Sultan Hails Togetherness In Asia

Kuala Lumpur - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam saw a sense of "togetherness" in Asia in the political, economic and security matters at the inaugural East Asia Summit (EAS) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

His Majesty further explained that the EAS should essentially begin as a forum where all parties could enhance dialogue amongst themselves and work closely together as friends and partners, reach common understandings and share responses on matters of strategic interest.

With regard to the subjects to be discussed by the EAS, His Majesty stated that the EAS might wish to focus on broader, more strategic issues, covering political, economic and development areas. His Majesty said that a comprehensive approach was required in looking at these subject matters.

This was because in the last 12 months the region had witnessed major natural disasters, environmental problems, the continued threat of terrorism, escalating oil prices, the onset of infectious diseases and a host of development concerns.

His Majesty further stated that for these problems to be managed effectively it was important for all concerned to work very closely together right across the region and even beyond.

His Majesty also emphasised the necessity of the collective action that could be achieved by working together with close friends, neighbours and partners.

His Majesty then suggested that, in the long term, the EAS could also gradually consider more substantive cooperative activities covering political and economic areas.

His Majesty also suggested that the EAS must offer confidence to the people as the overall well-being of the region was not only defined- by political and economic concerns but also increasingly in terms of human security.

In this context, His Majesty felt that the EAS could also contribute to overall peace and prosperity in the region as essentially this was about closer cooperation in all areas, complementing, and adding value to the work done by Asean, the Asean Plus three and other regional processes.

His Majesty further added that every effort should be taken to assure everyone that this Summit was open and outward-looking and was aimed at promoting international peace and stability with the basis of ensuring that it was the people who would benefit from the Summit.

Finally, His Majesty expressed his appreciation to partner countries for the confidence placed in Asean and added that Asean looked forward to working and consulting closely with colleagues in ensuring the success of the EAS.

At the end of the Summit, His Majesty together with other leaders signed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the East Asia Summit.

The declaration among others stated- that the EAS will primarily focus on fostering dialogue and cooperation in strategic political and security issues, promoting development, financial stability, energy security, economic integration and growth, eradicating poverty and narrowing the development gap in East Asia and promoting cultural understanding.

Leaders of the EAS countries also adopted the East Asia Summit Declaration on Avian Influenza Prevention, Control and Response. According to the declaration, leaders declared among others that the EAS countries will undertake every effort in dealing with the avian influenza problem.   -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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