1. The Fifth ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting (ASEM FMM V) was held in Bali, Indonesia, on 23-24 July 2003 and was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri..

2. The meeting was attended by Foreign Ministers from ten Asian and fifteen European states and the Commissioner for External Relations of the European Commission and representative of the Council of the European Union. It was chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. DR. N. Hassan Wirajuda.

3. The meeting was held at an appropriate time as today's world is faced by a number of significant developments marked by escalating tensions in several regions, such as in the Middle East, the Korean Peninsula and post-war situation in Iraq. Other important developments include enlargement of the European Union and the decisive stage in concluding a European Convention as well as the adverse impacts of recent SARS endemic breakout.

4. The Ministers held comprehensive and fruitful discussions on a wide range of issues of common interest, guided by the principles set by ASEM Summits, as outlined in the Asia-Europe Cooperation Framework of 2000 (AECF 2000).

5. The Ministers endorsed the following recommendations submitted by Senior Officials Meetings in Jakarta (12-13 May 2003) and Bali (22-23 July 2003):

· To intensify political dialogue among ASEM partners on significant international issues through the strengthening of the existing consultative mechanism. They agreed that ASEM SOM and its Coordinators as well as the Contact Points should continue to take the central role in ASEM management process. They also agreed, in principle, to hold consultation, as and when deemed necessary by consensus on certain issues and on an ad hoc basis, including amongst ASEM Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in New York.

· To request ASEF to provide further cost and benefit analysis as well as management strategy for ASEF's long term Financial Sustainability and to mandate SOM to follow up this issue for adoption at the Hanoi Summit.

· On the involvement of various sectors of society in ASEM process, they referred to the decision of FMM4, based on the ASEM SOM Lanzarote recommendation in April 2002. Accordingly, in the margin of ASEM events, host countries may, at their discretion, organize activities with business, think tanks, academia and other sectors of society.

· To task SOM to further study the A$EM Information Board Phase II for the benefit of future ASEM cooperation.

· To hold ASEM Seminar on the Management of Public Health Emergency in Beijing in October 2003.

6. The Ministers took note with interest the interim report of Task Force on Closer Economic Partnership and requested the Task Force to expedite its substantive work and submit its final and comprehensive report to ASEM V for consideration of their proposal and adoption of appropriate follow-up measures.

7. The Ministers exchanged views on the following issues of common interest: New International Situation, Iraq Post War Arrangement, The Middle East Peace Process, Situation in Korean Peninsula, Anti Terrorism, New Development in Europe and Asia, SARS/Transmittable Diseases and Sustainable Development.

· On the new international situation, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the multilateral approach in international relations and to strictly abide by the principles of international law, including the Charter of the UN. In this regard, the Ministers underlined the central and vital role of the UN in the maintenance of peace and security arid the strengthening of international cooperation. The Ministers also discussed recent political situation in Myanmar, particularly since the incident of 30 May 2003. The Ministers recalled the assurance given by Myanmar that the measures taken following the incident were temporary and, therefore, called on the Government of Myanmar to immediately release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD members and ensure them freedom of political activities. They called upon Myanmar to resume its efforts toward national reconciliation and democracy. They also reaffirmed their continued support for the efforts of the UNSG Special Envoy Tan Sri Razali Ismail.

· On the Iraq Post War arrangement, the Ministers reaffirmed their support to the vital role of the United Nations in reconstruction and development of Iraq in accordance with the aspiration of the people of Iraq. They also attached great importance on the need to quickly restore and maintain normalcy, law and order in Iraq. The Ministers took note of the positive role, contribution and involvement of the international community, particularly of the ASEM Partners, in this process.

· The Ministers welcomed the recent developments on the Middle East Peace Process. They emphasized that a durable and comprehensive settlement could only be reached with a two-State solution in which Israel and an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State live side by side in peace within secured and recognized border. Therefore, they urged all parties to refrain from taking any measure that may derail the peaceful, comprehensive and durable solution.

· Regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the Ministers were convinced that the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a peaceful resolution of the DPRK nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiations would contribute to peace and stability in the region and beyond. They urged the DPRK to resume its cooperation with the IAEA and to reverse its decision to withdraw from the NPT and to give up any nuclear weapons program expeditiously and in a verifiable manner.

· The Ministers welcomed the talks in Beijing, April 2003 as a valuable step towards a comprehensive solution of the issue and called for the momentum for dialogue to be sustained in an appropriate format. Ministers also took note of the important contribution of Asian and European partners in finding a diplomatic and peaceful solution of the issue. The Ministers expressed their support for the ROK's effort to ease the tension on the peninsula, and encouraged the continuation of further dialogues and exchanges between the ROK and the DPRK. The Ministers were also of the view that outstanding security and humanitarian issues should be addressed through increased dialogues.

· On Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, the Ministers exchanged views on the issue and agreed to issue a political declaration on Prevention of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Their Means of Delivery, as appears in Annex 1.

· On Anti-Terrorism, the Ministers took note with satisfaction of the ASEM cooperation in combating terrorism. Ministers welcomed the enhanced regional cooperation within the ASEM framework, as well as ASEAN and the ASEAN Regional Forum, including the establishment of the South East Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) in Kuala Lumpur, as ways to promote useful practical co-operation. Since the adoption of ASEM Copenhagen Declaration on Cooperation against International Terrorism, September 2002, the ASEM members have further strengthened efforts to counter terrorism. The threat of terrorism, however, remains worldwide, such as the bombing attacks in Bali, October 2002, and they emphasized the importance of enhancing capacity in the fight against terrorism - while respecting human rights. It is therefore necessary to actively support countries that need assistance in various fields. In this regard, the Ministers also welcomed the ASEM Seminar on Anti-Terrorism to be held in China in September 2003 and the 4th ASEAN Ministerial in Transnational Crimes to be held in Thailand in January 2004, which will provide an important occasion to strengthen the cooperation.

· On New Development in Europe and Asia, Ministers discussed the enlargement of the European Union and the changing nature of the EU's foreign policy, including the implications of the recently completed Convention. Ministers took note of the presentation by the Commissioner for External Relations of the European Commission on the "New Partnerships with South East Asia". The Ministers exchanged views on the recent trends on economic integration within Asia and agreed to continue their joint effort to strengthen the inter-regional relationships between Europe and Asia for their mutual benefit. Ministers also took note of the result of the Second Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting on 21-22 June 2003, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They welcomed the creation of Asian Bond Fund as well as the adoption of Chiang Mai Declaration on Asian Bond Market Development as a guideline for future direction of a regional bond market.

· On SARS/Transmittable diseases, the Ministers welcomed the success of combating SARS. While recognizing this positive development, the Ministers viewed that the fight against SARS and other transmittable diseases remains far from over. They welcomed the joint efforts and commitment of the ASEAN+3 countries and appreciated the solidarity and cooperation among ASEM partners in controlling and containing the SARS virus. Therefore, they encouraged further cooperation among ASEM partners to combat the diseases. In this context the Ministers welcomed a new initiative of China to hold a Seminar on the Management of Public Health Emergency. The Ministers also welcomed the International Conference on SARS to be held in Vietnam by the end of 2003 and the 15th International Conference on AIDS to be held in Thailand in July 2004.

· On Sustainable Development, the Ministers reaffirmed the commitments made in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002 and pledged to meet the goals and targets set out in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation through strengthened ASEM cooperation and partnership. In this regard, the Ministers underlined the importance of a successful outcome of the Seventh Conference of Parties to the Convention on Bio-Diversity (COP 7 of CBD) and the First Meeting of Parties (MOP 7) to the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-Safety in Kuala Lumpur in February 2004. Ministers also noted the preparations being made for the 5th WTO Ministerial meeting to be held in Cancun, Mexico, in September 2003 in order to ensure the success of the negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda.

8. The Ministers exchanged views on the enlargement of ASEM, in particular the application of the three ASEAN members, namely Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. They also welcomed the interest of the acceding European Union countries. They agreed to recommend Leaders to take up the issue, in accordance with the results of 4th ASEM Foreign Ministers Meeting and the subsequent developments, at the Fifth Summit in Hanoi in 2004.

9. Considering the current and future situation of ASEM process, in order to ensure a more substantive partnership, the Ministers tasked the SOM to examine ways and means and make proposals to the FMM 6 to be adopted at ASEM V on more efficient, effective and streamlined working methods of ASEM process. In this regard, an interim brainstorming session will be held before the end of 2003. Italy has offered to host the session.

10. The Ministers took note of the other three new initiatives, namely "ASEM Ocean Initiative" of the Philippines, Initiative on "Human Rights Education, Manual on Understanding Human Rights" of Austria and "ASEM Symposium on an 'Iron Silk Road" of the Republic of Korea. Since partners remain in the process of internal consultations with their relevant ministries, the Ministers agreed to request partners to submit their responses to the next SOM. The Ministers also agreed about the need to continue the Dialogue on Cultures and Civilizations and Cultural Diversity in the context of globalization. They welcomed the coming Conference on "ASEM Conference on Cultures and Civilizations" to be held in China in December 2003. They supported the initiative taken by UNESCO to elaborate a convention on cultural diversity. They noted the successful implementation of the ASEM DUO Fellowship Programme, and encouraged further participation of ASEM partners in this project. They also noted the first ASEM Youth Games to be held in Thailand in October 2004, which will foster people-to-people contact and raise mutual awareness and understanding between the two regions.

11. The Ministers took note with satisfaction of the stage of preparation by Vietnam for ASEM V in Hanoi on 8-9 October 2004. In order to make ASEM V a landmark in elevating the ASEM process to a higher plane, the Ministers had a brainstorming session on the possible theme of ASEM V, that is "Further Revitalizing and Substantiating the Asia-Europe Partnership". The meeting recognized the importance of the full attendance of leaders to ASEM V as it would reflect the high commitment of partners to the ASEM cooperation. The Ministers agreed that the issue would be further deliberated by the ASEM Task Force for CEP, next SOM, SOMTI, FMM 6 and EMM 6 to have more inputs for ASEM V.

12. The Ministers endorsed the ASEM Logo as appears in Annex 2.

13. The Ministers agreed to convene the Sixth ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Dublin, Ireland on 19-21 April 2004 and agreed to convene the SOM in Vietnam to prepare for the Hanoi Summit.

14. The Meeting expressed its highest gratitude and appreciation to Indonesia for hosting and chairing the 5th ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting which brought the meeting successfully achieve its objectives.

Bali, 24 July 2003

ANNEX 1

Political Declaration on Prevention of Proliferation of
Weapons of Mass Destruction and Their Means of Delivery

July 24 2003

1. ASEM Foreign Ministers emphasize the importance of continuing efforts on disarmament and prevention of proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons; and related materials, equipment, and technologies in accordance with relevant international conventions in the interest of maintaining international peace and security. They also stress the importance of preventing terrorists from acquiring or developing them. Thus, Ministers emphasized the importance of comprehensive and non-discriminatory implementation of relevant international conventions. Ministers also declare their sincere commitment to gaining wider adherence to these conventions. Ministers commit themselves to pursuing greater efforts in this area.

2. Ministers reaffirm the crucial importance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), as well as of its universalization and of full compliance with it, as the cornerstone of the international regime for nuclear non-proliferation and as an essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament. In this regard, Ministers urge all State-Parties to fulfill their obligations as agreed at the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference and the 2000 NPT Review Conference. They also stress the importance of the success of the Seventh Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to be convened in 2005.

3. Ministers exchanged views on the importance and urgency of signatures and ratifications, without delay and without conditions and in accordance with constitutional processes, to achieve the earliest entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) as well as a moratorium on nuclear-weapon-test explosions or any other nuclear explosions pending entry into force of that Treaty.

4. Ministers welcome the Joint Ministerial Statement released in September 2002 at the Friends of the CTBT Foreign Ministers Meeting and call for efforts toward the success of the Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of CTBT to be convened this year in accordance with Article XIV of the Treaty.

5. Ministers stress the importance of universal adherence to, and of full compliance with, IAEA safeguards agreements and, where applicable, their additional protocols; in this respect they welcome the successful convening of a series of seminars and conferences aiming at further reinforcement of IAEA safeguards system.

6. Ministers are determined to continue their joint efforts to promote universality and full implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Ministers welcome the success of the First Review Conference of the CWC, and are also determined to further cooperate in fully implementing the provisions of BWC, including the work program for the next three years agreed among the State-Parties in November 2002.

7. Ministers are deeply concerned about the threat posed by proliferation of ballistic missiles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction. In this context, Ministers take note of the launch of The Hague Code of Conduct against the proliferation of Ballistic Missiles (HCOC) in November 2002, while recognizing the need for, a comprehensive approach towards missiles, in a balanced and non-discriminatory manner, as a contribution to international peace and security.

8. Ministers are resolved to promote dialogue and cooperation on non-proliferation, disarmament and the peaceful uses of nuclear, biological and chemical technologies between the two regions and among the countries within the regions so as to counter the threat posed by proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery means in the regions.

9. Ministers stress the importance of effective export controls in preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction, missiles and their related materials, equipments and technologies. At the same time, Ministers agree that export control should not hamper cooperation and assistance in material, equipment and technologies for peaceful purposes.