty eradication within the ASEAN community, and partnerships with the Plus Three countries. The ministers agreed to accelerate the ASEAN Framework Action Plan on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication in the following areas: (1) narrowing the digital divide; (2) employment and income generation; and (3) partnership, decentralization, and local participation. The next AMRDPE was scheduled for 2009.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/19453.pdf

February

1st Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: February 5–6, 2007
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Based on the report submitted to the ASEAN leaders in 2006 by the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the ASEAN Charter, a high-level group of ASEAN experts was designated to draft the charter. The task force was comprised of one high-level representative from each ASEAN member country, assisted by not more than four experts. The task force was instructed to develop its draft along the lines and direction set forth in the EPG Report and to incorporate the instructions of ASEAN leaders and foreign ministers and historical ASEAN documents. The group met monthly and was to submit a first draft to the foreign ministers in September 2007. The final charter was signed at the ASEAN Summit in November.
For information, see: http://www.ips.org.sg/pub/pa_tk_ST_Charter%20makes%20ASEAN%20stronger%20more%20united%20and%20effective_080807.pdf

14th Asian Export Control Seminar
Date: February 6–8, 2007
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; Center for Information on Security Trade Control (CISTEC)
The Asian Export Control Seminar has been held annually for export control officials in Asian countries and regions since 1993. The goal of the seminar is to step up regional and international efforts on nonproliferation by fostering common awareness of the importance of nonproliferation and export control across Asia and by consolidating regional export control systems. Participants came from 26 countries or regions, primarily from Asia Pacific but also from England, Germany, India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates.
For information, see: http://www.meti.go.jp/english/newtopics/data/n070117e.html

Six-Party Talks (5th Round, 3rd Session)
Date: February 8–13, 2007
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Governments of China, Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Korea, and the United States
The parties to the talks held discussions on the actions each will take in the initial phase for the implementation of the Joint Statement of September 19, 2005. Participants reaffirmed their common goal of achieving early denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agreed to take coordinated steps in a phased manner. In a joint statement issued on February 13, it was agreed that North Korea would shut down and seal for the purpose of eventual abandonment the Yongbyon nuclear facility and discuss with other parties a list of all its nuclear programs. International Atomic Energy Agency personnel were to be invited back to verify the shutdown. In return, the other five parties were to provide emergency energy assistance to North Korea, and all six were to take positive steps to increase mutual trust in the region. Working groups were to be established on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, normalization of US-DPRK relations, normalization of Japan-DPRK relations, economy and energy cooperation, and a joint Northeast Asia peace and security mechanism. The working groups were to begin meeting within 30 days, and the sixth round of the talks was to begin in March 2007.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/n_korea/6party/action0702.html

26th Meeting of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force
Date: February 12, 2007
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
To realize ASEAN's vision of a stable, prosperous, and peaceful ASEAN Community, the ASEAN leaders adopted the IAI in 2004 as a special program to integrate the newer member countries-Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV)-into the ASEAN economic mainstream. The CLMV countries have organized themselves into the IAI Task Force, meeting regularly to review the implementation of the projects under the IAI program, which cover such areas as infrastructure development, human resource development, information and communication technology, and promotion of regional economic integration among the CLMV countries.
For information, see: http://www.40amm.org.ph/amm_moreinfo_5.asp

ARF Workshop on Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540
Date: February 13–15, 2007
Location: San Francisco, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
The ARF held a workshop to increase awareness of the obligations and requirements of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 and to facilitate cooperation on implementation at the regional and global levels. The resolution imposes binding obligations on all states to implement a series of measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery, and related materials. At the workshop, participants shared their national implementation plans, affirmed the need for regional coordination in implementation of the resolution, and welcomed the positive role that regional organizations such as the ARF could play in this respect. The workshop was attended by representatives of 23 ARF members and the ASEAN Secretariat.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/PublicLibrary/ARFChairmansStatementsandReports/tabid/66/Default.aspx

3rd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)
Date: February 25–26, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/2-2007.htm

Meeting of the Working Group on the Zone of Peace Freedom and Neutrality; Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ)
Date: February 25–26, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
These were working meetings on the SEANWFZ, which was established in 1995 by the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone, and on the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality, of which SEAWFZ is one component.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/2-2007.htm

2nd ASEAN Workshop on Control and Eradication of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in ASEAN
Date: February 26–27, 2007
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; Asian Development Bank; UN Food and Agriculture Organization; World Organisation for Animal Health
This workshop addressed the gaps and issues within the process of HPAI containment, emergency preparedness, eradication, and vaccination, in close reference to the Regional Framework for the Control and Eradication of HPAI in ASEAN. The meeting generated regionally adaptable outbreak response systems, which were developed through discussions of the experiences and lessons learned among member countries and participating international organizations.
For information, see: http://www.aiweb.info/document.aspx?DocID=83&ccID=14

ASEAN-Japan Aviation Security Meeting
Date: February 26–27, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; Singapore Aviation Academy; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan
Singapore was the venue for the first aviation security workshop organized by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for ASEAN. Held at the Singapore Aviation Academy, the workshop was attended by some 50 participants, including aviation security directors from all 10 ASEAN member states.
Participants discussed the latest challenge to security, liquid explosives, as well as a wide spectrum of other aviation security issues such as air cargo security; protection of passengers, bags, and aircraft; and quality control. Delegates also visited Changi Airport to observe firsthand the security measures adopted there.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/2-2007.htm
http://www.saa.com.sg/saa/en/About_Us/e-review-jun2007.html

11th Meeting of the Heads of Specialist Trafficking Units (HSU); 1st Regional Project Coordinating Committee Meeting for the ARTIP Project
Date: February 26–28, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Regional Trafficking in Persons (ARTIP) Project; Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
ARTIP is a five-year project (2006-2010) supported by AusAID to assist countries in Asia in tackling the problem of trafficking in people. ARTIP is initially working in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand and is considering expanding to other ASEAN countries. ARTIP seeks to equip both general and specialist law enforcement agencies with the knowledge and skills required to combat trafficking. Particular attention is given to specialist trafficking units and the relations between these units in order to promote cooperation among countries.
The first Regional Project Coordinating Committee meeting was held back-to-back with a meeting of the HSUs. The HSU process contributes to the continuation of ARTIP by promoting dialogue among the antitrafficking units established within national police services in the region.
For information, see: http://www.artipproject.org/02_recentnews/recent_news.html

6th Asia-Europe Young Parliamentarians Meeting (AEYPM)
Date: February 26–March 2, 2007
Location: The Hague, Netherlands
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM); Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF); Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands; International Institute for Asian Studies
The AEYPM is intended to foster high-level exchanges and intensive networking between young parliamentarians from Asia and Europe. At the sixth AEYPM, over 50 young parliamentarians from more than 25 ASEM countries and the European Parliament gathered to exchange views on the theme "Towards an Asia-Europe Partnership." The participants discussed the shifting paradigms in Asia-Europe relations. Issues of importance to both regions were debated, including migration and community building, education- and knowledge-based societies, and security issues and civil liberties. Participants sought to translate the outcomes into actual steps toward creating a closer Asian-European partnership in a global context.
For information, see: http://www.aseminfoboard.org/Calendar/Activities/?id=199

ASEAN Capital Market Forum
Date: February 27, 2007
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ASEAN Capital Market Forum, which comprises the heads of securities regulators, plays an active role in leading initiatives to promote integration of the regional capital market, in line with the ASEAN roadmap for regional financial integration. The forum has established various working groups to formulate a set of common standards for cross-border offerings, for disclosure requirements, and for distribution rules on IPOs, offering rules for debt securities and promoting convergence with international accounting standards and mutual recognition regimes for market professionals and capital market products.
For information, see: www.sc.com.my/eng/html/resources/speech/sp_20080513.html

2nd Chiang Mai Initiative Task Force for Multilateralization
Date: February 28, 2007
Location: Pattaya, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the second meeting of the Chiang Mai Initiative task force, comprised of deputy finance ministers. The task force meets regularly to study various possible options for creating an advanced framework of regional liquidity support.
For information, see: http://www.mof.go.jp/english/if/regional_financial_cooperation.htm#CMI

2nd Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: February 28–March 1, 2007
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the second regular meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

March

Asian Bond Markets Initiative (ABMI) Working Groups Meeting
Date: March 1, 2007
Location: Pattaya, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ASEAN+3 ABMI, which was endorsed at the ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers Meeting in 2003, aims to develop efficient and liquid bond markets in Asia, enabling better utilization of Asian savings for Asian investments. Discussions at the Pattaya meeting included facilitation of technical coordination activities on regional bond market development. Additionally, an evaluation of technical assistance was issued, which included recommendations for the establishment of a regulatory framework that recognizes bond issuances among countries in the region and urged further discussion on how to achieve cross-border settlements of government securities.
For information, see: http://asianbondsonline.adb.org/regional/asean_plus_three_asian_bond_market_initiatives/overview.php
http://asianbondsonline.adb.org/documents/Progress_Report_ABMI_Nov2007.pdf

39. 1st Meeting of the East Asia Summit Energy Cooperation Task Force (EAS ECTF)
Date: March 1, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: East Asia Summit (EAS); hosted by the Energy Market Authority of Singapore
Participants at this meeting noted the following energy-related outcomes from the second EAS in Cebu in January 2007: (a) the signing of a Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security; (b) an agreement to convene an EAS Energy Ministers Meeting to consider ways to enhance energy cooperation; and (c) Japan's initiative on "Fueling Asia-Japan's Cooperation Initiative for Clean Energy and Sustainable Growth." The meeting produced a final draft of the Terms of Reference of the ECTF, which included a proposal to submit its findings and recommendations to the EAS energy ministers and, thereafter, the EAS leaders. Recognizing the 12 measures highlighted in the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security, the participants agreed to start with a focus on cooperation in the areas of energy efficiency and conservation, energy market integration, and biofuels for transport and other purposes.
For information, see: http://www.aseanenergy.org/download/papers/2007/Summary%20Record%20of%20the%201st%20Meeting%20of%20the%20EAS%20Task%20Force%20on%20Energy%20Cooperation(Final).pdf

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting Retreat
Date: March 1–2, 2007
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This annual retreat has no formal agenda, but allows foreign ministers to engage in an open, frank, and free-flowing discussion on important issues affecting the region. Discussion items included the draft of the ASEAN Charter and documents relating to the upcoming EU-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in mid-March. The ministers also prepared for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-EU and ASEAN-US relations and discussed how to make the upcoming ASEAN Summit more effective. Ministers considered upgrading their relations with the UN, including creating an ASEAN-UN Cooperation Agreement.
For information, see: http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/e-visa/Bulletin.aspx?Title=His+Excellency+Deputy+Prime+Minister+HOR+Namhong+at+the+ASEAN+Ministerial+Retreat&M_WebContent_BulletinDir=Asc&M_WebContentDir=Asc

Sub-regional Ministerial Meeting on Counter-Terrorism
Date: March 5–6, 2007
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: Governments of Australia and Indonesia
Ministers of foreign affairs from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand gathered to discuss policy issues regarding terrorist groups in the subregion, including ways to strengthen existing counterterrorism law enforcement, and how to promote cooperation to meet emerging counterterrorism challenges. Australia and Indonesia hosted the meeting, which builds on the Bali Process initiated in 2002.
For information, see: http://www.kln.gov.my/?m_id=26&vid=424

Strategic Mapping Session and 27th Meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation
Date: March 5-8, 2007
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Representatives from national intellectual property (IP) offices in ASEAN and international partners discussed regional strategies on the development of IP. During the meeting, representatives of the EC-ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Cooperation Programme (ECAP II) offered a briefing on the progress of regional activities implemented under that program, as well as upcoming activities in 2007.
For information, see: http://www.ecap-project.org/activitiesevents/at_regional_level/27th_meeting_of_the_asean_working_group_on_intellectual_property_cooperation_awgipc_7_8_march_2007_chiangmai_thailand.html

1st ARF Peacekeeping Experts Meeting
Date: March 7–9, 2007
Location: Part Dickson, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
This meeting was intended to establish a regional network of peacekeeping experts to contribute to building confidence and interoperability among regional peacekeepers and to enhance regional peacekeeping capacity. The meeting was organized into six sessions: an overview of the Malaysian peacekeeping training center, national briefs on peace operations training, UN projects, insights into peacekeeping operations, a presentation by the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the development of an almanac of peace operations training activities. Potential next steps included creating a "global clearinghouse" to coordinate training needs and training activities so as to avoid duplication of efforts in view of resource constraints, and creating a UN Standby Arrangements System to enhance the ability of the UN to plan and respond effectively and rapidly to crisis situations.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/PublicLibrary/ARFChairmansStatementsandReports/tabid/66/Default.aspx

9th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM); 2nd Regional Workshop on the Establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre); 1st ACDM+3 Senior Officials Meeting
Date: March 12-15, 2007
Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Discussions at the ninth ACDM focused on a review of the ASEAN Regional Programme on Disaster Management, including consideration of the establishment of an ASEAN regional disaster management framework and an ASEAN response action plan, methods of building capacity in the region, ways to partner with NGOs and to mobilize financial support and resources, and ways to enhance disaster management public education and awareness. Participants also discussed the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response, planning for the ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise, and the ASEAN-Hyogo Framework for Action Regional Capacity Building in Disaster Response and Preparedness.
On March 13, a workshop was held to discuss the establishment of the AHA Centre. The ASEAN Secretariat and Indonesian government officials presented a draft roadmap for the establishment of the center, outlining the goals, target dates, and requirements. In-depth discussions then followed on the operating concept in the three areas of concern of the center: disaster risk identification, assessment, and monitoring; disaster preparedness and emergency response; and prevention and mitigation. On March 15, the 1st ACDM+3 Senior Officials Meeting reviewed the status of cooperation in ASEAN and ASEAN+3 on disaster management, and participants exchanged views on potential areas of cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.disaster.go.th/html/ricb/foreign/2006/acdm/meeting/meeting09/final... pap.../tentative%20prog%20ACDM%20(asof5feb).doc

16th ASEAN-European Union Ministerial Meeting (AEMM); ASEAN-EU Senior Officials Meeting
Date: March 14–15, 2007
Location: Nuremberg, Germany
Organizers/Sponsors: Co-chaired by Germany and Cambodia
Attended by foreign ministers from the EU and ASEAN, the 16th AEMM provided a forum for interregional consultation to promote constructive dialogue between ASEAN and the EU on issues of mutual concern. The meeting marked the 30th anniversary of dialogue relations. At the conclusion of the meeting, ministers endorsed the Nuremberg Declaration on an ASEAN-EU Strategy for Enhanced Partnership, in which the ministers affirmed that the EU and ASEAN share fundamental objectives in their wider global agenda and that they both promote effective multilateralism as a means of tackling global challenges, support an open and fair trade system under the World Trade Organization, seek to advance human rights and good governance, work in the area of disarmament and nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, remain engaged in the global fight against terrorism, encourage international cooperation on migration, promote environmentally sustainable development and action on climate change, and develop stable, transparent markets in energy and resources.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/20693.pdf
http://www.tivarati.com/news/2007-03-19/10310004/

1st Meeting of the BIMSTEC Expert Group on Agricultural Cooperation
Date: March 15–16, 2007
Location: Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
Organizers/Sponsors: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
Member countries (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) met to discuss emerging issues and challenges confronting the agricultural sector in the BIMSTEC region, including the threat of animal diseases, global climatic changes, environmental degradation, biodiversity and food safety, free and fair global trade, access to new and emerging technologies, and increasing demand for alternative sources of energy. A plenary meeting and bilateral meetings were organized. Six areas of cooperation were identified: enhancing the competitiveness of the agriculture sector, promoting agricultural research and development, promoting public-private partnership for the development of agriculture and agro-processing industries, strengthening socioeconomic development in rural communities, improving agricultural trade and investment, and developing alternative energy crops.
For information, see: http://www.bimstec.org/NewsletterIII.pdf

2nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Education (ASED)
Date: March 16, 2007
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This meeting was held directly after the 42nd Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Council Conference. The education ministers addressed quality assurance, poverty alleviation, information and communications technology, and Southeast Asian identity.
For information, see: http://www.seameo.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=209&Itemid=30

8th ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee (ACJCC)
Date: March 19–21, 2007
Location: Brunei
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The purpose of the ACJCC is to strengthen policy cooperation and information sharing. This has promoted cooperation in various fields, particularly human resource development and personnel and cultural exchanges. The ACJCC acts as the coordinator for all the ASEAN-China mechanisms at the working level.
For information, see: http://cjip.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/1/3/373

Six-Party Talks (6th Round, 1st Session)
Date: March 19–22, 2007
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Governments of China, Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Korea, and the United States
The People's Republic of China hosted the first session of the sixth round of the Six-Party Talks. The US chief negotiator announced that it was unfreezing funds belonging to the North Koreans to reciprocate the positive steps the North Koreans had taken. However, the talks were abandoned as North Korea refused to proceed without having the US$25 million in their hands. The discussions resumed in July.
For information, see: http://www.mofat.go.kr/index.jsp
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/n_korea/6party/press0707.html

2nd Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
Date: March 22, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The idea for a regionwide Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Treaty for like-minded ASEAN member countries was proposed in June 2002, and the treaty was adopted and signed in 2004 by eight of the ASEAN member countries and later signed by Thailand and Myanmar. Senior officials first met in 2005. At the second meeting of senior officials, it was decided that experts from the ASEAN member countries on mutual legal assistance would be nominated by the parties to brief the ASEAN sectoral bodies on the treaty and facilitate the training of ASEAN member countries' law enforcement officers on the implementation of the treaty.
For information, see: http://www.agc.gov.my/agc/sec/DOC/provisionalagenda-03062005.pdf
http://www.agc.gov.my/agc/agc/int/rep/rep2007/unit7.pdf

12th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of the Northeast Asia Subregional Programme for Environment Cooperation
Date: March 22–23, 2007
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Northeast Asia Subregional Programme for Environment Cooperation (NEASPEC); United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
NEASPEC is an intergovernmental mechanism through which China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia cooperate to address environmental challenges in the region. The annual SOM functions as the governing body and is the principal vehicle for the evolution of NEASPEC. In addition to officials from member nations, the 12th SOM was also attended by representatives from the Asian Development Bank and UN agencies and other experts.
The meeting began with a review of the environment and development policies and issues of NEASPEC, with statements made by member country delegations and international organizations. Participants then reviewed program planning and implementation. They adopted the Resolution on the Framework for Nature Conservation Programme in North-East Asia and endorsed the Nature Conservation Strategy. They also expressed support for the project on the mitigation of transboundary air pollution from coal-fired power plants, underscored the need to coordinate with relevant programs existing in the subregion, and reviewed a proposal for launching an Eco-efficiency Partnership in Northeast Asia.
For information, see: http://kp.china-embassy.org/eng/zt/dbyaqyhz/neaspec/t309267.htm
http://www.neaspec.org/som12.asp

1st ASEAN Defense Ministers Retreat
Date: March 23–25, 2007
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The retreat aimed to build bonds of mutual trust and confidence among ASEAN defense ministers, which is vital in promoting regional peace and stability. The retreat allowed the defense ministers to get together to discuss issues of shared interest and enhance mutual understanding. It also gave them the opportunity to get to know one another better.
For information, see: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/admm/media_release/14nov07_nr/14nov07_fs.html

Special ASEAN Directors-General Meeting
Date: March 25–27, 2007
Location: Davao, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The directors-general of the ASEAN national secretariats met for their annual special meeting, which is held in addition to the four regular meetings they attend of the ASEAN Standing Committee (ASC). The ASC tackles day-to-day issues of ASEAN between summits. The special meetings of the ASEAN directors-general are reserved for important policy issues affecting the association.
For information, see: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/news/pr/pr2007/mar/pr196.pdf

33rd Meeting of the APEC Energy Working Group (EWG); 2nd East Asia Summit Energy Cooperation Task Force
Date: March 26–30, 2007
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); East Asia Summit
The APEC EWG, launched in 1990, seeks to maximize the energy sector's contribution to the region's economic and social wellbeing, while mitigating the environmental effects of energy supply and use. Members discussed the topic of "Improving Cooperation between National (State Owned) and International (Private Sector) Energy Companies." Members discussed the joint oil data initiative, sea-lane security, a real-time emergency information sharing system, energy emergency responses, alternative transportation fuels, energy investment, natural gas trade, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
For information, see: http://www.ewg.apec.org/assets/documents/apecinternet/EWG33%5FSummaryRecord20070619153828%2Epdf

Seminar on the Promotion of Accession to the International Counter-Terrorism Conventions and Protocols for the Asia-Pacific Countries
Date: March 27–28, 2007
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Government of Japan
This seminar was attended by government experts from the ASEAN countries, as well as from Fiji and Papua New Guinea, who are in charge of ratification of the International Counter-Terrorism Conventions and Protocols and of related domestic legislative procedures in their countries. Also attending were representatives of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the UN Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, and officials from Australia and the United States. The meeting was the fourth in a series of seminars for the purpose of supporting the efforts of Asia Pacific countries by introducing the legal structures and experiences of Japan and other countries and also the efforts of the international organizations concerned with promoting accession by Asia Pacific countries to the International Counter-Terrorism Conventions and Protocols.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2007/3/1172936_844.html

2nd Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) of the 38th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (2/38 SEOM) and Consultations
Date: March 27–29, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At these meetings, officials clarified the role of the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) in the ASEAN Charter as the driver and coordinator for economic integration. The AEM were recognized as having responsibility for oversight of all economic initiatives in ASEAN. Participants also discussed a strengthened coordination mechanism among sectoral ministerial bodies and encouraged the SEOM to undertake a greater role in coordinating issues between sectoral senior official meetings.
For information, see: http://www.dephut.go.id/files/Annex_05_Updates%20on%20ASEAN%20Economic%20Integration.pdf

ARF Defense Officials Dialogue
Date: March 28, 2007
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
Defense officials discussed regional and international issues, multinational peacekeeping, and crisis management cooperation, as well as civil-military cooperation and situational awareness and early warning. As decided at the ARF Senior Officials Meeting in 2006, the Defense Officials Dialogue was extended to a full day for the first time.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=YSvJQm5bJSs%3d&tabid=66&mid=940

3rd Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: March 28–29, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the third regular meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

59. ARF Inter-sessional Support Group on Confidence Building Measures and Preventive Diplomacy
Date: March 28–30, 2007
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
Participants at this ARF intersessional meeting agreed that the current situation in the Asia Pacific region is generally positive, stable, and economically dynamic. Participants noted the increasingly constructive cooperation of major actors in the region and the growing number of strategic partnerships. However, a number of traditional and nontraditional security issues such as terrorism, transnational crime, nuclear proliferation, communicable diseases, and natural disasters continued to pose serious threats to regional security and required greater multinational cooperation. Participants welcomed the resumption of the Six-Party Talks and expressed concern over the lack of genuine political reforms in Myanmar. Participants also discussed the security situations in the South Pacific, Timor Leste, Afghanistan, and the South China Sea.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/PublicLibrary/ARFChairmansStatementsandReports/tabid/66/Default.aspx

ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) +3 Consultations and +1 Consultations with China, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, and Canada; SEOM-Closer Economic Relations Consultations; SEOM-Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) Representatives Meeting
Date: March 30–31, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/3-2007.htm

April

ASEAN-US Informal Coordinating Mechanism (ICM)
Date: April 2–3, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ICM reviewed the plan of action to implement the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership. Specific priority measures for ASEAN-US cooperation in 2007 included cooperation in the areas of the economy, health, scholarships, information and communications technology, transport, energy, disaster management, and environmental management.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/18589.pdf
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/76231.htm

ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (AFDM); ASEAN+3 Informal and Formal Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meetings (AFDM+3)
Date: April 2–4, 2007
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The AFDM+3 acknowledged the progress reports of the Asian Bond Markets Initiative Working Groups on creating new securitized debt instruments, developing a credit guarantee and investment mechanism, minimizing foreign exchange settlement risks, and enhancing comparability and harmonization among local credit rating agencies. Participants also discussed and exchanged views on ways to upgrade the bilateral Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) toward a new and advanced framework of multilateral arrangement, the so-called "CMI Multilateralization." The meeting reached an agreement on the preferred form of financing arrangement and legal modality. Participants provided guidance and set priorities for the implementation of this new framework.
For information, see: http://www.mof.go.th/news2007/024_e.pdf

Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)
Date: April 4, 2007
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The objectives of the SOM were to (1) discuss and seek to adopt the Midterm Review of the 10-Year GMS Strategic Framework for endorsement by the 14th GMS Ministerial Conference, and (2) discuss the program of events, agenda of individual meetings, and key arrangements for the 14th GMS Ministerial Conference, to be held in June 2007. The SOM members highlighted the progress of recent GMS programs, including completion of the Second Mekong International Bridge, the conclusion of financing arrangements for the North-South Economic Corridor Bridge, the signing of all annexes and protocols to the GMS Cross-Border Transport Agreement, and the finalization of the Strategic Framework for GMS Cooperation in Agriculture and the Core Agriculture Support Program. In this regard, the SOM expressed appreciation for the ADB's key coordinating role and the hope that the ADB would continue providing adequate financial, technical, and human resources to support the GMS Program.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/documents/events/mekong/proceedings/som-meeting-summary-april07.pdf

64. ASEAN Finance Ministers Retreat; 11th ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting (AFMM)
Date: April 4–5, 2007
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; hosted by the Ministry of Finance of Thailand
The main objective of the AFMM process, which started in 1997 after the regional financial crisis, is to accelerate cooperation and policy dialogue between ASEAN member countries on economic and financial sectors in order to strengthen the regional financial system, develop an effective and in-depth financial market, and promote sustainable economic growth. At the 11th AFMM, ministers exchanged views on global and regional economic developments and discussed progress in the implementation of the Roadmap for Financial and Monetary Integration of ASEAN and other regional initiatives. They also explored how finance cooperation could further contribute to the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015. Topics included ways to further strengthen the capital market, ASEAN's commmitment to concluding the fourth round of negotiations under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services by the end of the year, the need for a new infrastructure financing mechanism to accelerate regional growth and integration, and cooperation on taxation.
For information, see: http://www.fpo.go.th/afmm2007/General_Information-final_pdf.pdf

19th Meeting of the ASEAN Crisis Communication Team (ACCT)
Date: April 5, 2007
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Participants discussed the impact of the avian influenza crisis and its potential affect on tourism. They also discussed production of an "ASEAN Crisis Communication Manual," which was distributed to ASEAN member countries at the ASEAN Tourism Forum in February 2007 in Singapore. The session recorded a Singapore proposal for training for the ACCT "training for trainers" program. Finally, a representative from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) proposed that PATA could conduct training on crisis communication and offer technical help in tourism statistics as part of ASEAN-PATA cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.budpar.go.id/page.php?ic=563&id=281

4th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: April 9, 2007
Location: Yangon, Myanmar
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the fourth regular meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

11th High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration
Date: April 9–10, 2007
Location: Yangon, Myanmar
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
In addition to meeting with the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter, participants in this meeting also reviewed a second draft of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint.
For information, see: http://www.dephut.go.id/files/Annex_05_Updates%20on%20ASEAN%20Economic%20Integration.pdf

2nd APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM II)
Date: April 16–24, 2007
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
At the APEC SOM II, senior officials discussed regional economic integration, trade and investment liberalization, and business facilitation; structural reform; economic and technical cooperation; enhancement of human security, including counterterrorism, health issues, emergency preparedness, and energy; and APEC reform.
For information, see: http://aimp.apec.org/Documents/2007/SOM/SOM2/07_som2_summary.pdf

5th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: April 19–20, 2007
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the fifth meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

3rd Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials of the 38th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (SEOM 3/38)
Date: April 21–23, 2007
Location: Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Discussions among senior economic officials covered an array of issues including the blueprint for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Specifically, they examined the AEC structure, the strategic schedule of the AEC, and the reporting mechanism for realizing the AEC. The economic ministers had requested that the SEOM come up with a general statement on consumer protection for inclusion in the blueprint. It was noted that considerations for consumer protection have been taken into account under the various existing ASEAN initiatives, such as harmonization and simplification of standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures. The participants agreed that cooperation among consumer protection agencies should focus on information exchange, experience sharing, and capacity building.
For information, see: http://www.dephut.go.id/files/Annex_05_Updates%20on%20ASEAN%20Economic%20Integration.pdf

13th ASEAN-China Senior Officials Consultations; ASEAN-China Senior Officials Meeting on the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)
Date: April 23–25, 2007
Location: Huangshan, China
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; Government of China
As part of their annual meeting, senior officials from ASEAN and China met to discuss recent developments in ASEAN and China, exchange views on regional and international issues, and review ASEAN-China dialogue relations and the future direction. The ASEAN-China DOC was adopted in Phnom Penh in 2002. At this meeting, senior officials worked to finalize the guidelines on the implementation of the DOC.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/ASEAN+3Database.pdf

72. 3rd ASEM Environment Ministers Meeting
Date: April 23–26, 2007
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
At the third ASEM Environment Ministers Meeting, participants from 38 countries adopted a declaration that clearly states the agreement between Asia and Europe on the need to promote an ambitious post-2012 climate change agreement. The ASEM countries underlined the need to ensure a substantial process to be concluded as early as possible to avoid a gap between the first and second commitment periods. This would increase the possibility of a good result at the UN Climate Conference, to be held in Copenhagen in 2009. The European and Asian countries agreed that the decoupling of economic growth from emissions and energy consumption is not only necessary but certainly a possibility. This was the first time that the environment ministers of the EU and Asia have reached agreement on an actual declaration text under ASEM. Earlier ASEM Environment Ministers Meetings had resulted only in a chairman's summary.
For information, see: http://www.aseminfoboard.org/Calendar/MinisterialMeetings/?id=196

Expert Meeting on the Pilot ASEAN Rapid Alert System for Food
Date: April 24–25, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
In 2005, the European Commission Regional Adviser on Health and Food Safety met with representatives of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam to discuss the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed. The representatives of the four ASEAN countries felt that the EU system was a powerful tool for the effective management of market surveillance and for informing food safety policy and legislation, and accordingly they began discussions on establishing a Pilot ASEAN Rapid Alert System for Food. The European Commission has been discussing the provision of technical assistance for the creation of regional and/or national rapid alert systems modeled on the EU system.
For information, see: http://www.aseanrapidalert.net/

6th Meeting of the ASEAN Task Force on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (ATF-HPAI)
Date: April 24–25, 2007
Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ATF-HPAI continued work on developing a regional strategy for the progressive eradication of HPAI (2008-2010), which was subsequently endorsed by the 29th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry on November 1, 2007. The objective of the strategy is to strengthen the coordination and capacity to manage HPAI infections. With the support of the Asian Development Bank, the task force considered the ASEAN Regional Animal Health Information System, as well as ASEAN participation in the Food and Agriculture Organization/ World Organization for Animal Health Global Strategy for the Progressive Control of HPAI and the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases
For information, see: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/news/pr/pr2007/jun/pr409.pdf

11th ASEAN-India Working Group Meetings; 9th Meeting of the ASEAN-India Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC); 9th ASEAN-India Senior Officials Meeting
Date: April 25–28, 2007
Location: Calcutta, India
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The JCC is a key institutional mechanism for providing substantive content and implementing programs of cooperation between ASEAN and India. Although comprehensive, the JCC focuses on actualizing ASEAN-India cooperation in trade and investment, science and technology, tourism, infrastructure, human resource development, and people-to-people interaction. ASEAN-India sectoral cooperation has been gaining strength with the establishment of working group-level meetings on the subjects of development cooperation, science and technology, tourism, transport and infrastructure, and telecommunications.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/5736.htm; http://exim.indiamart.com/free-trade-agreement/asean-india.html

3rd Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Areas (BIMP-EAGA) Darwin Dialogue
Date: April 26–27, 2007
Location: Darwin, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The Darwin Dialogue was attended by delegates from the BIMP-EAGA member countries, BIMP-EAGA Business Council, BIMP-EAGA Facilitation Center, Asian Development Bank, ASEAN Secretariat, and the German Technical Cooperation and officials from the Northern Territory (NT), the Australian government, and AusAID. Participants exchanged views on issues of mutual concern and on deepening the cooperation between BIMP-EAGA and the NT in the areas of trade facilitation, tourism, transport, education, and social and cultural undertakings. They noted the need to expedite the implementation of programs and projects identified in the BIMP-EAGA-NT Framework of Cooperation. Other outcomes included the encouragement of the NT to participate in the BIMP-EAGA customs, immigration, quarantine, and security initiatives, and of jointly promoting BIMP-EAGA and the NT as one ecotourism destination.
For information, see: http://www.medco.gov.ph/medcoweb/uploads/BIMP/April%202007/3rd%20Darwin%20Dialogue%20Joint%20Communique.pdf

Expert Group Meeting on Regional Strategies for Implementing the Recommendations from the Secretary-General's In-Depth Study on All Forms of Violence Against Women
Date: APril 26–27, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
The Emerging Social Issues Division of ESCAP organized an expert group meeting on regional strategies for implementing the recommendations from the secretary-general's study on violence against women with particular emphasis on harmful traditional and cultural practices and the role of national machineries. The meeting recommended ways of strengthening normative sociocultural, advocacy, and legal frameworks inclusive of multisectoral and integrated approaches to prevent and respond to violence against women. The outcome of the meeting provided members and associate members of ESCAP and its partners and their national machineries with recommended strategies and priority actions for eliminating violence against women in a region-specific context.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esid/GAD/Events/EGM-VAW2007/index.asp

ARF Seminar on UN Peacekeeping: Challenges and Prospects
Date: April 26–28, 2007
Location: New Delhi, India
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF); Government of India
Pursuant to the decision of the 13th ARF Ministerial Meeting held in July 2006, India organized a seminar on "UN Peacekeeping: Challenges and Prospects." The seminar was held at the Centre for UN Peacekeeping, a center set up by the government of India with an exclusive focus on peacekeeping activities. Experts and policymakers on peacekeeping from the ARF member states, as well as representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross, UN, UNDP, and UNHCR participated. Discussion topics included an integrated approach to peacekeeping, peacebuilding and security sector reform, humanitarian dimensions of peacekeeping, capacity building, and training for peacekeeping.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=obOyu%2F7G%2BT0%3D&tabid=66&mid=940

May

ASEAN Ad Hoc Experts Meeting on Anti-Corruption
Date: May 1–2, 2007
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors:ASEAN; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Indonesia
Each ASEAN country was represented at this meeting by a high-level technical delegation in charge of discussing proposals for a "roadmap" for the ASEAN Security Community Plan of Action aimed at implementing efficient mechanisms to fight corruption in the region. A representative from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) delivered a keynote speech on the technical aspects of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the mechanisms for international cooperation under UN conventions, with a specific focus on the issue of assets recovery in corruption offenses. The participants showed support of the UNCAC in general and recognized the role of the UNODC Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific in the implementation of that convention. The recommendations of the meeting highlighted the role the UNODC could play in the future through a strategic partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat.
For information, see: http://www.unodc.un.or.th/eastern_horizons/27/EH27.pdf

10th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers Meeting (AFMM+3); ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting; 7th Trilateral (China-Japan-Korea) Finance Ministers Meeting
Date: May 1–5, 2007
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At the AFFM+3, finance ministers exchanged views on regional economic and financial developments and policies and reviewed the progress of regional financial cooperation processes, including the Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) Multilateralization, the Asian Bond Markets Initiative, and the ASEAN+3 Research Group. Regarding the CMI, ministers reached an agreement in principle on a self-managed pooling arrangement governed by a single contractual agreement as a step toward an advanced framework of a regional liquidity support mechanism.
At the Trilateral Finance Ministers Meeting, participants supported the progress on CMI and Asian Bond Markets Initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to continued close cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.mof.go.jp/english/mf_review/mfr407/407.pdf
http://www.mof.go.jp/english/if/as3_070505.htm

5th ARF Inter-sessional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime
Date: May 2–4, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
This meeting sought to bring government officials together to discuss ways of promoting intercivilizational dialogue as a way of enhancing the fight against global terrorism. Participants exchanged views on recent developments in terrorism in the region and provided updates on their respective counterterrorism strategies. Participants also shared their national experiences in promoting intercivilizational dialogue. In particular, they discussed how such dialogue had contributed to, or could potentially contribute to, the fight against terrorism. Participants also discussed the potential role of community organizations and the media and the role of multilateral institutions.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=eqhGeuETC0M%3d&tabid=66&mid=940

Senior Economic Officials Meeting Consultations with the European Union; Senior Economic Officials Meeting Consultations with the Ministry of Economic, Trade & Industry of Japan (SEOM-METI); 13th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat; ASEAN Economic Ministers-European Union Consultations (AEM-EU); Informal ASEAN Economic Ministers-Ministry of Economic, Trade and Industry Meeting (AEM-METI)
Date: May 2–4, 2007
Location: Brunei
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The 13th ASEAN Economic Ministers Retreat was held on May 3, and the ministers exchanged views on the directions and ambitions for economic integration of ASEAN. The ministers reaffirmed their determination to realize ASEAN's goal of a competitive single market and production base with equitable economic development and full integration into the global economy. They also agreed that the region should be an open, outward-looking, inclusive, and market-driven economy consistent with multilateral rules. They called on all relevant officials to closely coordinate and exert all efforts to complete the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint so that it could be recommended for endorsement at the ASEAN Summit in November 2007. Other topics covered at the retreat included the Framework Agreement of the ASEAN Investment Area, the proposed Roadmap for Integration of Logistics Services, ASEAN's ongoing FTA negotiations with external nations, and recognition of the full market economy status of Vietnam.
At the AEM-EU Consultations, the EU trade commissioner and ASEAN economic ministers launched FTA negotiations. In doing so, both confirmed that a successful conclusion of the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations remains their priority.
The main focus of AEM-METI discussions was the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership and other economic cooperation initiatives, including plans for the ASEAN-Japan Summit in November 2007.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/ASEAN+3Database.pdf
http://www.aseansec.org/13AEMR.pdf
http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/bilateral/regions/asem/index_en.htm

16th ASEAN-European Commission Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) Meeting
Date: May 4, 2007
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; European Commission
The ASEAN-EC JCC promotes and reviews the various cooperation activities envisaged in the EC-ASEAN Cooperation Agreement. Biannual meetings are attended by representatives of ASEAN member countries, the European Commission, and the ASEAN Secretariat. European Union member states are invited as observers.
The meeting reviewed EC-ASEAN cooperation programs of the past five years and discussed priorities for the immediate future. Participants noted the successful EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in March 2007, and discussed steps for finalizing the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action to Implement the Nuremberg Declaration. They also discussed activities to be implemented in 2007 to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of EU-ASEAN dialogue relations.
For information, see: http://nanyang2.xmu.edu.cn/Article/ShowArticle.asp?ArticleID=2525

ACMECS Ministerial Meeting
Date: May 4, 2007
Location: Mandalay, Myanmar
Organizers/Sponsors: Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS); hosted by the Government of Myanmar
Ministers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand met and reaffirmed their political will to further strengthen the goals of the Bagan Declaration of 2003 to increase competitiveness, narrow economic disparity, and promote socioeconomic development in the subregion. The ministers exchanged views on the status of implementation of the ACMECS projects. They noted significant progress made in cooperation in such areas as trade and investment facilitation, transport linkages, agriculture, industry and energy, public health, tourism cooperation, and human resource development. They also noted that most of these entailed bilateral projects involving Thailand. In this regard, the ministers reiterated the need to speed up the implementation of common and bilateral projects between the ACMECS member countries.
For information, see: http://www.acmecs.org/fileadmin/Meeting_Doc/070508175801_ACMECS_MM_Joint_statement.pdf

8th Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL)
Date: May 6–9, 2007
Location: Washington DC, US
Organizers/Sponsors: Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center (PICL Secretariat)
The PICL convened in Washington DC for the first time in its 26-year history. Twenty leaders participated, representing an area that encompasses one-third of the globe. The purpose of meeting in Washington was to deepen the Pacific Islands region's engagement with the United States. High-level meetings were held with the executive and legislative branches of the US government. Topics of discussion included economic development, security, trade, aid, environmental protection, climate change, fisheries, emergency responses to natural disasters, and the desire to expand US public diplomacy programs. The PICL agreed on the need to strengthen the Joint Commercial Commission by securing additional resources to fund programs for developing trade and investment and by revamping the agreement to improve market access for Pacific Island countries' exports.
For information, see: http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/special/picl_2007_communique.pdf

ASEAN-Canada Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) Consultations; ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Meeting
Date: May 9–12, 2007
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; Co-chaired by the Governments of Canada and Vietnam
The year 2007 commemorates the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-Canada relations. Issues discussed included health security, energy security, terrorism and transnational crime, and trade and investment. Canada briefed ASEAN on the results achieved to date under the auspices of the first ASEAN-Canada Joint Cooperation Work Plan (2005-2007), notably the signing of the Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism at the Post-Ministerial Conference in 2006. In addition, effective collaboration has occurred in the key areas of fighting disease, promoting human rights, supporting communities, promoting gender equality, and fostering innovative information technology.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/20689.htm

Meeting between the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter and Senior Officials Attending the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Coordination Conference (SOC-COM)
Date: May 15, 2007
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
As part of the High-Level Task Force's consultations with ASEAN groups as it drafted the ASEAN Charter, its members met with the officials attending the ASEAN SOC-COM.
For information, see: http://www.40amm.org.ph/main_overview.asp
http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

3rd Meeting of the BIMSTEC Sub-Group Meeting on Combating the Financing of Terrorism
Date: May 15–16, 2007
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Bay of Bengal for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
In 2004, BIMSTEC established a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and International Crimes. This was the third meeting of one of four sub-groups that have been established under that joint working group. During the meeting, member countries agreed to strengthen their cooperation in information exchange, capacity-building training, and exchanges. A counterterrorism deal was developed and signed in 2008 that included an agreement on information sharing on movement of funds and financial resources through member governments' financial intelligence units.
For information, see: http://www.bimstec.org/events.html
http://www1.apan-info.net/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?TabId=3368&DMXModule=11167&Command=Core_Download&EntryId=11228&PortalId=59

5th ASEM Conference on Counterterrorism
Date: May 15–16, 2007
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
Participants at the fifth ASEM Conference on Counterterrorism were representatives from ASEM partners as well as counterterrorism institutions. The conference strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and underlined the importance of a comprehensive approach from the international community to fight terrorism, carried out in accordance with international law. The conference recognized that, despite significant progress, terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and security. The conference participants recognized the need to further enhance counterterrorism cooperation by sharing information, tightening immigration and border control, and combating terrorist financing, terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction, and terrorist use of media (particularly the Internet). The conference emphasized the need to broaden and enhance mutual understanding among cultures and civilizations and, for this purpose, to promote interfaith, intercultural, intercivilization, and intermedia dialogues among ASEM partners. The results of this conference were presented at the eighth ASEM Foreign Ministers Meeting later in the month.
For information, see: http://www.aseminfoboard.org/content/documents/5thConf_CounterTerrorism_ChairSummary.pdf

6th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: May 17–19, 2007
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the sixth regular meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter. As part of its consultations with ASEAN groups, the task force also met with the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) on May 17. The AIPA delegation proposed more coherent collaboration and coordination between the legislative arm (AIPA) and executive arm (ASEAN) on the harmonization of laws and legislation among ASEAN member countries, setting up ASEAN's own tribunal to adjudicate or arbitrate disputes between ASEAN member countries, and an article for the expeditious ratification of agreements.
For information, see: http://www.aipo.org/AIPA_NB/3rdaipaNews.htm
http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

63rd Session of ESCAP; Consultative Meeting among Executive Heads of Sub-regional Organizations and ESCAP
Date: May 17–23, 2007
Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
The 62 members of ESCAP gathered for the commission's annual meeting, being held for the first time in Central Asia. The first three days of the meeting focused on reviewing the recent work of the ESCAP secretariat and the work program and resources mobilization for the period 2008-2009. The three-day ministerial segment focused on how to help poor countries in Asia Pacific achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and on promoting investment in health services in member countries and regions.
On the final day, a consultative meeting was held among ESCAP officials and officials from the subregional organizations-ASEAN, Economic Cooperation Organization, Pacific Islands Forum, and SAARC. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Eurasian Economic Community also joined as observers. The meeting focused on promoting cooperation in such areas as infrastructure development and financing and regional trade and investment.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/63/

1st Round of Japan-China-Republic of Korea Senior Foreign Affairs Officials Consultation
Date: May 19, 2007
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Chaired by Government of China; Governments of Japan and South Korea
The first round of this trilateral consultation among senior foreign affairs officials was attended by deputy ministers from each country. Based on an agreement reached at the seventh China-Japan-ROK Summit, held in January 2007, this consultation was held to promote communication and coordination on major political and diplomatic issues involving the three countries as well as international and regional issues. In addition to sharing views on the importance of trilateral cooperation and the future direction of cooperation, they also exchanged views on the situation in Northeast Asia and other regions, including the Six-Party Talks.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2007/5/1173424_848.html

12th Heads of Specialist Anti-Trafficking in Persons Units
Date: May 21, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The Heads of Specialist Units process supports the continuation of the Asia Regional Trafficking in Persons Project, which assists countries in Asia in tackling the problem of trafficking in people.
For information, see: http://www1.ausaid.gov.au/latestnews/pdfs/combined.pdf

Regional Program on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing through Charities and New Technology
Date: May 21–25, 2007
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism; US Department of State
The US Department of State's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training Section's Counterterrorism Unit conducted a regional program on money laundering and terrorist financing. The program covered the use and abuse of charities and use of new technology in financing terrorism; the investigation and prosecution of such crimes; and the seizing, maintenance, and forfeiture of assets. Forty-eight representatives from Bangladesh, Brunei, Timor Leste, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Singapore participated in this program.
For information, see: http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/opdat/ctu/ctu.html

ASEAN Working Group on Security Cooperation (AWGSC)
Date: May 22, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Participants at this working group meeting proposed the dissolution of the AWGSC in view of the establishment of the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials Meeting (ADSOM) Working Group. However, it was agreed that the decision on the future of the AWGSC would be deferred until the discussions of the ASEAN Charter were completed and the charter was adopted.
For information, see: http://www.mod.go.th/admm/Report%20of%20the%20ASEAN%20WG%20on%20Security%20Cooperation%20(6%20May%2008).pdf

2nd Meeting of the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN)
Date: May 22–23, 2007
Location: Bogor, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
ASEAN-WEN is a platform for effective coordination and information sharing across national and regional agencies in the fight against the illicit harvesting and trafficking of wildlife. Since the launching of ASEAN-WEN in 2005, each ASEAN-WEN member country has increased its cross-border efforts to stop nature-related crimes and criminal organizations. Participants discussed relevant aspects of the Vientiane Action Plan and other ASEAN agreements on food, agriculture, and forestry. Recommendations were made on developing specialized working groups on wildlife crime investigation, capacity building, and communications and fund raising, and a Strategic Plan of Action of ASEAN-WEN (2007-2012) was discussed.
For information, see: http://www.dephut.go.id/informasi/PHPA/PHKA/rep2-AseanWen.pdf

ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)
Date: May 22–23, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ASEAN SOM, along with the ASEAN Standing Committee, support the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in its efforts to oversee ASEAN's community-building efforts, external relations, strategic policy, and development cooperation. In 2007, the SOM continued to be engaged with the key issue of preserving ASEAN's centrality in the evolving regional strategic architecture, particularly concerning ASEAN+3 cooperation, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the East Asia Summit.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/ar07.pdf

ASEAN Workshop on Criminal Justice Response to Trafficking in Persons; ASEAN Joint Experts Working Group on Trafficking in Persons
Date: May 22–25, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/5-2007.htm

ASEAN Workshop on Small Arms Control
Date: May 22–25, 2007
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Participants at this ASEAN workshop recommended strengthening cooperation and coordination among existing ASEAN bodies involved in small arms and light weapons (SALW) control; the establishment or improvement of domestic laws on controls; and the restriction of illicit trade, transfer, and proliferation in SALWs in ASEAN. Other recommendations included the establishment of hotline contact points, the promotion of information and intelligence exchange and sharing of best practices, and capacity building on investigative skills for law enforcement and defense agencies.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/5-2007.htm
http://www.interior.gov.kh/news_content.asp?NewsID=188

ARF Defense Officials Dialogue
Date: May 23, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
ARF defense officials recognized the complex and transnational nature of regional maritime security issues such as piracy, illegal trafficking of drugs and people, maritime terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction at sea, and maritime disasters. Participants emphasized the importance of regional maritime cooperation not only in ensuring the peace, stability, and economic development of individual countries but also in promoting trust and confidence among ARF member countries. Participants considered cooperation through coordinated patrols, joint maritime exercises, and information sharing. Participants encouraged greater collaboration in institutional linkages; environmental cooperation on techno-scientific research, education, and training; and a focus on multifaceted, multilayered, and multipronged responses that proceed by consensus at a pace comfortable for all.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=zE0MUYX6g6U%3d&tabid=66&mid=940

4th ARF Security Policy Conference
Date: May 24, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
The ARF Security Policy Conference, a dialogue mechanism to exchange views on current and emerging issues, has increased transparency and understanding and has facilitated the establishment of networks among ARF countries. The conference acknowledged that despite the overall stable security situation, the ARF region still faces common traditional and nontraditional threats, including terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, transnational crime, territorial disputes, natural disasters, and environmental concerns. Participants noted the role of the ARF in building trust and confidence among member countries to better address security threats. To enhance existing security cooperation, the conference called for more frequent military exchanges and exercises and better sharing of information, technology, and experience. The conference specifically addressed terrorism, emphasizing cooperation and clear lines of responsibility between military and police. Participants also called for the development of legal frameworks for the deployment of peacekeeping forces, focusing on interoperability of security forces and coordination between forces and international organizations.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=W1zwBb% 2bzDSA%3d&tabid=66&mid=940

Senior Economic Officials Consultations with Pakistan (SEOM-Pakistan), Russia (SEOM-Russia), Australia (SEOM-AUSTR), and the European Union (SEOM-EU)
Date: May 24, 2007
Location: Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/5-2007.htm

ASEAN+3 Senior Officials Meeting
Date: May 24, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/5-2007.htm

ARF Senior Officials Meeting
Date: May 25, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
ARF officials exchanged views on recent regional and international issues. They noted that security challenges have become more complex and diverse and that regional and global commitment was required in order to address security challenges, including nontraditional security issues. The discussions covered a broad range of issues, including the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue; support for the establishment of nuclear-weapons-free zones; progress in the Six-Party Talks; political developments in Timor Leste; concerns over the situation in Myanmar; security challenges facing the Pacific Island countries; the status of developments in Thailand, Afghanistan, and Iran; and energy security. They also reviewed Track 1 activities on preventive diplomacy, disaster recovery, and transnational crime and discussed preparations for the 14th ARF later in the year.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/PublicLibrary/ARFChairmansStatementsandReports/tabid/66/Default.aspx

8th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting
Date: May 27–30, 2007
Location: Darwin, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
APEC energy ministers produced the Darwin Declaration, "Achieving Energy Security and Sustainable Development through Efficiency, Conservation and Diversity." Ministers emphasized the need to strengthen emergency preparedness and participate in measures to manage the risks and consequences of short-term energy supply disruptions. They also recognized the importance for the longer-term energy future of pursuing policies and technologies to promote the development of cleaner energy and the improvement of energy efficiency and conservation. They determined that addressing the challenges of energy security and sustainable development should be based on well-functioning markets. They reported on ways in which APEC might further contribute to policies and technologies that promote the development of cleaner energy and the improvement of energy efficiency, thereby enabling economies to meet increasing energy needs with a lower environmental impact and to address climate change objectives.
For information, see: http://www.apec.org/apec/ministerial_statements/sectoral_ministerial/energy/2007_energy.html

Policymakers Forum on Economic Policy and Financial Innovation for Investment in Forest Environmental Services
Date: 28–29, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Environment and Development Division
Climate change adds a new element of economic risk to land-use changes. However, the unsustainable use of forest resources and conversion of forest lands continues-a result of conflicting policy and the attractiveness of immediate economic gains presented by alternative land uses such as cash crop production. Regional dialogue on these issues has largely been confined to those already working in the environmental sector. This workshop was intended to give those with the economic policy and decision-making power an opportunity to increase the range of economic instruments at their disposal to support investments in forest environmental services, and consequently, more environmentally sustainable economic growth patterns. Participants included policymakers from throughout Asia Pacific, as well as from such countries as India and Iran and from international agencies.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esd/environment/services/meeting/2007_05_28/index.asp

8th ASEM Foreign Ministers Meeting
Date: May 28–29, 2007
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
The foreign ministers of the 45 ASEM member states gathered in Hamburg, where they agreed to intensify regional cooperation on global issues and on resolving international conflicts. One of the main themes of the conference was tackling climate change. Participants reinforced their belief that only joint decisive action can save the world from the consequences of advancing global warming. The ASEM members therefore supported a comprehensive global follow-up regime to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. This follow-up program is intended to take account of the common but differentiated responsibility of the international community for global warming. The EU high representative for the common foreign and security policy took part in the meeting as a guest for the first time, underlining ASEM's growing security-policy dimension.
For information, see: http://www.eu2007.de/en/News/Press_Releases/May/0530AAASEM.html

11th Meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Multilateral Environmental Agreements (AWGMEA); AWGMEA Cluster Meetings; Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (READI) Dialogue on Climate Change
Date: May 28–31, 2007
Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the 11th meeting of the AWGMEA, which promotes cooperation among ASEAN member countries with regard to multilateral environmental agreements in order to reach a common ASEAN approach, where appropriate, in the negotiation and implementation of multilateral environmental agreements. It also allows ASEAN member countries to strengthen cooperation among themselves in the implementation of existing international environmental instruments or agreements; identify and address problems that prevent ASEAN countries from participating in or implementing international environmental agreements or instruments; promote and support the effective participation of ASEAN countries in the negotiation, implementation, review, and governance of international environmental agreements; exchange views and information on new or revised multilateral environmental agreements; and upgrade ASEAN's capacity to negotiate multilateral environmental agreements.
For information, see: http://www.nea.gov.vn/mme/IAMME/IAMME7.html

26th Session of the Standing Committee of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement
Date: May 29–30, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Trade and Investment Division
The purpose of this meeting was to deliberate on the modalities of the fourth round of negotiations, to discuss expansion of the membership of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), and to finalize the agenda for the second session of the Ministerial Council of the APTA. Participants also discussed the certification and verification procedures of certificates of origin.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/mtg/ba26th.asp

NARBO Thematic Workshop on Water Rights
Date: May 29–31, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Network of Asian River Basin Organizations (NARBO); Asian Development Bank (ADB); National Water Resources Board; Japan Water Agency; ADB Institute
In light of the fact that water rights concerns are of particular interest to most of the member countries of NARBO, the organization held a series of four workshops on water allocation and water rights between December 2005 and January 2007. The series of workshops resulted in draft action plans to address water allocation challenges in each attendant's country and the sharing of experiences and practices. Following the completion of those workshops, the NARBO Secretariat proposed to hold a fifth workshop focused on water rights.
In this workshop, participants held in-depth discussions on water rights and finalized a technical paper on the subject that will be useful to NARBO members. The workshop aimed to gather inputs from participants regarding specific country cases and experiences, with recommendations on how to take the water rights agenda forward into implementation.
For information, see: http://www.narbo.jp/narbo/event/materials/announce_for_the_thematic_ws_on_water_rights.pdf

5th Focal Point Meeting for the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS)
Date: May 30–31, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The AFSIS project is an ASEAN-Japan initiative with participation open to China and Korea. The project ran from 2003 to 2007 and was intended to facilitate food security planning and implementation in member countries through the systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of food security information. It was led and coordinated by Thailand and funded by Japan through the ASEAN Trust Fund.
The Focal Point Meeting was the decision-making mechanism of the project and was held at least once a year. At the fifth meeting, participants discussed and reached decisions on the following matters: (1) project activities at the regional and national levels, (2) the 2007 project work plan, and (3) the second phase implementation plan. The meeting was attended by representatives nominated as project focal points from each member country, as well as representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat; the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan; the Japan International Cooperation Agency; the East Asia Emergency Rice Reserve Project; and other concerned agencies.
For information, see: http://afsis.oae.go.th/doc/PDF%202007/1/Meeting%20Information_5th_FPM_2007.pdf

June

27th Meeting of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force
Date: June 4, 2007
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the 27th meeting of the IAI Task Force, which meets regularly to review the implemen-tation of the projects under the IAI program. That program addresses infrastructure development, human resource development, information and communications technology, and promotion of regional economic integration among Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
For information, see: http://www.40amm.org.ph/amm_moreinfo_5.asp

6th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Foreign Ministers Meeting
Date: June 4–5, 2007
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: ACD; hosted by the Government of South Korea
The sixth ACD addressed regional matters such as the progress of the 19 ACD cooperation projects in the information technology sector, the setting up of standards for accession to the ACD, the establishment of an ACD High-Level Study Group to consider the future of the ACD, the North Korean nuclear issue, and energy security. Members adopted the Seoul Information Technology (IT) Declaration and promoted IT cooperation on energy diplomacy with seven Middle East nations, Russia, and three Central Asian nations, all of which possess enormous amounts of energy resources. In addition, bilateral talks were held with the foreign ministers of Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand. The ACD also received visits from foreign ministers of Singapore, Lao PDR, and Russia. All of these were expected to strengthen bilateral relations with the respective nations.
For information, see: http://www.mofat.go.kr/index.jsp

11th Meeting of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Sub-Sector Network of the ASEAN Energy Cooperation
Date: June 6, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)
Topics discussed included a review of the Board of Judges Evaluation Meeting of the ASEAN EE&C Best Practices Competition 2005, a Board of Judges Evaluation Meeting of the ASEAN Energy Management in Building and Industry Competition 2007, a report of the Promotion of Energy Efficiency and Conservation projects, and a report on the progress of the ASEAN Energy Manager Accreditation System, as well as ACE progress in ASEAN member countries.
For information, see: http://www.aseanenergy.org/download/reports/energy_organisastion/eec-ssn/Final%20Report%2011th%20Meeting%20EE&C-SSN%202007.pdf

APEC Health Ministers Meeting
Date: June 6–8, 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
The health ministers of APEC met to further their commitment to cooperation, coordination, and collaboration on serious public health issues affecting the 2.6 billion people in the region. Under the theme "Building on Our Investment: A Sustainable and Multisectoral Approach to Pandemic Preparedness and Emerging Health Threats," the meeting focused on the interface between economics and health issues, while also canvassing the impact that new health threats might have on people's lives. Leaders acknowledged the effective work of the Health Task Force in elevating health to be a significant part of APEC's deliberations and in coordinating implementation of the APEC Action Plan on the Prevention and Response to Avian and Influenza Pandemics. Leaders also endorsed the "APEC Functioning Economies in Times of Pandemic Guidelines" as a resource for member economies and as a pivotal step in acknowledging the importance of improving regional capacity for appropriate emergency management and response planning.
For information, see: http://www.apec.org/apec/ministerial_statements/sectoral_ministerial/health/2007_health.html

2nd Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Development Cooperation Forum (IDCF)
Date: June 12, 2007
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Under the theme "Towards Developing New Strategies for Narrowing the Development Gap in ASEAN," the second IDCF sought to discuss suitable strategies and coordinating activities for continuing the implementation of the IAI in particular and bridging the development gap within ASEAN in general. The ultimate objective is to help build a fully integrated ASEAN by 2015.
For information, see: http://army.qdnd.vn/vietnam.Policy-Society.pnews.7168.qdnd

5th Meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Environmentally Sustainable Cities (AWGESC)
Date: June 14–15, 2007
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; chaired by the Government of Singapore
The AWGESC was formed in 2003 to develop strategies and action plans to drive the Regional Environmentally Sustainable Cities Programme, which focuses on urban environmental management and governance in ASEAN cities. The AWGESC is chaired by Singapore and it aims to develop a framework for sustainable cities in ASEAN that accommodates the prevailing but varied circumstances among ASEAN cities, to promote the sharing of information and expertise in environmental protection and management to further enhance environmental sustainability in ASEAN cities, to recommend common targets and indicators to assess sustainability for cities in ASEAN, to facilitate and organize seminars and workshops to promote intercity environmental cooperation and facilitate transfer of know-how and expertise, and to foster better understanding and closer cooperation among relevant agencies of ASEAN member countries and international and community-based organizations in the area of urban environmental management and monitoring.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/awgesc.htm

Trilateral Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China, Japan, and South Korea
Date: June 17–18, 2007
Location: Jeju, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Hosted by the Government of South Korea; Governments of China and Japan
At the first trilateral foreign ministers meeting held independently from other multilateral occasions, the three countries agreed to continue this meeting on a regular basis. The three foreign ministers exchanged views on a wide range of issues including ways to further expand substantial trilateral cooperation among the three countries, the Six-Party Talks, and situations in Northeast Asia. They agreed to expand and promote cooperation in such areas as trade and investment, environmental protection, climate change, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Furthermore, the three foreign ministers agreed to make efforts for early implementation of the Six-Party Talks agreements (September 19, 2005, and February 13, 2007). They also shared views on the importance of establishing a multilateral security regime based on mutual confidence building and agreed to continue cooperation in future discussions on a peace and security regime in Northeast Asia.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/eas/report0711.pdf

3rd Chiang Mai Initiative Task Force for Multilateralization Meeting
Date: June 18, 2007
Location: Dalian, China
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the third meeting of the Chiang Mai Initiative Task Force, comprised of deputy finance ministers. The task force meets regularly to study various possible options toward an advanced framework of regional liquidity support.
For information, see: http://www.mof.go.jp/english/if/regional_financial_cooperation.htm#CMI

3rd East Asia Summit (EAS) Energy Cooperation Task Force Meeting
Date: June 19–20, 2007
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: EAS; hosted by the Government of Japan
The third EAS Energy Cooperation Task Force Meeting was held in Tokyo. The meeting was attended by Japanese officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and officials in charge of each EAS participant country's energy policy. This meeting featured a wide-ranging discussion on concrete measures to enhance energy security in the East Asia region. Japan also held an EAS Energy Efficiency and Conservation Conference, which aimed at sharing Japan's experience in energy efficiency and conservation.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2007/6/1174067_850.html

14th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Ministerial Conference
Date: June 19–21, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Development Bank
Ministers from Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam met to review the progress of the GMS Program, provide guidance on its future direction, and commemorate its 15th anniversary. Participants discussed the progress that has been made in implementing the plan of action, which comprises high-priority initiatives in nine sectors, and focused especially on the transport, energy, telecommunications, trade, tourism, and agricultural sectors.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2007/14th-Ministerial-Conference/joint-ministerial-statement.pdf

3rd Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution
Date: June 20, 2007
Location: Jambi, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) recognized the urgency and importance of regional preparedness to tackle land and forest fires and transboundary haze pollution in the next dry season. The participants expressed satisfaction over the significant progress on the operation-alization of Indonesia's Plan of Action and noted the collaboration between Indonesia and Singapore in Jambi Province, including a master plan that has been jointly developed to tackle land and forest fires in Muaro Jambi Regency. The MSC also noted that the collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia in Riau Province covers capacity building, fire prevention, peatland management, and socialization and awareness in dealing with land and forest fires and transboundary haze pollution.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/MSC3.doc

20th ASEAN-US Dialogue
Date: June 21, 2007
Location: Washington DC, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/6-2007.htm

3rd APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM III) Meeting
Date: June 22–July 3, 2007
Location: Cairns, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
At the APEC SOM III, participants discussed trade and investment liberalization and business facilitation; structural reform; anticorruption and transparency; economic and technical cooperation; enhancement of human security, including counterterrorism, health issues, emergency preparedness, and energy; and APEC reform.
For information, see: http://aimp.apec.org/Documents/2007/SOM/SOM3/07_som3_summary.doc

7th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and related meetings
Date: June 25–28
Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The seventh SOMTC endorsed the institutionalization of the SOMTC Working Group on Counter-terrorism as well as Singapore's framework on capacity building for enforcement against cybercrime.
For information, see: http://www.gov.ph/news/default.asp?i=18453
http://www.mha.gov.sg/news_details.aspx?nid=1139

4th Dialogue on Environmental Education as a Measure to Address Global Warming
Date: June 26–27, 2007
Location: Kitakyushu, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD); hosted by the Government of Japan
This dialogue was convened by the ACD to focus on Education for Sustainable Development, with this year's theme being environmental education as a measure to address global warming. The objectives were to reach a common understanding among ACD member countries to address global warming, enhance understanding of the contribution of Asian countries, and promote public awareness on the issue. Representatives of ACD member countries presented mitigation measures taken by their respective governments and national agencies to address environmental problems. Within the framework of the dialogue, ACD member countries presented their experiences and best practices and discussed the lack of awareness of environmental concerns in the Asia Pacific region and the necessity for increased public participation, the transfer of technology and scientific knowledge from developed countries to developing countries, and ways to improve the Clean Development Mechanism framework.
For information, see: http://www.acddialogue.com/news/news_detail.php?ID=96

7th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: June 26–28, 2007
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the seventh regular meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter. As part of its consultations with ASEAN groups, the task force also met with human rights institutions of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand on June 26. As part of the charter, the task force considered including a provision for the establishment of an ASEAN Human Rights Commission.
For information, see: http://www.40amm.org.ph/main_overview.asp
http://www.aseanhrmech.org/news/hltf-advances-with-asean-charter-draft.html

ASEAN Four Meeting on Human Rights
Date: June 28, 2007
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Four is composed of the Human Rights National Commission of Indonesia (KOMNAS HAM), Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, and the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (Khamakarn Sit)
The meeting of representatives of national human rights commissions from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, known as the ASEAN Four, concluded with the signing of a declaration of cooperation. In the declaration, the ASEAN Four formally pledged to have a regional strategy in enforcing the promotion and protection of human rights, including determining how to advise their respective governments on the steps that can be taken in establishing an ASEAN human rights mechanism. The declaration also recognized the efforts of ASEAN and the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. The ASEAN Four agreed to carry out activities on human rights issues of common concern, including the suppression of terrorism while respecting human rights; human rights aspects of human trafficking; protection of the human rights of migrants; implementation of economic, social, and cultural rights and the right to development; and enhancement of human rights education.
For information, see: http://www.aseanhrmech.org/news/asean-four-signs-declaration-of-cooperation.html

Ad Hoc Consultations of East Asia Summit Senior Officials; Meeting with Working Group for ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism; Meeting of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission; ASEAN Ministers Meeting (AMM) Informal Working Dinner
Date: June 29, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Various meetings of senior officials and ministers were held, including the Meeting of the SEANWFZ, which consisted of preparations for the adoption of two documents: (1) Stocktaking of the Implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty, and (2) Plan of Action to Strengthen the Implementation of the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone. These documents were reviewed by foreign ministers at the 40th ASEAN Ministerial meeting in late July 2007.
For information, see: http://www.kln.gov.my/?m_id=26&vid=494

Tripartite E-wastes Transboundary Movement Control and Management Workshop
Date: June 29–30, 2007
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Governments of Japan, China, and South Korea
Based on the Joint Communiqu� of the 8th Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting, the ministers agreed to take joint efforts to fight against the illegal transboundary movement of toxic and hazardous waste. At the Tripartite E-wastes Transboundary Movement Control and Management Workshop, the three countries agreed to enhance tripartite cooperation in cracking down on illegal transboundary movement of e-wastes.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/eas/report0711.pdf

July

Prevention and Crisis Management of Chemical and Biological Terrorism
Date: July 2–6, 2007
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; Government of Malaysia; Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism
This seminar on chemical and biological terrorism was attended by 36 participants from Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. During the seminar, participants exchanged views and conducted an exercise on how they would respond to a terrorist attack. Other themes included chemical and biological threat evaluation and prevention, countermeasures, and coordination among agencies to assure proper responses in cases of chemical and biological terrorism.
For information, see: http://www.searcct.gov.my/site1/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26

17th Meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity
Date: July 3–4, 2007
Location: Brunei
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Topics on the agenda included the status of an ASEAN Framework Agreement on Access to Biological and Genetic Resources, the ASEAN Heritage Parks Program, the Heart of Borneo Initiative, a review of the ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; the creation of an ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, the ASEAN-ROK Flagship Project on Restoration of Degraded Forest Ecosystem in the Southeast Asian Tropical Regions Phase II, an ASEAN regional action plan on trade in wild fauna and flora, and implementation of the Vientiane Action Plan.
For information, see: http://www.pawb.gov.ph/uploaded_files/17th%20AWGNCB%20REPORT1.pdf

36th ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Investment (CCI)
Date: July 3–5, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was a regular meeting of the CCI, a committee set up by the ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Council to assist it in the performance of its functions. The CCI comprises senior officials responsible for investment and other senior officials from relevant government agencies and meets regularly four to five times a year to oversee policy coordination and implementation, discuss regional investment matters, and coordinate investment promotion. The CCI reports to the AIA Council through the Senior Economic Officials Meeting.
For information, see: http://moit.gov.vn/vsi_portlets/UserFiles/Docman/Upload/Agreement%20on%20AIA.doc

APEC Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Trade
Date: July 4–6, 2007
Location: Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
The APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade met to promote dynamism in the Asia Pacific region, continue support for the multilateral trading system under the WTO, and create an enabling environment for economic growth through trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. Specifically, they focused on regional economic integration, including the possibility of developing a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific in the long term; promoting greater consistency and coherence among the existing regional trade agreements/free trade agreements; and endorsing APEC's second Trade Facilitation Action Plan, which sets out a framework and timetable for achieving the goal of another 5 percent reduction in trade transaction costs by 2010. Other topics discussed included intellectual property rights and the digital economy, investment, transparency and anticorruption, improving the business environment, and structural reform. Finally, the ministers discussed the need to ensure that APEC is responsive to the changing needs of the Asia Pacific community.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/apec/2007/mrt0707.pdf

11th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Dialogue
Date: July 5–6, 2007
Location: Kuantan, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ASEAN-ROK Dialogue is a consultative body for discussions on ways to promote ASEAN-ROK cooperation in various areas such as politics, economy and trade, culture, labor, and tourism. At this meeting, participants discussed the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula, progress in the ROK-ASEAN Comprehensive Cooperation and Partnership, and the establishment of the ROK-ASEAN Center.
For information, see: http://www.mofat.go.kr/english/econtrade/pressrelease/index.jsp

2nd ASEAN Security Community Plan of Action Coordinating Conference (ASCCO)
Date: July 10–11, 2007
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
As part of its community building process, ASEAN developed a Plan of Action for an ASEAN Security Community. At this meeting, the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism submitted an update of its activities. The ASCCO also held a dialogue with the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter.
For information, see: http://www.aseanhrmech.org/news/2nd-asean-security-community-plan.html
http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

9th ASEAN+3 Directors-General Meeting
Date: July 10–11, 2007
Location: Guiyang, China
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: www.aseansec.org/7-2007.htm

6th Meeting of ACCORD Task Force III on Law Enforcement; 5th Meeting of ACCORD Task Force IV on Alternative Development; 3rd Meeting of the Regional Initiative Against ATS-Related Crime
Date: July 11–13, 2007
Location: Yangon, Myanmar
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ASEAN and China Cooperative Operations in Response to Dangerous Drugs (ACCORD) has established several task forces. Task Force III seeks to strengthen the rule of law by an enhanced network of control measures and improved law enforcement cooperation and legislative review. Task Force IV seeks to eliminate the supply of illicit drugs by boosting alternative development programs and community participation in the eradication of illicit crops. Additionally, a regional initiative was created to combat crime related to amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), including methamphetamine and ecstasy.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/645.htm

Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) Consultations with the Republic of Korea, Japan, China, +3, and India; SEOM-Closer Economic Relations Consultations
Date: July 12–13, 2007
Location: Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/7-2007.htm

ASEAN Workshop on Preventing Bio-terrorism
Date: July 12–13, 2007
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The workshop was aimed at establishing strategies to combat potential terrorist acts using biological weapons. Participating in the workshop were high-ranking law enforcers from 10 ASEAN member countries and bioterrorism experts from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Criminal Police Organization, the Singapore Police Force, and the Hong Kong Police. The law enforcers shared their experiences in preventing bioterrorism threats and worked to cooperate in dealing with terrorist acts.
For information, see: http://www.ppatk.go.id/berita_eng.php?nid=1547

Dialogue between the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter and the ADB
Date: July 13, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; Asian Development Bank (ADB)
As part of the task force deliberations on the drafting of an ASEAN Charter, it held a dialogue with the ADB.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

4th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials of the 38th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (SEOM 4/38) and Consultations
Date: July 16–19, 2007
Location: Danang, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Officials endeavored to finalize the draft of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint and its Strategic Schedule for submission to the 39th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting.
For information, see: http://www.dephut.go.id/files/Annex_05_Updates%20on%20ASEAN%20Economic%20Integration.pdf

ASEAN-China Symposium on Progress of Human Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Prevention and Control
Date: July 17–18, 2007
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
China hosted a symposium to review the progress made in prevention and control of human infection with HPAI. To assist in this endeavor, China proposed to establish a China-ASEAN mechanism for regular information sharing on communicable diseases and public health emergencies. China is also training 20 professionals in this field for ASEAN.
For information, see: http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjdt/zyjh/t290185.htm

Six-Party Talks (6th Round, 1st Session)
Date: July 18–20, 2007
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The first session of the sixth round of the Six-Party Talks resumed in Beijing in July. The parties reviewed the work and progress, expressed satisfaction with the constructive efforts made by all parties to advance the Six-Party Talks process, and welcomed the fact that productive bilateral consultations and coordination were conducted to enhance mutual trust and improve relations. In a joint statement issued on July 20, the six parties recommitted themselves to the Joint Statement of September 19, 2005, and the agreement of February 13, 2007. North Korea confirmed that it would disclose all nuclear programs and disable all facilities related to its nuclear programs. Five working groups were to meet before August to discuss plans for the implementation of the general consensus, and talks were to resume in September to hear the report of the working groups and develop a roadmap for implementing the general consensus.
For information, see: http://www.mofat.go.kr/index.jsp
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/n_korea/6party/press0707.html

8th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: July 22–31, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the eighth regular meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter. During the meeting, task force members discussed inserting an ASEAN human rights mechanism into the charter. The task force had intended to finish its draft in July to submit at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, but unable to reach a consensus, the members referred the matter to the foreign ministers to resolve the issue. The foreign ministers agreed to include a provision mandating the creation of the human rights mechanism.
For information, see: http://www.hurights.or.jp/asia-pacific/049/02.html
http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

7th Meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Water Resources Management
Date: July 23–25, 2007
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; ASEAN-US Technical Assistance & Training Facility
The ASEAN Working Group on Water Resources Management convened to review the status of the ASEAN Strategic Plan of Action on Water Resources Management. Significant progress was reported for four of the ten priority project concepts. Results of the meeting were endorsed by the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment at their meeting in mid-August, which included agreements on five project concepts: Urban Demand Management Learning Forum, led by Singapore to be held in June 2008; Demand Management Learning Forum on Irrigation, led by Thailand, to be conducted in December 2008; ASEAN Water Data Management and Reporting System Design activity, led by Malaysia, which will span 24 months and be launched in 2008; and Risks and Impacts from Extreme Events, co-led by Indonesia and Thailand, which is to be split into separate proposals, one on flooding and one on drought.
For information, see: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PDACK751.pdf
http://www.penang.gov.my/index.php?ch=1&pg=93&ac=633&lang=eng&format=

WIPO/ESCAP High-Level Forum on Intellectual Property Rights and Trade
Date: July 23–25, 2007
Location: Macao, China
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Trade and Investment Division; World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
The objective of this meeting was to promote debate among Asia-Pacific government policymakers on the links between development and the trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights and to devise a common regional approach to meet the challenges. Related topics of discussion included public health; competition and investment; the WTO dispute settlement mechanism; regional/bilateral trade and investment agreements; and aspects of biodiversity, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge in intellectual property rights.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/projects/iptrade.asp

Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering Annual Meeting 2007 and Technical Assistance Forum
Date: July 23–27, 2007
Location: Perth, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG)
At this meeting of the APG, participants discussed, evaluated, and publicized results of mutual evaluation reports, and assessed anti-money laundering efforts and systems to combat terrorist financing in its member countries.
For information, see: http://www.aba.org.tw/images/upload/newsletter/Newsbriefs200710.pdf

28th Meeting of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force
Date: July 26, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the 28th meeting of the IAI Task Force, which meets regularly to review the implementation of the projects under the IAI program. The program addresses infrastructure development, human resource development, information and communication technology, and promotion of regional economic integration among Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam
For information, see: http://www.40amm.org.ph/amm_moreinfo_5.asp

Meeting on Enhancing ASEAN-UN Relations; ASEAN Standing Committee Meeting; ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM); Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty; Ad Hoc Consultations of East Asia Summit Senior Officials; Senior Officials Troika Meeting with Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism; ASEAN Ministerial Meetings (AMM) Informal Working Dinner
Date: July 26–29, 2007
Location: Manila, Philipines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The AMM began with a series of dialogues. An informal working dinner for the ASEAN SOM with the ASEAN secretary-general was held on the 26th, as were a meeting on enhancing relations between ASEAN and the United Nations and a meeting of the ASEAN Standing Committee. The formal SOM was held on the 27th and 28th.
The SEANWFZ Treaty was the focus of meetings as it had been in force for 10 years and was therefore up for review. Under the treaty, ASEAN countries agreed not to develop, acquire, manufacture, or control nuclear weapons or stations, or to test or use these weapons of mass destruction. A nuclear-free ASEAN was one of the major topics to be discussed.
Meetings were also held in preparation for the East Asia Summit and between the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism and the SOM Troika. In the latter meeting, the working group recommended the formation of a joint task force composed of ASEAN senior officials, working group representatives, civil society groups, and women and children's rights experts to draft the appropriate instrument to establish the commission on the promotion and protection of the rights of women and children.
For information, see: http://www.40amm.org.ph/main_overview.asp
http://www.aseanhrmech.org/news/gains-for-human-rights-reported.html

40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM); AMM Retreat; Special ASEAN+3 Deputy Directors General Working Group Meeting; ASEAN+3 SOM; East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Lunch; 8th ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers Meeting
Date: July 29–August 2, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The theme of the 40th AMM was "One Caring and Sharing Community." During the meeting, the ASEAN foreign ministers discussed the first draft of the ASEAN Charter and reviewed the progress of overall regional cooperation among ASEAN countries and with their ASEAN dialogue partners. They also reviewed developments pertaining to regional and international issues that may have political, economic, and sociocultural impact on ASEAN. The foreign ministers welcomed Singapore's proposal to focus on "Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development" as a key theme of discussions at the 13th ASEAN Summit (November 2007).
As part of the 40th AMM, the ASEAN+3 foreign ministers met to exchange views on regional and international issues. The ministers discussed the situation in Afghanistan and reaffirmed their support for the Six-Party Talks. They noted with satisfaction that ASEAN+3 cooperation has expanded in the areas of women, poverty alleviation, disaster management, and minerals. Participants discussed an East Asia Free Trade Area (EAFTA), including the outcomes of the study of the Expert Group on EAFTA; Japan's proposal to establish an Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia; and South Korea's proposal to conduct a second phase of an in-depth analysis of the EAFTA.
For information, see: http://www.kln.gov.my/?m_id=26&vid=494
http://www.gov.ph/news/default.asp?i=18466
http://www.40amm.org.ph/main_newscontent.asp?category=news&newsid=1002

14th APEC Finance Ministers Meeting
Date: July 30–August 3, 2007
Location: Queensland, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Under Australia's APEC 2007 theme of "strengthening our community, building a sustainable future," the finance ministers of the APEC economies discussed the key economic and financial issues that are shaping the region's future prosperity. Ministers considered the medium-term challenges of ensuring that sufficient well-targeted investment occurs to underpin sustainable economic growth and of ensuring that energy markets operate efficiently and transparently to deliver long-term energy security. Ministers also considered two policy themes: managing fiscal risks and the need to deepen private capital markets to create new economic opportunities. The meeting's ongoing objective is to realize the APEC region's economic potential by drawing together the interests of member economies and exploring opportunities for cooperation and capacity building.
For information, see: http://www.apec.org.au/docs/07_FMM_JMS.pdf

5th Meeting of the Southwest Pacific Dialogue
Date: July 31, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Officials from Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Timor Leste gathered after the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting for the fifth Meeting of the Southwest Pacific Dialogue. The participants exchanged views on developments in their subregion. They lauded the commitment of the Southwest Pacific countries to maintaining democratic principles and pursuing good governance. In this light, the participants commended the recent conduct of credible and orderly elections in Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea and expressed the hope that the political process would help advance those countries' development. The meeting expressed appreciation to countries-including Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines-that are providing assistance to enhance security in Timor Leste through the International Security Force and the UN. Other topics included further cooperation in the areas of education and culture, transnational crime and terrorism, interfaith dialogue, maritime issues, avian influenza and HIV/AIDS, and prevention of natural disasters.
For information, see: http://www.dfat.gov.au/asean/joint_media_statement.html

8th Meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment (AWGCME)
Date: July 31–August 1, 2007
Location: Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the eighth meeting of the AWGCME, which oversees ASEAN cooperation on the protection of the coastal and marine environment. The AWGCME focuses on the promotion of regional policies and activities for the prevention and control of marine pollution and on the management of ASEAN coastal zones as generally identified in the Hanoi Plan of Action (1999-2004) and the Vientiane Action Programme (2004-2010).
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/10080.htm

6th Meeting of ACCORD Task Force I on Civic Awareness
Date: July 31–August 1, 2007
Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; hosted by Brunei's Narcotics Control Bureau
Nearly 50 delegates from ASEAN member countries, China, and the UN took part in this two-day meeting. Participants argued that a priority in the fight against drugs should be prevention by helping people free themselves from drug dependence and getting them back into society. They discussed preventive drug education efforts in disseminating drug awareness to the community as well as other demand-reduction strategies. They presented national country reports on civic awareness and demand reduction as well as on experiences in monitoring public awareness campaigns, treatment methods, protocols, and other treatment-related issues.
For information, see: http://www.brunei.gov.bn/hotnews/year%202007/0807/01/NCB_ACCORD.htm

August

Regional Expert Meeting on Using Space Technology for Avian Influenza Monitoring and Early Warning in Asia
Date: August 1–3, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP); UN Office for Outer Space Affairs; co-sponsored by the China National Space Agency and the Geo-informatics and Space Technology Development of Thailand
The objective of this meeting was to discuss and formulate a regional framework and work plan toward the establishment of a regional network for joint development of the space IT-enabled highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) monitoring and early warning model in Asia, which would serve as the technical basis for a future operational system for HPAI prevention and control. The meeting was attended by 37 policymakers from national HPAI coordinating bodies and relevant ministries and departments and experts from technical support institutions of 16 countries. Representatives of international organizations, including the office of UN System Influenza Coordination, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Health Organization, were also present at the meeting.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/icstd/space/Workshops/2007/em-avian-influenza/

ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC)+1 with Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Russia, the EU, and the United States
Date: August 1, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At the PMC+1 conferences, progress was made on the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Partnership, the ASEAN-Canada Joint Cooperation Work Plan, the Nuremberg Declaration on ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership, the ASEAN-New Zealand Framework for Cooperation 2006-2010, the ASEAN-Australia/New Zealand Free Trade Area, the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Program of Action to Promote Cooperation 2005-2015, the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership Financial Fund, the ASEAN-Russia Agreement on Cultural Cooperation, the ASEAN-US Commemorative Summit, and the ASEAN-US Science and Technology Agreement. ASEAN encouraged its partners to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. An ASEAN PMC+10 working lunch included all of the above, along with China, Japan, South Korea, and India. The participants welcomed the positive developments in the Six-Party Talks and expressed support for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/20828.htm
http://www.aseansec.org/Bulletin-Jul-07.htm

14th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF); ARF Defense Officials Meeting
Date: August 1–2, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ARF
The 14th meeting of the ARF was attended by the foreign ministers of all ARF participants, as well as the EU high representative for common foreign and security policy. The ministers welcomed the admission of Sri Lanka as the 27th participant in the ARF. The ministers expressed their support for the ASEAN Security Community Plan of Action adopted at the 10th ASEAN Summit and reaffirmed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, welcoming the accession of France, Timor Leste, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Ministers discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, recent developments in Myanmar, elections in Timor Leste, and an upcoming referendum of the recently drafted constitution in Thailand.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=RbahNhjo2E8%3d&tabid=66&mid=940

Expert Group Meeting: Promoting Trade between Asian Subregions
Date: August 1–3, 2007
Location: Kunming, China
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Trade and Investment Division; Research Office, Government of Yunnan Province, China
ESCAP convened a meeting of trade experts for a three-day meeting that sought to examine the current situation, challenges, and opportunities of trade between Asian subregions; increase awareness among the public and private sectors on the role and importance of trade facilitation, agriculture, and innovation in promoting trade between Asian subregions; identify efficient ways and best practices for promoting trade between Asian subregions; promote participation of SMEs in global and regional supply chains; and promote cooperation among Asian subregions in trade facilitation, agriculture, and innovation.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/projects/protrade.asp

18th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN); 4th Meeting of ASOEN+3
Date: August 6–9, 2007
Location: Boraquay, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At the 18th ASOEN meeting, participants discussed various initiatives to overcome environmental problems facing the region, including climate change. The meeting recalled that the framework agreement on access to, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of, biological and genetic resources was drafted to facilitate coordinated actions by ASEAN member countries on access and benefit sharing (ABS) in view of the shared biodiversity resources, and that the framework agreement will help to support national policies and regulations on ABS and assist in capacity building. Participants also noted that any further delay could render the agreement outdated, and they stressed the need to complete the signing process as soon as possible in view of the importance of this matter for regional cooperation and the ongoing international negotiations on ABS.
For information, see: www.nea.gov.vn/mme/IAMME/IAMME6.html

5th Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (PACC); 31st Pacific Armies Management Seminar (PAMS)
Date: August 6–10, 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: US Army, Pacific (USARPAC)
Senior army leaders from around the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions met under the theme "Developing Security/Land Forces Leaders for the 21st Century." Army chief-of-staff equivalents from 19 countries met for PACC V, which is a biennial, multinational, executive defense forum. PACC fosters military-to-military cooperation, develops interpersonal relationships, and contributes to regional dialogue and stability. PAMS is a multinational military seminar that provides a forum for senior-level officers from the Asia Pacific's regional ground forces to exchange views and ideas. It is not only a forum to enhance understanding of the subjects studied; it also provides an opportunity for the future leaders of the region's armies to establish and cultivate a set of strong interpersonal relationships. The long-term objective of both PACC and PAMS is to promote peace and stability in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions through mutual understanding, dialogue, and friendship.
For information, see: http://www.usarpac.army.mil/news/PAMS2007Closing.asp

The Benefits of Regional Cooperation: An Exchange Learning Program between CAREC and the GMS
Date: August 6–10, 2007
Location: Hue, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program has endorsed capacity building and knowledge as fundamental for regional economic cooperation. The ADB has designed a learning exchange program between CAREC and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to explore lessons learned and to study continuing issues and challenges in the key areas of transport infrastructure, trade, and investment. Through the program, participants familiarized themselves with an overview of GMS and regional cooperation, the concept of transport and economic corridors, the cross-border transport agreement, and trade facilitation measures including single stop inspections. Senior officials from CAREC participating countries (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) and Turkmenistan joined in the program along with representatives from Vietnam, Lao PDR, and the ADB.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2007/Exchange-Learning-Program/default.asp

9th Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior Military Officers
Date: August 6–12, 2007
Location: Sentosa, Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University
The ninth annual meeting of senior military officers marked the first participation by Botswana and Sri Lanka in the program, showing the growing interest among defense officials throughout the world in this type of cooperative seminar. A total of 61 officers from 26 countries participated in 2007. Distinguished speakers from Singapore and around the world were invited to share their expertise on various policy-relevant topics. They addressed subjects such as the situation in Iraq, civil-military relations, the future of warfare, the role of armed forces today, terrorism and international security, new dimensions in international security, strategy and military leadership, the changing place of Asia in American national security policy, the evolution in military affairs, the media and international conflict, the role of the military in internal conflicts, and defense networking. In addition to the theoretical and practical discussions, the participants joined a number of events designed to promote interaction with one another.
For information, see: http://www.idss.edu.sg/networking/past_conf.html#

3rd Regional High-Level Officials Meeting on Environment and Health in Southeast and East Asian Countries
Date: August 8, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Regional Forum on Environment and Health (secretariat: UN Environment Programme and World Health Organization)
High-level officials from 14 participating countries attended this meeting. The meeting updated participants on the regional and national activities since the previous meeting, finalized the Thematic Working Group workplans, and discussed the proposed Bangkok Declaration on Environment and Health.
For information, see: http://www.environment-health.asia//fileupload/00_HL3_MR.pdf

1st Ministerial Regional Forum on Environment and Health
Date: August 9, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Regional Forum on Environment and Health (secretariat: UN Environment Programme and World Health Organization); hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Public Health, Government of Thailand; Chulabhorn Research Institute
The ministers of the environment and health agencies of the forum's member countries-Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam-met for the first time to launch a new ministerial-level meeting on environment and health. The forum provided overall guidance for strategic directions and supervision of the Regional Initiative on Environment and Health in Southeast and East Asian Countries. At the meeting, participants adopted the Bangkok Declaration on Environment and Health. They discussed and adopted the Charter of the Regional Forum, including regional priorities for 2007-2010, institutional structure, and six Thematic Working Groups (air quality; water supply, hygiene, and sanitation; solid and hazardous waste; toxic chemicals and hazardous substances; climate change, ozone depletion, and ecosystem change; and contingency planning, preparedness, and response to environmental health emergencies).
For information, see: http://www.wpro.who.int/NR/rdonlyres/729FC3E2-561D-4561-BF1B-01375C033436/0/ReportFirstMinisterialRegionalForum.pdf

ASEAN Bond Market Initiative (ABMI) Working Group and Ad Hoc Support Team for Focal Group Meetings; 4th Chiang Mai Initiative Task Force for Multilateralization Meeting
Date: August 13–14, 2007
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
There are currently four ABMI working groups-creating new securitized debt instruments, credit guarantee and investment mechanisms, foreign exchange transactions and settlement issues, and rating systems-as well as a technical assistance coordination team and an Ad Hoc Support Team for the Focal Group (ASTFG). These various groups met to discuss progress and make recommendations for future work. The working group on securitized debt instruments continued its efforts to introduce new debt instruments and encourage issuances of local currency denominated bonds in ASEAN+3. Significant progress was reported and they adopted a draft final report of a study on "ASEAN+3 Regional Basket Currency Bonds." Asian Development Bank consultants presented their final research paper on the credit guarantee and investment mechanism at the meeting of the second working group, while the ratings systems working group considered the final report of a study on "Enhancing Comparability and Harmonization among the Local CRAs [credit ratings agencies] in the Region, which found that the rating scales used are similar across local CRAs in Asia but that local CRAs should follow some common minimum rating standards. At the ASTFG meeting, members agreed to submit mandatory self-assessment reports on their domestic bond market development twice a year (in association with the AFDM+3 in April and November).
For information, see: http://asianbondsonline.adb.org/regional/asean_plus_three_asian_bond_market_initiatives/overview.php
http://www.mof.go.jp/english/if/regional_financial_cooperation.htm

12th High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration
Date: August 14–15, 2007
Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the 12th meeting of the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration, which makes recommendations on steps to realize the ASEAN Economic Community, such as those contained in the Bali Concord I and II. Recommendations have included fast-track integration of priority sectors, faster customs clearance and simplified customs procedures, elimination of barriers to trade, and accelerated implementation of the Mutual Recognition Arrangements for key sectors.
For information, see: http://www.ucm.es/BUCM/revistas/cps/16962206/articulos/UNIS0606230049A.PDF

7th ASEAN Capital Market Forum
Date: August 16, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ASEAN Capital Market Forum was established to focus on the development of regional capital markets. Comprised of heads of national securities commissions, the group discussed progress in national and regional objectives for securities and capital markets. An overarching goal of the forum is to harmonize standards that would facilitate integration such as disclosure standards, distribution rules, accounting and auditing standards, and cross-recognition of qualifications of capital market professionals.
For information, see: http://aric.adb.org/updates/ear%20updates/main%20report/Finalization%20Workshop/Session2_Report%20Chapter%204_J.Corbett_29oct07.doc
http://www.adb.org/ReformAgenda/ma-jan-dec07/ma200702.asp

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of SCO Members Meeting
Date: August 16, 2007
Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Organizers/Sponsors: SCO
In addition to the heads of SCO member states, representatives of the SCO observer states (India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan), and guests of honor of the host state (the presidents of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan and the UN deputy secretary-general) were also in attendance. In accordance with the agreement reached at the anniversary summit of the SCO Heads of State Council (2006), the heads of state signed a treaty among the member states on good neighborly relations, friendship, and cooperation. The leaders of the six states signed the Bishkek Declaration and approved an action plan on ensuring international information security. Plenipotentiary representatives of the member states of the organization also signed an agreement among the governments of the SCO member states on cooperation in the field of culture.
For information, see: http://www.sectsco.org/html/01721.html

29th Meeting of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force
Date: August 20–21, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the 29th meeting of the IAI Task Force, which meets regularly to review the implementation of the projects under the IAI program. That program addresses infrastructure development, human resource development, information and communications technology, and the promotion of regional economic integration among the Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/8-2007.htm

8th FEALAC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM VIII)
Date: August 20–21, 2007
Location: Bras�lia, Brazil
Organizers/Sponsors: Forun for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC)
The FEALAC SOM VIII considered a report on the fourth meeting of the Working Group on Economy and Society, which was presented by Japan and Argentina. Singapore emphasized the importance of sharing expertise and best practices on port management and operations, airport terminal operations and management, civil aviation management, environmental protection and health management, water supply and distribution management, and urban planning and environment management. Chile announced a new project on migrant workers, consisting of new social policies. Brazil highlighted the need to establish a specific subgroup on trade and investment. The Venezuelan delegate called attention to the need for joint efforts to alleviate poverty and promote social consciousness in the areas of health and education.
For information, see: http://www.focalae.org/

4th Meeting of the ASEAN+3 Directors-General Working Group; 10th Meeting of the ASEAN+3 Directors-General
Date: August 20–21, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Topics covered in the 10th Meeting of the ASEAN+3 Directors-General included coordination and implementation of measures in the East Asia Study Group Final Report, identification of regional priorities for East Asia cooperation, coordination of East Asia cooperation under the ASEAN+3 process, and promotion of functional cooperation in East Asia. The meeting reports to the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers Meeting.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/ASEAN+3Database.pdf

Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) of the 25th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM); 25th AMEM; 4th AMEM+3; 8th SOME-Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Consultation; 5th SOME+3 Consultations; 5th Meeting of the East Asia Summit Energy Cooperation Task Force (ECTF)
Date: August 20–23, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At the SOME of the 25th AMEM, officials discussed the energy-related measures of the draft ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint. Participants noted that the trans-ASEAN gas pipeline project is on schedule and recommended a final draft of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on an ASEAN power grid to the 25th AMEM for signing. The purpose of the MOU was to provide a broad cooperative framework to ASEAN member countries for the development of a common ASEAN energy policy on power interconnection and trade, and ultimately the realization of the ASEAN power grid.
At the 25th AMEM, ministers discussed various measures to promote greater energy stability, security, and sustainability as a pathway to the ASEAN Community 2015. The ministers considered ways to respond to the increasing world oil prices and oil dependency, as well as the region's broader energy supply and demand challenges. The ministers signed the MOU recommended by the SOME, in principle agreed to the establishment of an ASEAN Nuclear Energy Safety Sub-Sector Network to explore nuclear safety issues, and noted the progress in finalizing the new ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement.
For information, see: http://www.aseanenergy.org/download/reports/energy_organisastion/amem/26th%20AMEM.pdf
http://www.aseansec.org/20843.htm

28th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Drugs (ASOD); 5th Meeting of ACCORD Joint Task Force; 3rd Meeting of Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) +3 Working Group on Narcotics
Date: August 20–24, 2007
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At the 28th ASOD meeting, national heads of drug control agencies of ASEAN member countries made presentations on the progress of their respective national efforts on drug control. They shared the assessment that, despite the significant success in the eradication of opium poppy production, the drug situation in the region remains grave, particularly due to the emergence of new synthetic drugs, an increasingly complex web of illicit drug trafficking, and the severe impact on society. In this regard, ASEAN member countries agreed that a comprehensive approach to drug control that involves all elements of society and enhanced cooperation at the national, subregional, regional, and international levels is critical, including the sharing of information and best practices on drug control. The ACCORD Joint Task Force and the SOMTC+3 also held meetings to discuss combating illicit drug trafficking.
For information, see: http://www.aspacngo.org/Asod%202550/Report%20of%20the%20twenty-eighth%20meeting.pdf

ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) Consultations with Republic of Korea, +3, India, Canada; SEOM-Closer Economic Relations Consultations; 10th ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Council; ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Council
Date: August 21–22, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Senior ASEAN economic officials met together and with dialogue partners in preparation for the upcoming ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting. In addition, the AIA Council met to review recent developments and to discuss policy options for attracting more foreign direct investment into ASEAN. The council was pleased to note that ASEAN FDI flows for 2006 had reached US$52.4 billion, a 28 percent increase from the previous year. To further attract FDI to the region, the AIA Council agreed to revise the Framework Agreement on the ASEAN Investment Area and combine it with the ASEAN Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments into a single ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement.
At the 21st AFTA Council meeting, the ministers discussed the progress made in the implementation of the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme for AFTA, elimination of nontariff barriers, reform of the Rules of Origin for AFTA, and enhancement of the CEPT Agreement.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/20834.htm
http://www.aseansec.org/20856.htm

3rd FEALAC Foreign Ministerial Meeting (FMM III)
Date: August 22–23, 2007
Location: Bras�lia, Brazil
Organizers/Sponsors: Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC)
Participants at FEALAC's FMM III adopted the Bras�lia Declaration, which gave priority to actions and initiatives that focus on the enhancement of friendly relations and mutual understanding between East Asia and Latin America; that promote cooperation in trade and investment; and that emphasize the importance of the international democratic order, based on the principles of respect for national sovereignty and for human rights, the promotion of sustainable development, and the strengthening and perfecting of multilateralism. Foreign ministers adopted statements on the hostage situation in Afghanistan and on solidarity with the people of Peru.
A business meeting and an academic seminar were held alongside the FMM III. These side events brought together the business community and academic research institutions of the two regions and also stimulated the participation of the media and NGOs.
For information, see: http://www.focalae.org/user/office/View.asp?txtidx=57

1st East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting (EMM1)
Date: August 23, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: East Asia Summit (EAS)
At the EMM1, the ministers shared the view that the EAS is an important component of the emerging regional architecture and community-building efforts. The ministers acknowledged the stated goal of the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security, which stresses close cooperative efforts to enhance energy security for the region in order to ensure the supply of reliable, adequate, and affordable energy for sustainable economic growth and to enhance competitiveness. The ministers agreed to move forward on the Cebu Declaration and produce concrete results through greater cooperation and coordination of measures and activities. They welcomed its Cooperation Initiative for Clean Energy and Sustainable Growth and Japan's energy cooperation package that focuses on promoting energy efficiency, biomass, and utilization of clean coal.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/energy/joint0708.html

39th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM); AEM Consultations with China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, +3, India, and Canada; AEM-Closer Economic Relations Consultations (AEM-CER); ASEAN Mekong Basin Development Cooperation Meeting
Date: August 23–27, 2007
Location: Makati City, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At their 39th meeting, the ASEAN economic ministers endorsed the text of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint and its Strategic Schedule and the text of the Declaration on the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint for signing by the ASEAN Leaders at the 13th ASEAN Summit in November 2007. In addition, the ministers endorsed the Roadmap for ASEAN Integration of the Logistics Services Sector as the 12th priority sector for ASEAN integration, and signed the ASEAN Sectoral Integration Protocol for Logistic Services Sector.
Following the 39th AEM, the ASEAN economic ministers met with their counterparts from Australia, China, South Korea (as part of the AEM+3), Japan, and New Zealand on August 25-26. The ASEAN ministers also convened a meeting of the ASEAN Mekong Basin Development Cooperation participants on August 27.
During the AEM+3 meeting, ministers exchanged views on the global economic situation and recent economic developments in ASEAN and the Northeast Asian countries. They noted the progress in economic integration in the region and particularly the expanded trade volume. The ministers shared a sense of urgency with regard to accelerating the multilateral negotiation process in order to conclude the Doha Round negotiations in 2007.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/20868.htm
http://www.aseansec.org/Bulletin-Aug-07.htm

ARF Roundtable Discussion on Stocktaking Maritime Security Issues
Date: August 24–25, 2007
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF); co-chaired by the Governments of China and Indonesia
Maritime security issues discussed at this ARF roundtable included sea piracy and armed robbery, transnational crime, terrorism, capacity building, and information sharing. The participants agreed on a number of international principles and on the importance of employing a comprehensive approach in addressing international threats. Recurring themes included the key role that maritime security plays in regional stability and the need for common understanding of the definition of maritime security. Lessons learned included the important function of interagency technical cooperation in addressing threats and the importance of sharing of information/intelligence, plans, and objectives; learning each others' cultures, processes, procedures, requirements, capabilities, and limitations; complementing instead of competing with each others' efforts; understanding and implementing plans, policies, and operational activities; and integrating training/exercise plans with cooperative education programs and legal cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ftXo0H%2bGVEs%3d&tabid=66&mid=1009

9th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: August 24–26, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the ninth regular meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter.
For information, see: http://www.jchttp://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)
Date: August 27–28, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting is supported by the ASEAN Standing Committee and the ASEAN SOM in its efforts to oversee ASEAN's community-building efforts, external relations, strategic policy, and development cooperation. In 2007, the SOM continued to be engaged with the key issue of preserving ASEAN's centrality in the evolving regional strategic architecture, particularly concerning ASEAN+3 cooperation, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the East Asia Summit.
For information, see: www.aseansec.org/8-2007.htm

28th Meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation
Date: August 27–30, 2007
Location: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Representatives from national intellectual property offices in ASEAN and international partners discussed regional strategies for the development of intellectual property.
For information, see: http://www.ecap-project.org/activitiesevents/at_regional_level/28th_meeting_of_the_asean_working_group_on_intellectual_property_cooperation_awgipc_27_30_august_2007_yogyakarta_indonesia.html

3rd ASEAN Workshop on Control and Eradication of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
Date: August 28–31, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; in collaboration with Asian Development Bank (ADB); Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE); hosted by Department of Agriculture, Government of the Philippines
Under an agreement with ASEAN, the ADB provided a grant from the Regional Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza in Asia and the Pacific Project to assist the ASEAN Secretariat in implementing ASEAN's Framework for the Control and Eradication of Avian Influenza in ASEAN. The framework covers eight strategic areas: disease surveillance, effective containment measures, stamping out and vaccination, diagnostic capabilities, establishment of disease-free zones, information sharing, emergency preparedness plans, and public awareness. The framework has been discussed and updated during three workshops that took place in Jakarta (October 2006), Kuala Lumpur (March 2007), and now Manila. This workshop aimed to facilitate the sharing of information and experiences in the implementation of the ASEAN regional framework on HPAI with a focus on public awareness and communication, and on the recovery of poultry export capacity. Participants included representatives from the ADB and other international organizations, as well as representatives from the ministries of agriculture of ASEAN member countries.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2007/Control-Eradication-HPAI/default.asp

September

Concluding APEC Senior Officials Meeting (CSOM)
Date: September 2–3, 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
At the CSOM for the 19th APEC Ministerial Meeting, participants discussed trade/investment liberalization and facilitation; structural reform; economic and technical cooperation; enhancing human security, including counterterrorism and emergency preparedness; and APEC reform. In addition to endorsing a number of reports and papers for submission to the APEC ministers, the chair asked for final comments on the senior officials' report to the ministers, and provided an update on three draft statements for the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, including a statement on the WTO Doha Round; a statement on climate change, energy security, and clean development; and a general leaders statement on other issues.
For information, see: http://aimp.apec.org/Documents/2007/SOM/CSOM/07_csom_summary.pdf

34th Meeting of the APEC Energy Working Group
Date: September 3–7, 2007
Location: Hong Kong SAR
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
APEC country representatives heard reports from the APEC Secretariat, the chair of the Energy Business Network, and the 8th Meeting of APEC Energy Ministers. Delegates also discussed the APEC Energy Security Initiative, including a joint oil data initiative, issues on maritime security, a real-time emergency information sharing system, energy emergency responses, energy investment, natural gas trade, energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean fossil energy, alternative transportation fuels, nuclear energy, and hydrogen and fuel cells.
For information, see: http://www.ewg.apec.org/assets/documents/apecinternet/EWG34_Sum220071018164647.pdf

6th ASEAN+3 Environment Ministers Meeting (EMM); 10th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (IAMME)
Date: September 3–7, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At the 6th EMM, China indicated its aim to enhance environmental cooperation between China and ASEAN; Japan stressed the importance of promoting dialogue on climate change policies, including capacity building and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the ASEAN+3 framework; Indonesia supported the proposal to extend a flagship ASEAN-Korea Environmental Cooperation Project (AKECOP) on the Restoration of Degraded Forest Ecosystems in Southeast Asian Tropical Regions into a third phase; and Thailand and Cambodia proposed to link the AKECOP project to the CDM. Brunei sought support and cooperation from the Plus Three countries for implementation of the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan 2008-2012, which was adopted at the 10th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment.
At the 10th IAMME, the ministers noted the urgency of ratifying the Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity; urged the relevant member states to consider expediting their national processes for signing the draft ASEAN Framework Agreement on Access and Benefit Sharing; exchanged views regarding the ratification of the 1985 ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; and adopted the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012). The ministers also agreed to confer an ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable City Award annually beginning in 2008.
For information, see: http://www.nea.gov.vn/ mme/EMM/EMM1.html
http://www.nea.gov.vn/mme/IAMME/IAMME2.html

3rd Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
Date: September 3–7, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At this meeting, senior officials from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam noted the outcome of the stocktaking and review of relevant regional activities that support the implementation of the haze agreement, and discussed the following five priority areas: implementation of the ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy; implementation of activities to further promote zero burning and controlled burning practices; conduct of table-top and simulation exercises to enhance joint emergency response; capacity building for law enforcement, investigation, and prosecution; and regular forums/dialogues with international donor community and other stakeholders to promote the implementation of the haze agreement.
For information, see: http://www.nea.gov.vn/mme/COP.html

5th OPCW Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia
Date: September 4–6, 2007
Location: Doha, Qatar
Organizers/Sponsors: Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW); co-hosted with the Government of Qatar
The OPCW held its 5th Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia. The meeting, which was attended by 65 participants from 26 states parties, provided an opportunity for national authorities to share experiences, develop contacts, and enhance subregional and regional cooperation for the full and effective implementation of the chemical weapons convention. As of 2007, there were only two non-states parties in Asia-Myanmar and North Korea.
The meeting, which marked the 10th anniversary of the convention, served as a forum for states parties to present their need for assistance and indicate what assistance they could offer to other states parties. It also provided an opportunity to discuss issues relating to the identification of declarable Article VI activities under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the enhanced quality of the declarations submitted by states parties, as well as the role of customs authorities in carrying out the import and export provisions of the convention. Bilateral meetings with 20 of the 26 participating states parties were also held.
For information, see: http://www.opcw.org/

14th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Ministerial Meeting and Senior Officials Meeting; 4th Governors and Chief Ministers Forum
Date: September 4–6, 2007
Location: Songkhla, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Hosted by the Government of Thailand; supported by Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The 14th IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting and Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) produced fruitful discussions and agreements on strengthening the implementation of the IMT-GT Roadmap, which is aimed at achieving the development vision of the IMT-GT subregion. Participants agreed to accept several provinces in Thailand as new members of the IMT-GT. The SOM noted the progress in establishing the Center for IMT-GT Cooperation, which will enable the strengthening of coordination mechanisms and processes among IMT-GT institutions and the facilitation, implementation, and monitoring of priority projects.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2007/14th-IMT-GT-Ministerial-Meeting/default.asp

19th APEC Ministerial Meeting
Date: September 5–6, 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Under the theme of "strengthening our community, building a sustainable future," participants reviewed developments in the region and concluded that the Asia Pacific region remains the engine of world growth. Incomes are rising, poverty is declining, employment is growing, investment is increasing, and trade is expanding. Growth in the past year was solid and was expected to continue in 2008. The challenges ahead include global trade imbalances, protectionism, urbanization, demographic changes, environment, energy, food safety, terrorism, crime, governance, women's empowerment, pandemics, and 21st century skills. By facilitating economic growth, intensifying economic and technical cooperation, strengthening integration, and enhancing a sense of community, participants hoped to create greater prosperity in the region. The ministers also discussed ways to enhance regional human security in the areas of terrorism and secure trade, food and product safety, emergency preparedness, health, and energy security and sustainability. They also discussed ways to ensure that APEC is dynamic and responsive to developments in Asia Pacific.
For information, see: http://www.apec.org/apec/news___media/2007_media_releases/060907_aus_ammjms.html

ASEAN Workshop on the Establishment of the ASEAN Maritime Forum
Date: September 7–8, 2007
Location: Batam, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This workshop was held to help implement the ASEAN Security Community Programme Areas and Measures of the Vientiane Action Programme, specifically on the promotion of ASEAN maritime security cooperation and the establishment of an ASEAN maritime forum.
For information, see: http://www.iisd.ca/vol25/enb2550e.html

15th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting
Date: September 8–9, 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
APEC leaders met under the theme "Strengthening Our Community, Building a Sustainable Future" to discuss efforts to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation toward the enhancement of regional economic cooperation and integration in the Asia Pacific region. A key issue at the meeting was the connections between climate change, energy security, and clean development, which participants recognized as being fundamental and interlinked challenges for the APEC region. A separate declaration was produced on this issue that outlined an APEC Action Agenda.
The Doha Round was another key issue, and the meeting produced a separate statement setting out the urgent need for progress and pledging APEC's commitment to the successful conclusion of these negotiations. In addition, the leaders discussed ways to further economic integration in the region and to improve economic efficiency and the business environment; ways to enhance human security, focusing on the challenges of terrorism, pandemics, illicit drugs, contaminated products, and natural disasters; and ways to strengthen APEC.
For information, see: http://www.apec.org/apec/leaders__declarations/2007.html

2nd Meeting of the ASEAN-Japan Counter Terrorism Dialogue
Date: September 10–11, 2007
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
The 2nd Meeting of the ASEAN-Japan Counter Terrorism Dialogue was held in collaboration with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with 58 delegates from all the ASEAN countries and the secretariat participating. The dialogue is intended as a forum for exchange of views between Japan and ASEAN to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation in the ASEAN region by effectively utilizing the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund and the Grant Aid for Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism and Security Enhancement. Japan expressed its support for deeper cooperation in areas such as border control and sharing of information on lost and stolen passports.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/9-2007.htm

10th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: September 10–13, 2007
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the 10th regular meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter. Topics discussed included gender equality in the selection of ASEAN officers, the creation of an ASEAN parliament, and support for disadvantaged groups.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf
http://www.aseanhrmech.org/news/philippine-HLTF-member-bares-draft.html

Ad Hoc ASEAN+3 Directors-General Working Group Meeting; Ad Hoc ASEAN+3 Directors-General Meeting
Date: September 10–15, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
ASEAN+3 directors-general held ad hoc meetings in support of the work of the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers Meeting.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/ASEAN+3Database.pdf

36th Pacific Area Senior Officer Logistics Seminar (PASOLS 36)
Date: September 11–13, 2007
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: US Pacific Area Command (PACOM)
PASOLS is an annual meeting sponsored by PACOM. It is an apolitical, multinational forum for senior logistics officers from the Asian, Pacific, and Indian Ocean regions to exchange and discuss new ideas and review logistics initiatives introduced by their regional neighbors. At the 36th PASOLS, 91 participants from 23 member nations and 5 observer nations met under the theme "Logistics Support for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) Operations." Four panels discussed pre-crisis planning, immediate response, and post-crisis operations. Other initiatives included a Pacific Area Cataloging System, a Mutual Logistics Support Handbook, and an HA/DR checklist and warehouse.
For information, see: http://www.pasols.org/pasols36/36%20pasols%20final%20report.pdf

4th Session of the Committee on Managing Globalization (Part 1)
Date: September 12–14, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
ESCAP's Committee on Managing Globalization seeks to help manage the impacts of globalization effectively by formulating and implementing effective policies to seize new opportunities while minimizing the inevitable costs. In particular, the meeting focused on regional preparations for the midterm review of the Almaty Programme of Action: Addressing the Special Needs of Landlocked Developing Countries. Additionally, the meeting discussed trade and investment issues including aid for trade and public-private partnerships; emerging trade policy analysis and analytical needs of the region; and the Asia-Pacific Business Forum. With regard to transport and tourism, the meeting considered the organization and format of a forum of Asian ministers of transport; an international integrated intermodal transport and logistics system for Asia and the Pacific; and improving road safety on the Asian Highway.
For information, see: http://unescap.org/cmg/2007/CMG4-I/index.asp

198. High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Midpoint Review of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012
Date: September 19–21, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
The Asia Pacific region is the home to two-thirds of the 650 million persons with disabilities in the world. In order to ensure greater recognition of their rights, governments and other stakeholders in Asia Pacific have taken a number of measures. Through a resolution in 2002, ESCAP extended the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons for another decade (2003-2012). Since then, a number of initiatives have been launched, including the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-Based Society in Asia and the Pacific (adopted in October 2002). In a 2005 resolution on the midpoint review of the implementation of the Biwako Millennium Framework, ESCAP requested the executive secretary to hold a high-level intergovernmental meeting on the midpoint review of the Decade in 2007. The report and recommendations of this meeting, "Biwako Plus Five," supplements the Biwako Millennium Framework. It provides additional actions in the seven priority areas, reconfigures the four strategy areas into five areas (with 25 additional strategies), and adds three strategies under "cooperation and support" and "monitoring and review."
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esid/psis/disability/bmf/APDDP2_2E.pdf

ARF Seminar on Narcotics Control
Date: September 19–21, 2007
Location: Xian City, China
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
With the theme of "social participation in narcotics control," the seminar aimed at promoting exchanges on government policies and experiences in mobilizing social sectors to combat illicit drugs and at strengthening future dialogues and cooperation among ARF members on narcotics control. The meeting praised the commitments of the ARF participants to developing viable and sustainable economic options in addressing the root causes of illicit drugs such as building roads, irrigation systems, clean water facilities, schools, and hospitals. Many participants emphasized the prominent challenges posed by the lack of knowledge and understanding about crimes related to amphetamine-type stimulants. The participants shared their experiences and best practices in encouraging public participation in such areas as drug prevention education, law enforcement, drug treatment and rehabilitation, and alternative development.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=B%2FLFncVkluQ%3D&tabid=66&mid=1009

2007 ASEAN Day for Disaster Management Seminar: Challenges Ahead and the Way Forward
Date: September 24–25, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM)
The ACDM organized this seminar to review disaster risk reduction efforts in ASEAN in the last 40 years and to discuss the current disaster situation in the region, the threats and challenges ahead, and how ASEAN as a community would achieve the vision of a disaster-resilient and safer community by the year 2015 given these challenges. As part of the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of ASEAN, this seminar brought together about 70 participants from the ASEAN member countries, representatives from relevant international and regional organizations, experts on relevant subject matters, and observers from the relevant national and local government agencies in Thailand.
For information, see: http://acdm-online.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=66

WTO/ESCAP High-Level Asia Pacific Regional Consultations on the Doha Development Agenda Negotiation Issues
Date: September 24–28, 2007
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Trade and Investment Division; World Trade Organization (WTO)
The main objective of the High-Level Asia-Pacific Regional Consultations was to provide an opportunity for senior officials from Asia Pacific economies to further reflect on the meaning of the development and trade discussions of selected items of the Doha Work Program. These consultations also provided a forum for an exchange of views on national, regional, and multilateral trade-related activities and initiatives. This event highlighted the potential contribution of trade toward achieving the objectives in the Doha Work Program. The consultations focused on selected substantive issues of the Doha Development Agenda Negotiations, namely development issues, trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS), agriculture, nonagricultural market access, rules, services, trade facilitation, the WTO, and regional trade agreements.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/projects/ddani07.asp

20th Meeting of the ASEAN Crisis Communication Team
Date: September 25, 2007
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Singapore reported on the development of the ASEAN Crisis Communication Framework and related action plans.
For information, see: http://www.mots.go.th/ewt_news.php?nid=771&filename=index___EN

11th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: September 26–27, 2007
Location: New York, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the 11th meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter. Participants also met with ASEAN foreign ministers at the Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on September 27.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
Date: September 27, 2007
Location: New York, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
An Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting was convened at the United Nations Headquarters. The ASEAN foreign ministers discussed the third progress report of the High-Level Task Force on the ASEAN Charter. Ministers also discussed outstanding ASEAN matters and agreed that the chairman of the ASEAN Standing Committee would issue a statement on the current situation in Myanmar. The foreign ministers of ASEAN later witnessed the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on ASEAN-UN Cooperation by the secretaries-general of ASEAN and the UN following a meeting at which they discussed ways to enhance ASEAN-UN cooperation.
Foreign ministers also attended a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, where they discussed progress in ASEAN-US dialogue relations and reviewed regional and international affairs. A reception was hosted by the minister of foreign affairs of Malaysia at the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the UN in New York. The reception was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's membership to the UN.
For information, see: http://www.mfa.gov.bn/news/20070927a.htm

5th Chiang Mai Initiative Task Force for Multilateralization Meeting
Date: September 27–28, 2007
Location: Hong Kong SAR
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the fifth meeting of the Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) task force, comprised of deputy finance ministers. The task force meets regularly to study various possible options toward an advanced framework of regional liquidity support. It is developing Bilateral Swap Arrangements to obtain short-term sources of financing to increase cooperation in times of regional crisis. This fifth meeting was intended to compile the initial preferences of each member country on several key elements of Phase II of CMI Multilateralization, which includes (1) the size of the commitments and additional resources, (2) the borrowing quotas and terms of lending, and (3) the activation and surveillance mechanism. The initial preferences of each member country were submitted to the meeting of deputy ministers of finance and central bank deputies in November.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/calendar2007.htm#9-2007

Six-Party Talks (6th Round, 2nd Session)
Date: September 27–30, 2007
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Governments of China, Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Korea, and the United States
At the second session of the sixth round of the Six-Party Talks, working groups presented their reports to the parties and received their endorsement. The parties issued a joint statement on October 3, 2007, confirming the implementation of the initial actions of the agreement of February 13, 2007, and expressing their commitment to advance the process of the Six-Party Talks. The DPRK agreed to disable all nuclear facilities subject to the September 2005 Joint Statement and the February 13 Agreement. They also agreed to provide a complete declaration of all nuclear programs by the end of the year. The DPRK and the United States agreed to increase bilateral exchanges and enhance mutual trust. The United States agreed to remove the designation of the DPRK as a state sponsor of terrorism in parallel with the DPRK's actions. The DPRK and Japan agreed to hold intensive consultations to make sincere efforts to normalize their relations in accordance with the Pyongyang Declaration. In accordance with the February 13 agreement, economic, energy, and humanitarian assistance were to be provided to the DPRK.
For information, see: http://www.mofat.go.kr/index.jsp

Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Senior Officials Meeting
Date: September 28, 2007
Location: Chiang Rai, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ADB
GMS senior officials met in Chiang Rai to discuss and review the new GMS Plan of Action 2008-2012, which was called for by the 14th Ministerial Meeting in June 2007. The senior officials agreed that a brief, strategic plan of action should be developed for consideration by the 3rd GMS Leaders Summit in Vientiane in March 2008. They discussed ADB's proposed three-year rolling program of investments and non-lending products and services to the GMS Program (2008-2010). This includes new priority GMS initiatives such as the Mekong Water Supply and Sanitation Project, which aims to enhance economic and social conditions in communities along GMS economic corridors. The meeting produced key agreements to address issues associated with the timely completion of deliverables for the 3rd GMS Summit.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/Mekong/Proceedings/SOM-MEETING-SUMMARY-Sept07.pdf

ACD Ministers Meeting at the Sidelines of the 62nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Date: September 28, 2007
Location: New York, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD); hosted by the Government of South Korea
The ACD Ministers Meeting generated constructive outcomes, particularly on cultural dialogue within the ACD framework. Ministers and high-level representatives put their weight behind enhancing cultural cooperation in order to form a solid foundation for more comprehensive relations among the ACD member countries. The meeting provided an opportunity for ministers and high-level representatives to exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest. They expressed concerns regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula and unrest in Myanmar. The meeting also took note of the results of the first meeting of an ACD high-level study group that was organized by Thailand in August 2007.
For information, see: http://www.acddialogue.com/news/news_detail.php?ID=115

October

2007 Global Initiative to Fight Trafficking: East Asia and the Pacific Regional Workshop on Criminal Justice Responses to Trafficking in Persons-Ending Impunity and Securing Justice
Date: October 2–4, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: Government of Thailand; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); technical assistance from Asia Regional Trafficking in Persons (ARTIP)
The three-day conference considered the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of trafficking in persons cases and effective and coordinated support to the criminal justice response. Recommendations included the development of the following initiatives: a comprehensive legal framework in compliance with international standards; an effective specialist investigation function within law enforcement agencies; efforts to help front line law enforcement officials understand the crime of trafficking, their powers, and their responsibilities to provide an effective initial response; systems and procedures to enable effective cross-border, regional, and international investigative cooperation on trafficking cases; protection and support of victims of trafficking; and effective international legal cooperation on trafficking in persons cases.
The workshop was attended by delegations from Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Palau, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Tonga, and Vietnam. Observers included representatives from international organizations and UN agencies, governments, and NGOs.
For information, see: http://www.jcie.org/

12th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: October 3–6, 2007
Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the 12th regular meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

Ministerial Conference on Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development
Date: October 5, 2007
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Ministry of Planning and Budget of South Korea; Korea Development Institute; supported by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
During this conference, ministers and representatives highlighted their problems, objectives, experiences, and policy initiatives related to the development of public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure development in the Asia Pacific region. The delegations emphasized the crucial and leading role of improved infrastructure in supporting economic growth, social development, and poverty reduction, and they adopted the Seoul Declaration on Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific. The ministerial conference was held in conjunction with a High-level Expert Group Meeting and the Asia-Pacific Business Forum on PPPs.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/common/TPT/ppp/egm_ppp_oct07.asp
http://www.ppp2007.org/

Meeting on the ASEAN-Australia Plan of Action; Seminar on ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations
Date: October 8–9, 2007
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ASEAN-Australia Plan of Action (2008-2013) is intended to implement the Joint Declaration on the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Partnership signed in August 2007. In implementing this plan of action, ASEAN member countries and Australia have committed to support ASEAN integration-including narrowing the development gap-to attain the end goal of the establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015, and to support enhanced Australian engagement with the region. The purpose of this meeting was for the ASEAN Secretariat and Australia to mutually develop a schedule and projects for the implementation of the plan of action.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/21373.htm

5th Conference of Asian Constitutional Court Judges
Date: October 9–12, 2007
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS); co-organized by the Constitutional Court of Korea
This dialogue brought together roughly 25 of the region's top judicial officials to focus on the development of constitutional jurisdiction, the rule of law, and other legal issues in the framework of democratic statehood. This year's dialogue began with a session on constitutional standards for civil, political, and socioeconomic rights. Discussions outlined the constitutional standards for the implementation, interpretation, and reservation of civil, political, and socioeconomic rights that currently exist in the represented countries. The second session looked at the standards of review in constitutional jurisdiction, while the third session examined important decisions in recent years, and the fourth featured deliberations on the establishment of an Association of Asian Constitutional Courts.
For information, see: http://www.kas.de/proj/home/events/73/2/-/-/veranstaltung_id-26658/_
http://www.ccourt.go.kr/home/english/introduction/events.jsp

7th ARF Inter-sessional Meeting on Disaster Relief
Date: October 11–12, 2007
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF); co-chaired by the European Union (EU) and the Government of Indonesia
Representatives from most ARF nations attended this Inter-sessional Meeting on Disaster Relief. Delegates heard from a representative of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, who recommended the use of established international standards and UN methodologies; a European Commission representative, who gave an overview of the humanitarian aid efforts of the EU's office for humanitarian assistance; and a representative from the ASEAN Secretariat, who provided a briefing about evolving ASEAN cooperation on disaster management. To further cooperate in disaster management, ARF delegates discussed general guidelines for disaster relief cooperation, standard operating procedures for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, a disaster relief exercise, standby arrangements, and the environmental aspects of relief operations.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=8cnXM6vsQk8%3d&tabid=66&mid=1009

38th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
Date: October 16–18, 2007
Location: Vava'u, Tonga
Organizers/Sponsors: 38th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
Forum leaders held a plenary session and then traveled to the northern island of Vava'u for a retreat. The leaders noted that two years after the launch of the Pacific Plan, which seeks to address the challenges facing Pacific Island countries through a framework of greater regional cooperation and integration, considerable progress had been made in the implementation of initiatives across all four of the plan's pillars-economic growth, sustainable development, good governance, and security. Challenges, however, remain, and the leaders agreed on a number of key commitments in order to move the plan forward over the next year. One key product of the talks was the Vava'u Declaration on Pacific Fisheries Resources, "Our Fish, Our Future." Members of the Pacific Islands Forum also concluded the first-ever plenary session with their 14 post-forum dialogue partners in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, following the conclusion of the 38th Leaders Summit.
For information, see: http://www.forumsec.org/pages.cfm/newsroom/press-statements/2007/38th-pacific-leaders-forum-opens-tonga.html
http://www.forumsec.org/_resources/article/files/2007%20Forum%20Communique,%20Vava'u%20-%20Final%20Version.pdf

4th ARF Seminar on Cyber Terrorism
Date: October 16–19, 2007
Location: Busan, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
The seminar provided a venue for ARF countries to exchange practical experiences and constructive ideas in effectively combating cyberterrorism. The participants recognized the need to focus further efforts on expediting implementation and yielding more substantive, concrete, and practical outcomes. Discussions included the sharing of major national policies on cyberterrorism; a review of recent terrorist attacks and the evolving nature of cyberterrorism; discussions on countermeasures against cyberterrorist attacks on critical infrastructure; and strengthening cooperation on cyber security within the ARF framework. The meeting also featured a hacking simulation and exhibition of high-tech equipment.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=BY0U41CrM9E%3d&tabid=66&mid=1009

4th Informal ASEAN-ROK Joint Planning and Review Committee
Date: October 17–18, 2007
Location: Gyeongju, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The formal ASEAN-ROK Joint Planning and Review Committee between the ASEAN Country Coordinator for ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations, South Korea, and the ASEAN Secretariat is held annually. Its activities include planning development cooperation activities between ASEAN and South Korea, approving the project proposals and reviewing their progress and effectiveness, and managing the ASEAN-ROK Special Cooperation Fund and the ASEAN-ROK Future-Oriented Cooperation Projects Fund. This was an informal meeting between sessions.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/ASEAN+3Database.pdf

WTO/ESCAP Advanced Regional Seminar for ESCAP Economies on Multilateral Negotiations under the GATS
Date: October 17–19, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Trade and Investment Division; World Trade Organization (WTO)
This meeting brought together roughly 30 senior officials from the region's trade and commerce ministries to review recent developments in the WTO's Doha Round negotiations on services, to deepen participants' understanding of issues of particular relevance to the negotiations, and to assess implications of trade liberalization in selected services sectors important for the region. Issues covered at the seminar included the history and the developmental importance of the GATS; the modal structure of the GATS; preferential trade agreements and other departures from most-favored treatment; the application of GATS to telecommunications and financial services; interpretation of existing schedules; negotiations on domestic regulation; developments in services trade; GATS provisions in the light of recent dispute rulings; regional agreements and services trade liberalization; and issues surrounding the ongoing GATS negotiations and the current state of play.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/projects/gats07.asp

2nd ASEAN Defence Senior Officials Meeting (ADSOM)
Date: October 17–19, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: www.aseansec.org/10-2007.htm

Final Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter
Date: October 18–20, 2007
Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the final meeting of the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter. The charter was finalized and signed at the ASEAN Summit in November.
For information, see: http://www.40amm.org.ph/main_overview.asp
http://www.aseansec.org/HLTF-Activities.pdf

ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting Working Group (SOM WG) Meeting; East Asian Summit (EAS) Ad Hoc Working Group Meeting
Date: October 21–23, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
These preparatory meetings were held in advance of senior officials meetings that began on October 24.
For information, see: www.aseansec.org/10-2007.htm

ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise (ARDEX-07) Evaluation Meeting; 10th ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) Meeting
Date: October 22–26, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
ARDEX-07 involved over 300 participants and observers and specialized search and rescue teams from ASEAN member countries. The simulation featured events that included a high number of casualties requiring medical triage and evacuation, trauma care for victims on-site, rescue of victims trapped under piles of concrete rubble and heavily flooded areas, and the use of acoustic and optical search equipment to detect the location of other trapped victims. An evaluation meeting was then held to examine the results of ARDEX-07 and provide guidance and lessons for the operationalization of the ASEAN Standby Arrangements and Standard Operating Procedures guided by the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response. The objective was to facilitate a close and effective collaboration among member countries in tackling a massive national disaster. The ACDM, which consists of heads of national agencies or organizations responsible for disaster management in ASEAN member countries, held its 10th meeting to coincide with the ARDEX-07 exercise.
For information, see: http://disaster.go.th/html/english/News/Ardex%202007/simulation%20exercise.html

Working Group on Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ)
Date: October 23, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This ASEAN working group focuses on the SEANWFZ, which was established in 1995 as a component of ASEAN's Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN).
For information, see: www.aseansec.org/10-2007.htm

27th Session of the Standing Committee of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement
Date: October 24–25, 2007
Location: Goa, India
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Trade and Investment Division
The purpose of the 27th session of the Standing Committee of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement was to discuss current issues under the agreement, including the certification and verification procedures of certificates of origin, the third round results, the launch of the fourth round, and membership expansion. Preparations were also made for the second session of the ministerial council.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/mtg/ba27.asp

East Asia Summit Ad Hoc Working Group Meeting; East Asia Summit Ad Hoc Senior Officials Meeting Consultations (EAS SOM); ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting/Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SOM/SEOM); Joint Cooperation Meeting
Date: October 24–25, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; East Asia Summit (EAS)
At the EAS SOM, a concept paper outlining proposed areas of cooperation on disaster management under the EAS framework was tabled and endorsed for submission to the 3rd EAS. The ASEAN Secretariat was to coordinate further comments from EAS participating countries on the draft concept paper. Other meetings of the EAS officials and ASEAN officials were also held during this two-day period.
For information, see: : http://72.14.235.104/search?q=cache:nNj8pzmdy9EJ:disaster.go.th/html/ english/12th%2520ACDM%2520Meeting/Info%2520papers%2520to%2520be%2520printed/DOC3%2520Agenda%25204.2%2520Relevant_Decision_of_ASEAN_Meetings-rev2.doc+Ad-Hoc+Consultations+of+East+Asia+Summit+(EAS)+Senior+Officials&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=jp&client=firefox-a

15th BIMP-EAGA Senior Officials Meeting (SOM); 12th BIMP-EAGA Ministers Meeting
Date: October 24–26, 2007
Location: Mindanao, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The purpose of these annual meetings is to serve as a platform for regional economic cooperation and to set guidelines and directions to accelerate development in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Participants included signing ministers for the BIMP-EAGA, officials from the four national secretariats, other government officials, and members of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2007/12th-BIMP-EAGA-Ministers-Meeting/default.asp

2nd Session of the Ministerial Council of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement
Date: October 26, 2007
Location: Goa, India
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
The Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), previously known as the Bangkok Agreement, is the oldest preferential trade agreement among developing countries of the Asia Pacific region. Current members are Bangladesh, China, India, Lao PDR, South Korea, and Sri Lanka. At the second session of the ministerial council, ministers from the participating states met to supervise and coordinate the implementation of the agreement, provide overall direction for its future development, and adopt a ministerial declaration. APTA members launched the fourth round of negotiations (scheduled for completion by October 2009), which covers deepening and widening tariff concessions and includes other areas such as nontariff barriers, trade facilitation, services, and investment.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/tid/apta/mc2.asp

2nd Round of Japan-China-ROK Senior Foreign Affairs Officials Consultation
Date: October 28, 2007
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Hosted by the Government of South Korea
The second round of the Japan-China-ROK Senior Foreign Affairs Officials Consultation was attended by deputy ministers for foreign affairs. This consultation was held to enhance communication and coordination among the three countries on common major political and diplomatic issues as well as international and regional issues. The meeting followed an agreement reached at the 7th China-Japan-ROK Summit, held in January 2007.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2007/10/1175872_858.html

6th Chiang Mai Initiative Task Force on Multilateralization; ASEAN Bond Market Initiative (ABMI) Working Group Meeting; ASEAN+3 ABMI Focal Group Meeting
Date: October 29–30, 2007
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the sixth meeting of the Chiang Mai Initiative task force, comprised of deputy finance ministers. The task force meets regularly to study various possible options toward an advanced framework of regional liquidity support. It is developing bilateral swap arrangements to obtain short-term sources of financing to increase cooperation in times of regional crisis. Meetings were also held of the ABMI Working Group and the ASEAN+3 ABMI Focal Group.
For information, see: http://www.mof.go.jp/english/if/regional_financial_cooperation.htm#CMI

ASEM Senior Officials Meeting
Date: October 29–30, 2007
Location: Guilin City, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
The ASEM Senior Officials Meeting is held twice a year, once on the eve of ministerial or summit meetings and once separately. No chairman's statement is issued publicly after these meetings, although the chairman does write to participants to summarize the main conclusions of the meeting. The conclusions are also reported to foreign ministers.
For information, see: http://www.aseminfoboard.org/Calendar/OfficialsMeetings/?id=215

24th Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM); 13th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting; and associated meetings
Date: October 29–November 2, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
During their three-day meeting, senior transport officials from the 10 ASEAN countries discussed issues such as transport infrastructure development and enhancing transport linkages and connectivity in the region. Significant progress was made on issues such as the ASEAN Roadmap for Integration of Air Travel Sector (RIATS) and a roadmap for an integrated and competitive maritime transport sector in ASEAN. In conjunction with the meeting, the ASEAN member countries also met with their dialogue partners, China and Japan, to discuss cooperation initiatives to enhance transport facilitation and integration between ASEAN and the two Asian giants. The ASEAN and Japan senior transport officials endorsed the ASEAN-Japan Regional Roadmap for Enhancing Aviation Security. Issues considered at this meeting were then tabled at the 13th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting.
For information, see: http://www.sg/SG_Yrbook2008/Transportation_InternationalRelations.html

10th Asia-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference
Date: October 30–November 2, 2007
Location: Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: US Pacific Command
Senior military leaders from nations in the Asia Pacific region met to discuss mutual security challenges, improve mutual relationships, and foster security cooperation at the 10th annual Chiefs of Defense Conference. The theme of the conference was "Charting a Course Toward Stability and Mutual Prosperity." The group heard presentations on topics such as maximizing regional multinational operations, mitigating the impact of energy issues on regional security, and military support to law enforcement. The conference host and location change each year, alternating between US Pacific Command in Hawaii and a partner nation in the Asia Pacific region.
For information, see: http://www1.apan-info.net/Default.aspx?alias=www1.apan-info.net/chods
http://www.pacom.mil/articles/articles2007/071102story1.shtml

ARF Defense Officials Dialogue
Date: October 31, 2007
Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF); co-chaired by Brunei and Canada
In recent years, this meeting has focused on transnational security challenges such as terrorism, maritime security, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The ARF defense establishments expressed interest in moving beyond dialogue to a more concrete form of defense cooperation such as capacity building, training, and exercises. Participants agreed that the roles of the armed forces have expanded from defending their own countries to include peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance. On this note, the capability, interoperability, and readiness of the armed forces should be improved to contribute effectively in a multilateral cooperation network. The dialogue participants also stressed the need for improving professionalism in working with international partners, particularly in the elements of information and intelligence sharing as well as training. In improving defense cooperation, the dialogue suggested looking into community and communication, logistic systems and procedures, sharing of experiences, enhancing its roles, and peace support operations.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=rqS31DztiPY%3d&tabid=66&mid=1009

November

29th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF)
Date: November 1, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At the 29th AMAF, ministers reaffirmed that cooperation in the food, agriculture, and forestry sectors can play a vital role in food security, by strengthening joint positions at international fora, expediting the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community, and enhancing the long-term competitiveness of ASEAN's food, agriculture, and forestry products. To realize these objectives, the ministers continued to push toward further capacity building, use of modern technology, and adoption of international standards and practices. Among the topics covered at the meeting were disease control programs in livestock and aquatic animals, including the progress in the implementation of the Regional Framework for Control and Eradication of HPAI in ASEAN; sustainable forestry, including measures to strengthen law enforcement with regard to illegal logging and trade in lumber; and ways to enhance relations with various dialogue partners.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/21030.htm

23rd ASEAN-Japan Forum
Date: November 1–2, 2007
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At the ASEAN-Japan Forum, participants discussed an overview of ASEAN-Japan relations, touching on the ASEAN-Japan Centre, the ASEAN-Japan Eminent Person's Group, East Asia regional cooperation (including the ASEAN+3 Summit and East Asia Summit), environmental issues, cooperation to combat international terrorism and transnational crime, maritime security and navigation safety, cooperation against pandemic influenza, energy cooperation, disaster management cooperation, preparations for the 11th ASEAN-Japan Summit, and the future direction of ASEAN-Japan relations.
For information, see: http://myanmargeneva.org/NLM2007/eng/11nov/n071106.pdf

ARF Inter-sessional Meeting on Confidence Building Measures and Preventive Diplomacy
Date: November 1–2, 2007
Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
Representatives of all ARF participants discussed the overall regional security situation, with particular attention to the Korean Peninsula, Thailand, the South China Sea, Myanmar, Timor Leste, and the South Pacific. They also discussed the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq as broader international concerns. Nontraditional security issues discussed included terrorism, transnational crime, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, maritime security, disaster relief, energy, and climate change. ARF also met with ASEAN-ISIS, CSCAP, and Pacific Forum CSIS.
For information, see: http://www.aseanregionalforum.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=hY9H0YQ3GZQ%3d&tabid=66&mid=1009

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of SCO Members Meeting
Date: November 2, 2007
Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Organizers/Sponsors: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)At a regular meeting of the Council of Heads of SCO Member States, the delegates discussed a wide range of pressing issues concerning the development of trade, economic, and cultural cooperation in the SCO framework, and the strengthening of peace, stability, and security in the region. Representatives from the SCO observer states-India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan-along with Afghanistan, were in attendance. In light of the achievements of the Bishkek summit, the heads of government considered measures aimed at deepening interaction among the SCO member states in various fields, including the economy, investment, science and technology, education, and culture. The parties reached an agreement to hold their next meeting in 2008 in Kazakhstan.

For information, see: http://www.sectsco.org/news_detail.asp?id=1881&LanguageID=2

5th ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)
Date: November 5–6, 2007
Location: Moscow, Russia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
For information, see: www.aseansec.org/11-2007.htm

3rd Meeting between the High-Level Task Force on the Drafting of the ASEAN Charter and Senior Officials Attending the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Coordination Conference (SOC-COM)
Date: November 5–6, 2007
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This was the final meeting between the task force assigned to draft the ASEAN Charter and officials attending the SOC-COM.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/11-2007.htm

15th Meeting of the ASEAN Task Force on AIDS (ATFOA)
Date: November 5–7, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ATFOA meeting focused on issues such as cooperation with international partners and organizations and approval of an ATFOA meeting report. The participants met with representatives of international organizations that have provided ASEAN member countries with HIV/AIDS technical and financial assistance in order to improve their national responses. Since its inception in 1992, ATFOA has undertaken a wide range of activities, including setting up a regional information system and conducting scientific research on the impact of the pandemic on socioeconomic development in the region.
For information, see: http://www.mediaforfreedom.com/ReadArticle.asp?ArticleID=12283

6th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC); 3rd AMMTC+3
Date: November 6–8, 2007
Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
This biennial meeting was attended by ASEAN ministers responsible for security matters including transnational crime, and was followed by the 3rd AMMTC+3. The members endorsed the Report on Vision, Benchmarks and Recommendation towards Achieving Drug-Free ASEAN 2015 and also agreed that in achieving a drug-free ASEAN 2015 within the broader ASEAN community, cross-sectoral linkages among existing regional and extraregional mechanisms need to be further strengthened and coordinated. Specific areas where this should be done include strengthening the regional framework, mainstreaming drug concerns in other relevant ASEAN bodies, and supporting and sustaining alternative development efforts. The meeting also agreed to explore the possibility of developing an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/21038.htm

Regional Seminar on Anticorruption
Date: November 7–9, 2007
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Fifty-nine participants from the governments of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, as well as ADB representatives attended the seminar. Discussions focused on such topics as fraud and corruption awareness and anticorruption policy; governance, anticorruption, and development effectiveness; financial management guidelines and requirements; and the public procurement process and bribery patterns in Indonesia.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2007/Anticorruption-Seminars/default.asp

6th ASEAN Committee on Women Meeting (ACW)
Date: November 7–9, 2007
Location: Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW)
Functioning as the main development mechanism for women in the region, the ACW aims (1) to provide a forum to discuss emerging issues concerning women, such as trafficking in women and children, violence against women, women's economic empowerment, as well as the promotion of women's participation and leadership in all fields; (2) to determine regional directions on women's affairs and cooperation; and (3) to promote and reinforce cooperation and solidarity among ASEAN member countries.
The theme of this meeting was "Promoting Women's Participation and Leadership," and the objective was to discuss the situation of ASEAN women in power and decision-making positions; the participation of women in politics; the leadership, policies, national plans, strategies, and practices in place for promoting women's participation and leadership; and directions toward regional cooperation.
A Regional Workshop on a Micro-credit Program for ASEAN Women was also organized to promote women's participation and leadership in the economic realm, as was a meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Women Plus Three.
For information, see: http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/246/community.shtml

Policy Dialogue on International Migration and Development in East and Southeast Asia
Date: November 8–9, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
The Regional Thematic Working Group on International Migration Including Human Trafficking is undertaking an analysis in collaboration with ESCAP on the situation of international migration in East and Southeast Asia. They plan to publish the research as a report, with a view to making it available to policymakers and practitioners as a comprehensive body of reference material and policy recommendations. The publication will provide an overview of the multidimensional aspects of international migration, including the scope and status of knowledge on the issue. The report was to be published in the first half of 2008.
Using the information gathered for that publication, ESCAP organized this November workshop. Resource persons delivered lectures on a wide range of migration issues, and participants presented country overviews. Attended by senior government officials from 12 countries in the region, the meeting offered a venue for enhancing understanding of migration issues and promoting constructive dialogue and the exchange of good practices.
For information, see: http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:1JxKpy3McRMJ:lib_user5.unescap.org/EDC/English/Commissions/E64/E64_16E.pdf+2007+Regional+Thematic+Working+Group+on+Migration,+Including+Human+Trafficking&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5&gl=us&client=safari

7th ASEM Customs Directors-General/Commissioners Meeting
Date: November 12–13, 2007
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
Approximately 100 participants, including directors-general, commissioners, and other senior officials of customs administrations from 37 ASEM countries, met to discuss common issues facing customs administrations of Asia and Europe. Following a report on customs-related intersessional developments in ASEM, participants discussed customs approaches to the securing and facilitation of trade and the protection of intellectual property rights, as well as approaches to environmental issues, customs cooperation, and capacity building. The participants considered priorities for the future work of ASEM in this field and adopted the Yokohama Declaration, which proclaimed that ASEM Customs will actively make efforts to secure and facilitate trade, enforce intellectual property rights, protect its societies and environment, fight against fraud, and strengthen cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.aseminfoboard.org/Calendar/OfficialsMeetings/?id=221

2nd ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)
Date: November 13–15, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
During the 2nd ADMM, the ministers discussed a broad range of security issues, including the threat of terrorism, challenges of disaster relief, and regional maritime security. As a symbol of the ADMM's commitment to enhancing regional peace and stability, the ministers also signed an ADMM Joint Declaration, which outlined the institutional framework for the ADMM, adopted a three-year work program, and called for the establishment of the ADMM-Plus.
For information, see: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/admm/media_release/14nov07_nr.html

10th Meeting of the Governing Council of the ACE
Date: November 14, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)
Topics discussed included ASEAN cooperation with Australia, the European Union, Germany, and Japan; Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME)+3 energy cooperation; and ACE cooperation with the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the Asian Institute of Technology, ESCAP, and the US Agency for International Development.
For information, see: http://www.aseanenergy.org/download/reports/ace_gov/10th%20ACE-GC.pdf

International Seminar on Sanitation
Date: November 15–16, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: CITYNET; City Government of Makati; Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The ADB views sanitation as an urgent priority for governments in Asia. Its call to action-"Dignity, Disease, and Dollars"-focuses attention on three areas where stakeholders need to see results: better facilities for individuals so they can regain their dignity, disease prevention and a healthy environment for the wider community, and the financial viability and affordability of sanitation services.
As part of these efforts, CITYNET (a network of local authorities committed to promoting sustainable urban improvement initiatives in the region) and ADB held a seminar to assist local governments and other Asia Pacific partners in addressing the region's sanitation challenge. The seminar aimed to mobilize local governments to advance their sanitation agenda in response to issues concerning environment and public health, develop mechanisms and approaches for sustainable sanitation, and disseminate best practices on sustainable sanitation. Mayors, local chief executives, policymakers, civil servants, and local government unit representatives participated in the event. Other concerned stakeholders from national agencies, NGOs, civil society, and sanitation experts from international agencies and donor organizations were also invited.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/documents/events/2007/Sanitation/default.asp#Participants

37th ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Investment (CCI)
Date: November 15–16, 2007
Location: Lombok, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Council established the CCI, which is comprised of senior officials responsible for investment and other senior officials from relevant government agencies. The committee meets regularly four to five times a year to oversee policy coordination and implementation, discuss regional investment matters, and coordinate investment promotion.
For information, see: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1160074

4th BIMP-EAGA Summit
Date: November 19, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The leaders of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) met for their fourth summit, where they discussed how to intensify cooperation among the BIMP-EAGA member countries in the areas of trade facilitation, transport, tourism, environment, and in the social and cultural areas. Noting the steady progress in the implementation of the BIMP-EAGA Roadmap to Development 2006-2010, the leaders supported the decision to conduct a comprehensive mid-term review of the roadmap in 2008. The leaders urged their customs, immigration, quarantine, and security agencies to continue strengthening their cooperation, applauded the conduct of the 1st Heads of Customs Meeting, and urged the heads of immigration, quarantine, and security to organize similar meetings. Sustainable development and climate change were also discussed, and the leaders commended the signing of the Declaration of the Heart of Borneo Initiative as the basis for development in that region. They also endorsed the adoption of the economic corridor concept, which gives priority to areas with greater economic activities and connectivity.
For information, see: http://www.articlearchives.com/international-relations/international-orga nizations-bodies/1595005-1.html

Informal Consultations of the ASEAN Economic Ministers and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (AEM-METI Consultations)
Date: November 19, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
At the AEM-METI Consultations, ministers welcomed the fact that ASEAN and Japan had reached agreement in principle on the major elements of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which would provide for comprehensive arrangements covering a wide range of economic activities. The ministers finalized the agreement, which was then concluded at the ASEAN-Japan Summit on November 21.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/20865.htm

3rd Summit of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT)
Date: November 19, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Hosted by the Government of Singapore
Heads of the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand met to discuss cooperation, progress, and development prospects in the IMT-GT subregion. They exchanged views on issues of common interest and concern, including globalization, trade liberalization, increasing energy prices, rapid technological advancement, growing regional integration, emerging markets, and growing needs for competitiveness. The leaders resolved to accelerate economic cooperation in energy, environment, infrastructure, transportation, and logistic connectivity, tourism and human resource development, along with cooperation in security and in social and cultural areas. Cognizant of the socioeconomic development gaps within the IMT-GT areas, the leaders also agreed to intensify implementation of the relevant measures that would enhance development partnership among states and provinces of the IMT-GT in order to narrow development disparities consistent with the ASEAN Vision 2020. In line with the IMT-GT Roadmap, leaders agreed to accelerate the implementation of programs and projects especially situated on the five economic connectivity corridors.
For information, see: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/35.php?id=18952

6th ASEM Immigration Directors Meeting
Date: November 19–20, 2007
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM); hosted by Korea Immigration Service
The meeting was attended by about 200 participants, including government representatives from 43 ASEM countries (27 European and 16 Asian nations). The purposes of the meeting were to come up with cooperative measures to prevent illegal entry and human trafficking, to share and discuss information and technology with the aim of enhancing immigration inspection, and to strengthen the international cooperative network in the immigration area. In addition to plenary sessions, regional meetings, roundtables, and bilateral and multilateral meetings, an Immigration Policy Forum was convened for overseas preeminent scholars and international experts to discuss immigration policy�related issues.
For information, see: http://www.aseminfoboard.org/Calendar/OfficialsMeetings/?id=204

4th Session of the Committee on Managing Globalization (Part 2)
Date: November 19–21, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
At this second part of the 4th session of ESCAP's Committee on Managing Globalization, the committee members focused on Asia Pacific approaches to addressing climate change and sustainable development, and on current issues and future directions in Asia Pacific with regard to globalization and information, communication, and space technology. They also discussed future program plans and evaluation.
For information, see: http://unescap.org/cmg/2007/CMG4-II/index.asp

Japan-China-Republic of Korea Three-Party Committee Meeting
Date: November 20, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: Governments of Japan, China, and South Korea
This meeting served as a preparatory meeting to pave the way for the summit meeting on November 22. The committee, headed by the respective foreign ministers, discussed a wide range of issues, including the Six-Party Talks. South Korea and China stated that they hoped to see progress in Japan-North Korea relations, including the issue of the abductions, and they stated that they intended to cooperate in that regard.
The committee adopted a "2007 Progress Report of the Trilateral Cooperation" among China, Japan, and South Korea, which covered the various ministerial and officials meetings, the Six-Party Talks, a potential trilateral FTA, a trilateral investment agreement, air transport, maritime transport and logistics, environmental protection, energy security dialogue, science and technology cooperation, ICT, financial cooperation, customs, transnational crime, health, cultural exchange, education, and regional cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/fm_press/2007/11/1120.html
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/eas/report0711.pdf

13th ASEAN Summit; 11th ASEAN+3 Summit; 6th ASEAN-India Summit; 11th ASEAN-China Summit; 11th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit; 11th ASEAN-Japan Summit
Date: November 20–21, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The summit was convened under ASEAN's 40th anniversary theme of "One ASEAN at the Heart of Dynamic Asia," and the substantive theme was "Energy, Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development." These issues represent a serious global challenge that must be addressed in a comprehensive manner through individual, regional, and international action. The summit addressed the need to explore alternative sources of energy. Emphasizing equitable economic development and reduction of poverty and socioeconomic disparities, the summit urged that the benefits of economic integration be quickly accrued to all people of ASEAN through timely implementation of the provisions of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint. Attention was also given to the need to enhance education and to hone the skills and talents of the peoples of ASEAN.
At the ASEAN-China Summit, the leaders acknowledged China's important role in regional and global affairs and welcomed China's continued support for ASEAN's leading role in the regional processes as well as its commitment to an open and inclusive approach to regional ASEAN integration in order to realize the ASEAN Community. Leaders agreed to include the environment as the 11th priority area of cooperation between ASEAN and China and noted the progress toward establishing the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area.
ASEAN leaders and the president of South Korea welcomed the recent progress made at the Six-Party Talks and expressed support for continued momentum toward the early denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. They noted that ASEAN could play a constructive role to build bridges to North Korea, such as through the ASEAN Regional Forum. The ASEAN leaders expressed appreciation to South Korea for its support of ASEAN's efforts in accelerating ASEAN integration and narrowing the development gap.
ASEAN leaders also welcomed Japan's sustained contribution to ASEAN integration at the ASEAN-Japan Summit. The leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of the negotiations for the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which includes fields such as trade in goods, trade in services, investment, and economic cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/21093.htm
http://www.aseansec.org/21105.htm
http://www.aseansec.org/21141.htm
http://www.aseansec.org/21130.htm

1st ACD Expert Meeting on Disaster Preparedness and Response
Date: November 20–22, 2007
Location: Moscow, Russia
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD); Ministry for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM) in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia
Representatives of 12 ACD member countries took part in this meeting, which was convened by the Russian Federation. The meeting included presentations by EMERCOM functional departments, and participants were given a demonstration of EMERCOM resources and capabilities in emergency response, forecasting, prevention, warning, and management; of activities aimed at providing natural and man-made disaster relief; as well as of EMERCOM's training and education techniques. Foreign experts showed interest in obtaining detailed information about Russia's system of education in civil defense and disaster prevention and relief. Participants confirmed the urgency and vital importance of setting up cooperation in the area of disaster relief and response and hoped to eventually expand that cooperation to the entire region. There was also a common understanding that in the future it would be expedient for other countries to join Russia's efforts in promoting such cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.acddialogue.com/calendar/Summary%20russian%20meeting.doc

3rd East Asia Summit
Date: November 21, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: East Asia Summit (EAS); chaired by Singapore
Representatives of ASEAN, China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand exchanged views on regional and international issues, as well as on the growing areas of cooperation within the EAS framework. Participants welcomed recent progress made at the Six-Party Talks. They also reiterated strong support for the 13th session of the Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 3rd Conference of the Parties Serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to be held in Bali in December. The resulting Singapore Declaration on Climate Change, Energy and the Environment stressed the need for all countries to address the issue of climate change and outlined areas for EAS member state cooperation. Recognizing the potential of the EAS to build a united, stable, and prosperous East Asia, the participants reaffirmed their determination to continue developing the EAS as an important forum for strategic dialogue and regional cooperation.
For information, see: http://www.41amm.sg/amm/index.php/web/layout/set/print/press_room/13th_asean_summit_document_archive/speeches_statements/chairman_s_statement_of_the_3rd_east_asia_summit

Workshop to Develop a Protocol for Communication and Information Sharing on Emerging Infectious Diseases in the ASEAN+3 Countries
Date: November 21–23, 2007
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; Chinese Ministry of Health
China's Ministry of Health and the ASEAN Secretariat conducted this workshop as a response to the dearth in guidelines on what information to share. The protocol provides the basic guidelines to the ASEAN+3 countries for institutionalizing a fully functional information-sharing mechanism for issues related to prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases (EID). In addition to improving the existing regional network and strengthening trust and collaboration among the countries through its implementation, the guidelines will also serve as a basis for the reconstruction of the web-based information-sharing platform on EIDs. The protocol was endorsed by the ASEAN Expert Group on Communicable Diseases on December 12, 2007, and adopted at the Senior Officials Meeting on Health Development on December 13-14.
For information, see: http://www.aseanplus3-eid.info/dl.php?f=/newsfiles/29_f1.pdf&n=PROTOCOL+for+Communication+and+Information+on+EIDs+in+ASEAN%2B3+Countries+(approved+and+endorsed+Dec2007).pdf

ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit
Date: November 22, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN, European Union
To mark the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-EU relations, summit participants discussed ASEAN-EU relations and endorsed two important documents, the Joint Declaration on the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit and the Plan of Action to Implement the Nuremburg Declaration on the ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership. The latter sets out the framework and direction of comprehensive cooperation between the two sides, encompassing cooperation in such areas as the political and security fields; counterterrorism and transnational crime; trade and investment promotion; energy, environment, and climate change; people-to-people contact; public health; disaster management; and science and technology. Both sides also agreed to move forward with negotiations on an ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement. On climate change, both sides concurred on the need to set targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to ensure global participation in order to address this problem. On Myanmar, they shared the same goal of democracy and respect for human rights.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/21120.htm
http://www.delkhm.ec.europa.eu/en/whatsnew/november_22_2007_2.htm

1st NARBO Thematic Workshop on Water-Related Disaster Management
Date: November 26–29, 2007
Location: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: Network of Asian River Basin Organizations (NARBO); supported by Asian Development Bank (ADB)
As part of its Action Plan for 2006-2007, NARBO held a series of thematic workshops for middle- to senior-level officials from NARBO member organizations on water-related disaster management, focusing on managing and mitigating the effects of water-related disasters. These included field visits to assess damaged sites, recovery conditions, and initiatives for water-related disaster prevention, and to evaluate the recovery measures of community organizations and other stakeholders. The workshops aimed to develop organizational capacity for water-related disaster management by first identifying basic concepts and principles in water-related disaster management, and then by sharing country-level issues, challenges, and strategies and formulating a country action plan. This first thematic workshop aimed to identify and analyze the characteristics and issues of water-related disaster management and formulate strategies and solutions to address these issues.
For information, see: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Events/2007/Water-Related-Disaster-Management/default.asp

ASEAN Regional Workshop on Multi-sectoral Coordination in Pandemic Preparedness and Response
Date: November 29–30, 2007
Location: Halong Bay, Vietnam
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; US Agency for International Development (USAID)
The workshop brought together members of the ASEAN Expert Group on Communicable Diseases, the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM), and representatives of the National Coordinating Committee on Pandemic Preparedness. The primary objectives were to arrive at a common understanding of the multisectoral approach to pandemic preparedness and response at the national and regional levels, to identify the roles and responsibilities of the relevant stakeholders, to discuss and identify the key activities in addressing the gaps in pandemic preparedness and response, and to provide a venue for sharing best practices and lessons learned. Participants explored how the three pre-existing regional initiatives-the Standby Agreement of ACDM, Panstop Stockpile of Tamiflu and PPE (personal protective equipment), and the East Asia Emergency Rice Reserve-could be utilized in times of a pandemic. They then shared best practices and lessons learned through two country presentations on national multisectoral pandemic preparedness in Cambodia and Singapore.
For information, see: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADK749.pdf

Informal and Formal ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meetings (AFDM+3)
Date: November 29–30, 2007
Location: Lijiang, China
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Vice ministers of finance and deputy governors of central banks of ASEAN member countries discussed the effectiveness of policy dialogues and reviews of economic conditions in ensuring economic and financial stability and sustainable growth in the region. Ministers in particular focused on the ASEAN+3 Asian Bond Markets Initiative, which aims to develop efficient and liquid bond markets in Asia, enabling better utilization of Asian savings for Asian investments. At the meeting, progress was made in efforts to create new debt instruments, including issuing bonds in local currencies, and to complete a phase II study on the credit guarantee and investment mechanism.
For information, see: http://asianbondsonline.adb.org/documents/Progress_Report_ABMI_Nov2007.pdf

December

1st Asia-Pacific Water Summit
Date: December 3–4, 2007
Location: Oita Prefecture, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Asia-Pacific Water Forum; supported by the Government of Japan
The 1st Asia-Pacific Water Summit was organized as one of the key activities of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum, an independent, nonprofit, nonpolitical network dedicated to solving water and sanitation problems in the Asia Pacific region. Ten regional heads of state and representatives from over 35 Asia Pacific countries, as well as leaders from institutions involved in water and sanitation met to mobilize the political will and commitment required to put water higher up on the region's national agendas. Participants attended a series of thematic panel sessions on water financing and capacity development, water-related disaster management, water for development and ecosystems, climate change, sanitation, developing knowledge and lessons, increasing local capacity, increasing public outreach, and monitoring of investments and results. In parallel to the summit, an open forum was held with civil society stakeholders, multilateral organizations, and many others.
For information, see: http://www.reg-clinkage.jp/apws/eng/archive/documents/press/APWS_Press_Release_No1_December_3_2007AM_rev.pdf

Regional Meeting for ASEAN States Party on Assistance and Protection against Chemical Weapons
Date: December 3–5, 2007
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organizers/Sponsors: Malaysian National Authority; Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
This meeting, which commemorated the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention, addressed issues related to article X on assistance and protection of the convention. The meeting provided a platform for the ASEAN states party to the convention to discuss the technical needs for training, measures to further enhance cooperation, and the need for capacity building. Additionally, the meeting was intended to increase relationships and networking between the states party within the ASEAN region. An exhibition was also organized by government agencies under the Malaysian National Authority to increase awareness among the public on the prohibition of the development, production, stockpiling, transfer, or use of chemical weapons.
For information, see: http://www.kln.gov.my/?m_id=26&vid=557

9th Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting (TEMM)
Date: December 5–6, 2007
Location: Toyama, Japan
Organizers/Sponsors: Government of Japan
The TEMM is a regional mechanism among the environment ministers of China, Japan, and South Korea. In the joint communiqu� released after this meeting, the three countries expressed their appreciation for the efforts made within the framework of the Northeast Asia Environment Partners Forum (NOWPAP) and its marine litter activity, while recognizing the importance of further collaboration on marine litter and other areas related to marine and coastal environmental protection. It was the first time that a TEMM session was held outside the capitals of the three countries, which was intended as a signal to encourage more local involvement.
For information, see: http://www.mofat.go.kr/english/econtrade/environmentenergy/issues/index.jsp

9th Centre for Democratic Institutions Pacific Parliamentary Dialogue: The Role of Parliament in Managing Conflicts
Date: December 11–13, 2007
Location: Goroka, Papua New Guinea
Organizers/Sponsors: Centre for Democratic Institutions (CDI), Australian National University (ANU); support from the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea and the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government; funding from AusAID, NZAID, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
CDI's 9th Pacific Parliamentary Dialogue brought together leading political figures from the Pacific Island countries, Australia, and New Zealand to explore ways to address contentious issues in conflict-affected societies and thereby strengthen and enhance the political governance of Pacific Island countries. This year, parliamentarians from Papua New Guinea (PNG), Bougainville, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, and, for the first time, Timor Leste met to discuss the role of parliaments in managing conflicts and to learn about political developments in PNG. This focus permitted dialogue on difficult issues, including the gap between PNG's abundant natural resources and its low levels of human development, the worrying political situation in post-coup Fiji, and the need for better relations between Australia and the Pacific Island countries.
For information, see: http://www.cdi.anu.edu.au/.asia_pacific_region/2007-08/2007_12_PAC_PRO_9thPacPD_GKA.htm

3rd ASEAN Immigration Intelligence Forum; 11th Meeting of the Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Divisions of Ministries of Foreign Affairs (DGICM); 3rd DGICM + Australia Consultation
Date: December 12–13, 2007
Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
Top ASEAN immigration officials met for the 3rd ASEAN Immigration Intelligence Forum, held annually and back-to-back with meetings of the directors-general of immigration departments and heads of consular divisions of ministries of foreign affairs (DGICM) of ASEAN and ASEAN+Australia.
For information, see: http://www.aseansec.org/12-2007.htm

5th COMMIT Senior Officials Meeting (SOM); 2nd COMMIT Inter-ministerial Meeting (IMM2)
Date: December 12–14, 2007
Location: Beijing, China
Organizers/Sponsors: Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative Against Trafficking (COMMIT); UN Inter-agency Project on Human Trafficking in the Greater Mekong Subregion (UNIAP)
During the 5th COMMIT SOM, senior officials from Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam met to review the status of the implementation of the first COMMIT Subregional Plan of Action (SPA 2005-2007) and the achievements of the COMMIT process over the previous three years. Following months of collaborative development, the senior officials endorsed a follow-up action plan, the 2nd COMMIT SPA (2008-2010), which takes forward the activities in the first SPA in the focus areas of policymaking and capacity building in the areas of law enforcement and criminal justice, prevention, protection, and recovery and reintegration of victims of trafficking. In addition, the senior officials finalized the Joint Declaration on the COMMIT Process in preparation for the 2nd Inter-ministerial Meeting.
At the IMM2, ministers met to coordinate their strategy to combat transnational human trafficking. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the MOU on strengthening cooperation between Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries in cracking down on human trafficking signed at the first meeting, and the plan of action on combating transnational crime. Ministers discussed and passed the second-phase action plan and signed a joint declaration on the process of cracking down on human trafficking in the GMS.
For information, see: http://www.no-trafficking.org/content/COMMIT_Process/COMMIT_som5.htm
http://www.humantrafficking.org/events/227

28th Meeting of the ASEAN Food Security Reserve Board (AFSRB)
Date: December 12–14, 2007
Location: Singapore
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN Food Security Reserve Board (AFSRB)
The 28th Meeting of AFSRB considered and supported a recommendation for the establishment of a new ASEAN+3 Emergency Rice Reserve Agreement as a legal foundation for a future permanent scheme of the East Asia Emergency Rice Reserve (EAERR) to undertake activities that are now being carried out by the pilot project. The participants further agreed that key issues such as institutional arrangements, technical aspects, and financial arrangements should be further addressed. The AFSRB meeting was attended by all board members from ASEAN countries, representatives of the AFSRB Secretariat, the ASEAN Food Security Information System, and EAERR. As a follow-up to the AFSRB decision, EAERR will work together with the AFSRB Secretariat and the ASEAN Secretariat to come up with a detailed proposal for further consideration and discussion at the AFSRB and other relevant ASEAN/ASEAN+3 meetings.
For information, see: http://www.jcie.org/

3rd Meeting of the ASEAN Experts Group on Communicable Disease (AEGCD); 4th Senior Officials Meeting on Health Development (SOM-HD); 3rd Meeting of the SOM-HD Working Group Project Development
Date: December 12–14, 2007
Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN
The Protocol for Communication and Information Sharing on Emerging Infectious Diseases in the ASEAN+3 Countries was endorsed by the AEGCD during their meeting on December 12, and was adopted during the SOM-HD on December 13-14.
For information, see: http://www.aseanplus3-eid.info/dl.php?f=/newsfiles/55_f1.pdf&n=2007+Annual+Report+(ASEAN%2B3+EID+Programme).pdf

Committee on Poverty Reduction, 4th Session
Date: December 12–14, 2007
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Poverty and Development Division and Statistics Division
Governmental and UN representatives gathered to discuss strategies for poverty reduction. The committee urged all stakeholders to broaden and deepen the positive impact of microfinance and welcomed the regional Millennium Development Goal roadmap. In the ESCAP region, the committee suggested ways to improve ODA through the use of innovative mechanisms such as debt swaps. Other topics discussed included increased public accountability and transparency in aid effectiveness; the growing challenge of urban poverty; improved measurements of the working poor and a clear definition of disability in order to produce operational recommendations for these issues; and requests for further statistical training and forums for sharing experiences and best practices among statistical and census offices.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/pdd/CPR/CPR2007/index.asp

3rd Session of the Senior Officials Committee of the Inter-governmental Collaborative Mechanism on Energy Cooperation in Northeast Asia
Date: December 13–14, 2007
Location: Jeju, South Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
Senior officials from Russia, Mongolia, and South Korea met to discuss regional energy cooperation in Northeast Asia. They endorsed issues submitted by the Working Group on Energy Planning and Policy (WG-EPP), such as the Northeast Asia Energy Outlook Report and Government-Business Dialogue (GBD) Summary. Moreover, a five-year strategy and funding arrangement were discussed. Experts from China, Japan, Mongolia, South Korea, and Russia offered presentations on the energy outlook and energy cooperation in Northeast Asia. A report on the 1st GBD focused on the development of a cooperation mechanism between the government and the business sector to foster regional energy cooperation. Participants then discussed and endorsed the activities of the WG-EPP for 2008, including a 2nd GBD.
For information, see: http://www.unescap.org/esd/energy/dialogue/cooperation/soc3/documents/update/SOC3-report.pdf

ASEAN-ILO Workshop on the Prevention of HIV in the Workplace
Date: December 13–14, 2007
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Organizers/Sponsors: ASEAN; International Labour Organization (ILO)
This workshop addressed HIV prevention, which is one of a wide range of topics being addressed under the ILO-ASEAN Cooperation Agreement.
For information, see: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/bangkok/download/apissues/issue08_02.pdf

3rd Roundtable Discussion on Human Rights in ASEAN: Building Human Rights in an ASEAN Community
Date: December 17–18, 2007
Location: Manila, Philippines
Organizers/Sponsors: Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism; co-organized with the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines
The newly adopted ASEAN Charter calls for the establishment of a regional human rights body. The terms of reference (TOR), which will define the mandate and structure of the body, are to be crafted at a later date by the ASEAN foreign ministers. Realizing that the TOR is the first step toward the formation of the regional human rights body, the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism held a roundtable discussion on this issue. The roundtable brought together representatives from the governments of all ASEAN member states and their national human rights institutions, and observers from partner funding agencies.
For information, see: http://www.aseanhrmech.org/news/work-terms-of-reference-for-human-rights.html

Inaugural Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Secretary-General on Myanmar
Date: December 19, 2007
Location: New York, USA
Organizers/Sponsors: Office of the UN Secretary-General
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon convened the first meeting of a group of 14 nations to assist him in his efforts to spur change in the troubled Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar. The Group of Friends of the Secretary-General on Myanmar is a consultative forum for developing a shared approach in support of the implementation of the secretary-general's good offices mandate. Consisting of Australia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam, the group planned to meet as needed in an informal format.
For information, see: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=25140&Cr=myanmar&Cr1

2nd ROK-China-DPRK Working-Level Meeting on Economic and Energy Assistance to the DPRK
Date: December 25–27, 2007
Location: Pyongyang, North Korea
Organizers/Sponsors: Chaired by the Government of South Korea
Top representatives from China, South Korea, and North Korea gathered for a working-level meeting on economic and energy assistance to the DPRK. Discussions were held regarding the provision of non-heavy fuel oil assistance to the DPRK, as determined by the October 3 Agreement of the Six-Party Talks. The three delegations had bilateral meetings with one another on December 25, and on December 26 there were further bilateral and trilateral discussions. The participants at this meeting discussed details on the modalities and items of equipment and materials to be sent to the DPRK and succeeded in narrowing gaps among them on those issues to a considerable extent.
For information, see: http://www.korea.net/News/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20071228008&part=101&SearchDay=2007.12.27&source=Ministry%20of%20Foreign%20Affairs%20&%20Trade

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DRM Issues

I. Track 1: Governmental Meetings

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March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

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December

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