Singapore calls for strengthened ASEAN-centred regional architecture
Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must continue to enhance the open, inclusive and ASEAN-centred regional architecture, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the opening ceremony of the 51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Singapore on August 2 (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Singapore (VNA) – Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) mustcontinue to enhance the open, inclusive 🀅and ASEAN-cen🐭tred regional architecture, Singaporean PrimeMinister Lee Hsien Loong said.
Speakingat the 51stASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Singapore on August 2, the Singaporean PM reiteratedthat the architecture has contributed to ensuring peace and stability in theregion. He saidthat it is important that ASEAN continues to support multilateral system andjoin hands with like-minded partners to strengthen its cooperation network. Lee noted that trade tensions between the US and ASEAN's other dialoguepartners have escalated, and the rule-based multilateral trading system, whichhas underpinned ASEAN's growth and prosperity, is under pressure. ASEANmember countries need to stay committed to trade liberalisation and economicintegration, he added.
Lee also lauded efforts of ASEAN countries to conclude negotiations forthe Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The RCEP, comprising 10 ASEAN members and its six free trade agreementpartners, namely China, Australia, Japan, India, the♐ Republic of Korea and NewZealand, will be the world's largest trading bloc that covers nearly half ofglobal population and 3✤0 percent of the world's current annual gross domesticproduct.-VNA
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Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the opening ceremony of the 51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Singapore on August 2 (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
