ASEAN leaders meeting in Bali, Indonesia, have signed the Bali Declaration on the ASEAN Community in a Global Community of nations, or Bali Concord III. The Concord stipulates an ASEAN of connectivity and closer cooperation in matters of mutual concern and a common voice for ASEAN in international forums. Member countries pledged cooperation in the fields of politics, security, economics, and culture. The political and security cooperation will contribute to world peace, security and stability, through respecting the basic principles of international law, peacefully settling disputes, promoting mediation initiatives, and actively participating in post-conflict peacekeeping and rebuilding efforts. The cooperation will also ensure international maritime traffic safety and freedom, promote maritime cooperation, approach a consensus on issues related to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty, and help to ensure global nuclear safety.

Bali Concord III also defines agenda issues of economic stabilization, development based on common goals and principles toward an ASEAN Economic Community, and ASEAN’s full integration into the global economy.

In socio-cultural cooperation, the agreement defines ways to strengthen global ASEAN cooperation to promote efforts to cope with climate change, mobilize the greatest participation of social classes in disaster mitigation programs and dealing with emergencies. It also helps cooperation among ASEAN member armies within the framework of humanitarian activities and disaster relief, and step up cooperation between the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management and regional organizations.

In related news, Myanmar will chair ASEAN in 2014, by agreement of Southeast Asian leaders at the summit. This is considered a recognition for the Myanmar government’s recent reforms.