CPR To ASEAN Discusses Finalisation Of East Asia Summit Outcome Documents

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) to ASEAN today discussed measures to expedite the finalisation of outcome documents for the East Asia Summit ahead of its meeting on Oct 27, held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit.

Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN Datin Sarah Nava Rani Al Bakri Devadasan said the discussions focused on preparations for official statements and outcome documents to be adopted by leaders during the summit.

“Nothing is finalised yet, as discussions are still ongoing. These cover areas of functional cooperation, such as the Initiative for ASEAN Integration work plan and similar initiatives.

“It is part of our regular engagement process with external partners including New Zealand, Russia and the United States,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

She said the meeting was also part of Malaysia’s routine chairmanship responsibilities to monitor the CPR’s ongoing work in Jakarta and ensure all preparations are completed smoothly before next week’s leaders’ sessions.

Chaired by Sarah Nava Rani, the closed-door meeting was attended by permanent representatives from ASEAN member states, including Latifah Zaini (Brunei), Heng Sarith (Cambodia), M.I. Derry Aman (Indonesia), Sitsangkhom Sisaketh (Laos), Aung Myo Myint (Myanmar), Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq (Philippines), Gerard Ho (Singapore), Suwit Mangkhala (Thailand) and Dr Ton Thi Ngoc Huong (Vietnam).

The CPR, established in 2009 under the ASEAN Charter, supports the work of the ASEAN Community Councils, liaises with the ASEAN Secretary-General and Secretariat, and facilitates cooperation with external partners.

-- BERNAMA