WE, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, gathered in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, on the occasion of the 42nd ASEAN Summit on 10 – 11 May 2023;

COGNISANT of ASEAN’s aims and purposes as laid out in the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration), including to enhance regional security and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law, adherence to the principles of the ASEAN Charter and the United Nations Charter, as well as accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the spirit of equality and, partnership, and shared vision among its Member States;