An aerial view of burning trees is seen during the haze in Indonesia's Riau province June 28, 2013. Photo: Reuters

ASEAN foreign ministers will also issue statement on South China Sea issue: Foreign Minister K Shanmugam

Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar) – Singapore has sought Indonesia’s cooperation on ratifying the ASEAN agreement on transboundary haze pollution during the foreign ministers’ meeting at the 24th ASEAN Summit, said Foreign Minister K Shanmugam today (May 10).

The ASEAN foreign ministers have also agreed to issue a joint statement on the South China Sea situation, said Mr Shanmugam, who spoke to the media after this morning’s meeting.

On the haze issue, Mr Shanmugam said that Singapore pointed out that the progress on the implementation of the ASEAN haze monitoring system has not been rapid enough. This is of concern as the El Nino dry conditions could be back in the second half of the year and would exacerbate the haze situation later in Singapore, he noted.

Mr Shanmugam, who is also law minister, also further touched on the South China Sea issue. He told reporters that there was a unanimous agreement by ASEAN foreign ministers to issue a statement to express concern on the recent turn of events.

On Singapore’s position, he said that Singapore agreed on having a statement and noted the benefit of peace for the entire region. Issuing such a statement also emphasises the urgency to conclude on a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea, added Mr Shanmugam.