ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic

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JAKARTA (AFP) - Bird flu chiefs from across Southeast Asia have agreed to assess the ability of their governments to respond to a deadly human pandemic of the virus, an Indonesian official said Wednesday.

A three-day meeting of representatives from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed countries must be better organised to tackle a human-to-human outbreak of H5N1, Bayu Krisnamurthi told AFP.

Many of the 10 states had little organised bureaucracy or infrastructure to tackle a pandemic, which could kill millions if it mutates into a more easily transmissable form, Krisnamurthi said.

"Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, have experienced human cases. Others have not. That's the main difference between countries," the official, who heads Indonesia's bird flu committee, said after the meeting in Medan.

"First we would like an assessment of ASEAN countries on pandemic preparedness ... if pandemic influenza happened in one of the (ASEAN) countries, the reach and the impact would be on a regional scale," he said.

Countries are expected to finish assessing their preparedness by January or February next year, Krisnamurthi said.

Health ministers from the 10 ASEAN states will also meet in the Philippines capital Manila in October to discuss preparedness and the need to develop a "common language" to deal with the threat, he said.

Indonesia is the country most heavily affected by the H5N1 virus, with 110 of the worldwide total of 243 confirmed human deaths, according to the World Health Organisation.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080723/wl_asia_afp/indonesiahealthfluasean

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Re: ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic

The 41st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), the Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) and the 15th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) will take place in Singapore from 17 July - 24 July 2008.

Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo as the ASEAN Chairman will host the meetings in Singapore. During the AMM, the Foreign Ministers will discuss topics ranging from the ongoing efforts to create an ASEAN Community by 2015 to the ratification of the ASEAN Charter. The Ministers will also exchange views on regional developments, including the ASEAN-led humanitarian assistance efforts for the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers will meet separately with their counterparts from the ASEAN Dialogue Partners to explore ways to further intensify cooperation. The Foreign Ministers of the ASEAN+3 process will meet to chart the next steps of ASEAN+3 cooperation. For the East Asia Summit countries, the Foreign Ministers will hold Informal Consultations to discuss regional and international issues. The ARF Ministers will exchange views on developments in the region.

Key documents expected from the meetings include a Statement on the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN Charter; the Democratic Peoples? Republic of Korea's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia; and, the Singapore Declaration on the 15th ARF. Separately, the Post-Nargis Joint Assessment Report will be released.

For the schedule of programme, please visit the official website of 41st AMM: http://www.41amm.sg/amm/index.php/we...ramme_schedule

Posted 17 July 2008

http://www.aseansec.org/Bulletin-Jul-08.htm#Article-9

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Re: ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic

ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic
Posted: 23 July 2008 1809 hrs



Indonesian health workers take part in a bird flu outbreak drill

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/362231/1/.html

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Re: ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic

Can't copy from site:

Sharm El-Sheikh International Ministerial Conference on Avian and Pandemic Influenza

24-26 October 2008.
Organized by the Government of Egypt:

http://www.imcapi2008.gov.eg/

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Re: ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic

From above document:

The international conference will be organized by the Government of Egypt specifically the Ministry of Health and Population side by side with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. This is in cooperation with the UN, WHO, USAID, World Bank, OIE, FAO, EU, and African Union. Being the conference a large and important event entirely devoted to work on the control and preparedness for pandemic, the conference will provide comprehensive scientific coverage on the current situation and global experience dealing with HPAI H5N1, update of the global business plan as well as national plans for control of avian flu and preparedness for pandemic and finally the mobilization of the required resources to fill in gaps in global business plan.

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Re: ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic

Deputy PM praises ASEAN+3, East Asian Summit
July 23, 2008

The co-operation process between ASEAN and its three dialogue partners (ASEAN+3) and the East Asian Summit (EAS) Ministers Informal Consultations are a firm basis for the regional development, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem said.

The Deputy PM?s remark was echoed by other Foreign Ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and ASEAN?s partners (China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea) at the EAS Ministers Informal Consultations meeting in Singapore on July 22.

Deputy PM Khiem, who is also the country?s Foreign Minister, said EAS member countries should strengthen their co-operation in seeking ways to overcome the region?s ongoing difficulties relating to energy and food supply, disaster management, epidemic prevention and environment protection.

At the meeting, the EAS foreign ministers reviewed the implementation of decisions made at the ASEAN+3 Summit in November 2007, including the second-time declaration on co-operation in East Asia and the ASEAN+3 working plan from 2007-2017.

They reaffirmed their commitments to fostering the ASEAN+3 co-operation process, considering this a key tool for the long-term target of building the East Asian Community.

The ministers also praised the results of the study on the establishment of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia and on the establishment of a Economic Research Institute for ASEAN, which were decided at the third East Asian Summit. (VNA)

http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/news/230708/domestic_dep.htm

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Re: ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic

Last updated: 16:3 - July 23, 2008

Deputy PM?s activities on sidelines of ASEAN meeting


Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem had bilateral meetings with officials from China, Cambodia, Laos and Canada on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Singapore.

On July 22, Deputy PM Khiem, who is also Foreign Minister, met with Chinese FM Yang Jiechi to discuss bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern.

Minister Yang praised Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh?s visit to China in early June, saying it raised bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership level.

He thanked the Vietnamese Government and people for their assistance to earthquake victims in Sichuan province, and their co-operation in the Olympic torchlight procession in Ho Chi Minh City.

Minister Yang said Chinese leaders are paying attention to enhancing economic and trade ties with Vietnam.

The two officials discussed preparations for future visits by the two countries? leaders. They agreed to push ahead the border demarcation and landmark plantation so that the task will be completed in the end of 2008 as agreed upon by the two countries? leaders.

They jointly praised the two countries? co-ordination at international and regional forums, and agreed to further close co-operation to contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world.

On July 21 and 22, Deputy PM Khiem had separate conversations with his Lao counterpart Thoonglun Sisulith, and Cambodian Secretary of State for the Foreign Ministry Kao Kim Hourn to discuss regional issues.

He also met with the Canadian Secretary of State for the Foreign Ministry on the two countries? co-operation, particularly in economics.

They agreed to boost future bilateral ties, including Canada's provision of official development assistance (ODA) capital and its acceptance of Vietnamese guest workers. (VNA)

http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/news/230708/domestic_de.htm

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Re: ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic

41st AMM
17 - 24 July 2008
Shangri-La, Singapore

Opening Remarks by Mr George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Singapore and Co-Chair of ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations, at the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference 10+1 Session with the United States Of America, 23 July 2008, Singapore

Excerpts:
10. In short, no major strategic issue in Asia can be resolved without the active participation of the US. The US has also played a key role in responding to transboundary challenges. For all major challenges - be it climate change, environmental protection, pandemics, terrorism, disaster response or energy security - we in ASEAN welcome close cooperation with the US. We will always remember the help which the US gave Indonesia after the Boxing Day tsunami and its willingness to help Myanmar after Cyclone Nargis.

http://www.41amm.sg/amm/index.php/web/info_for_delegates/statements/opening_remarks_by_mr_george_yeo_minister_for_foreign_affairs_singapore_and_co_chair_of_asean_us_dialogue_relations_at_the_asean_post_ministerial_conference_10_1_session_with_the_united_states_of_america_23_july_2008_singapore

41st AMM
17 - 24 July 2008
Shangri-La, Singapore

Statement by Mr George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore and Chairman of the 41st ASEAN Standing Committee at the Closing Ceremony of the 41st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and Handing Over of the ASEAN Standing Committee, 24 July 2008

Excerpt:
5. This brings me to the last ?C?, the challenges that the region face. The world is changing rapidly. We don?t know how badly we will hit by the gathering financial storm in the US. China?s and India?s growth will provide us some buffer. There is however little doubt that the global economic centre of gravity will shift across the Pacific in the coming decades. Such a major shift is never smooth and we must expect problems of various kinds to surface. Building a robust regional political architecture must be our key priority. We must also respond to transboundary challenges from climate change, natural disasters and the threat of pandemics to global terrorism and food/energy security. At the ASEAN Summit in Singapore, we agreed that sustainable development, protection of the environment and climate change should be high up on our list of priorities. After Cyclone Nargis, ASEAN played a critical role in building a bridge of trust between the Myanmar Government and the international community.

http://www.41amm.sg/amm/index.php/web/info_for_delegates/statements/statement_by_mr_george_yeo_minister_for_foreign_affairs_of_singapore_and_chairman_of_the_41st_asean_standing_committee_at_the_closing_ceremony_of_the_41st_asean_ministerial_meeting_and_handing_over_of_the_asean_standing_committee_24_july_2008

ASEAN Chairman's Statement on the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) +1 Sessions, 23 July 2008, Singapore

Excerpt:
Australia

2. The ASEAN PMC+1 with Australia was co-chaired by H.E. Sahas Bunditkul, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Honourable Stephen Smith, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia. The Meeting reviewed the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Partnership adopted at the margins of the 3rd East Asia Summit in November 2007 in Singapore. There was agreement to enhance cooperation in the areas of disaster management, climate change, environment sustainability, communicable diseases, economic integration and people-to-people contact. The Meeting directed that the MOU on the Second Phase of the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Programme (AADCP II) be concluded as soon as possible, and called for the early conclusion of the ASEAN-Australia/New Zealand FTA.

Canada

4. The ASEAN PMC+1 with Canada was co-chaired by H.E. Pham Quang Vinh, ASEAN SOM Leader of Viet Nam, and the Honourable Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the Ministry of International Cooperation of Canada. The Meeting reviewed the implementation of the 2nd ASEAN-Canada Joint Cooperation Work Plan (2007-2010), which outlined cooperation in priority areas, such as counter-terrorism and transnational crime, economic cooperation, health security, inter-faith dialogue, technical assistance and capacity-building within the ASEAN Secretariat. Officials were directed to continue their work to enhance ASEAN-Canada cooperation, including submitting a Joint Declaration on Enhanced Partnership between ASEAN and Canada to the Ministers for adoption in Thailand in 2009. The Meeting noted that Canada was considering ASEAN's invitation to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and to appoint an appropriate representative to ASEAN.

China

5. The ASEAN PMC+1 with China was co-chaired by HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam, and H.E. Yang Jiechi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of China. .The Meeting expressed satisfaction that ASEAN-China cooperation continued to grow from strength to strength and observed that China was one of ASEAN?s most active Dialogue Partners. Given international concern over spiraling food and oil prices, the Meeting agreed to further intensify ASEAN-China cooperation in the areas of agriculture, energy, climate change, and environmental protection. The Meeting welcomed a proposal to work with China to enhance rice yields. The Meeting called for the expeditious conclusion of the Investment Agreement of the ASEAN-China FTA, and the MOU for the Establishment of the ASEAN-China Centre. The Meeting also called for the liberalisation and facilitation of ASEAN-China air transport services and the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link, to enhance business, tourism and people-to-people interaction. China?s announcement of its decision to appoint an Ambassador for ASEAN was welcomed. This was acknowledged as a clear sign of China?s commitment to ASEAN. The Meeting conveyed their best wishes to China for the upcoming Beijing Olympics in August 2008.


8. The Meeting recalled the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Singapore in November 2007 marking 30 years of ASEAN-EU cooperation, and tasked officials to follow-up on the Plan of Action to Implement the Nuremberg Declaration on the ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership. The Meeting agreed to further intensify cooperation in the areas of climate change and the environment, energy and food security, and disaster management. The Meeting expressed support for and continued implementation of existing ASEAN-EU mechanisms including the Trans-Regional EU-ASEAN Trade Initiative (TREATI), the Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (READI), and the ASEAN Programme for Regional Integration Support (APRIS) II. The Meeting took note of the work of the Joint Committee Meetings for the ASEAN-EU FTA. The EU appreciated the ASEAN Chair's efforts to complete the amendment of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, and looked forward to the EU's accession to the TAC. The Meeting looked forward to the next ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting to be held in Cambodia in May 2009.


India

9. The ASEAN PMC+1 with India was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and H.E. Anand Sharma, Minister of State for External Affairs of India. ASEAN expressed its condolences to India on the recent bombing of the Indian Embassy in Kabul and the Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to collectively combat terrorism. The Meeting looked forward to the expeditious conclusion of the Trade-in-Goods Agreement under the ASEAN-India FTA, which will signal India?s strategic engagement with ASEAN and catalyze economic cooperation between both sides. The Meeting welcomed India?s contribution of US$1 million to operationalise the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Fund and looked forward to the establishment of the ASEAN-India Green Fund that would promote climate change adaptation and mitigation projects. The Meeting also welcomed India?s announcement to establish IT training centres in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. India also agreed to ASEAN?s proposal to convene an ASEAN-India Agricultural Ministers Meeting to address the issue of food security.

Japan

12. The Meeting welcomed the ratification by Japan of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and looked forward to its early implementation. The Meeting took note of PM Fukuda?s declaration that the next 30 years would be the ?thirty years of bridging Asian development gaps?. In this regard, Japan pledged to support ASEAN?s community-building efforts through strong support for the Initiative for ASEAN Integration. The Meeting also stressed the need for closer cooperation in promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, food security and combating infectious diseases. In this regard, the Meeting welcomed Japan?s announcement that it would enhance ASEAN?s pandemic reaction capacity by stockpiling an additional half a million doses of anti-viral medication in each of the ASEAN countries. The Meeting also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in disaster management and relief. Japan?s announcement of its intention to appoint an Ambassador for ASEAN was welcomed. This was acknowledged as a clear sign of Japan?s commitment to ASEAN.


United States of America
20. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the progress of the various areas of cooperation between ASEAN and the U.S. including the launch of the ASEAN Development Vision to Advance National Cooperation and Economic Integration (ADVANCE) programme initiated by the U.S. in February 2008. The ADVANCE programme pledged US$150 million over the next 8 years to implement the goals of the ASEAN-U.S. Cooperation Plan, the ASEAN-U.S. Enhanced Partnership, the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA), and the Vientiane Action Programme (VAP). In this regard, the Meeting noted with satisfaction the broad and deep relations between ASEAN and the U.S, and agreed to further intensify cooperation in the various areas discussed, such as trade, investment, climate change and the environment, education, energy security, food security, disaster management, science and technology, and English language training.

http://www.41amm.sg/amm/index.php/web/info_for_delegates/statements/asean_chairman_s_statement_on_the_asean_post_ministerial_conferences_pmc_1_sessions_23_july_2008_singapore

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Re: ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic

Region forum Asean strenghten against catastrophe
21:57 24 / 07 / 2008 ( GMT + 7 )
Day 24 / 7 , leadership Asian countries - Pacific has appealed strenghten cooperation cope with natural calamity , including matter launch army in some region has chance danger being influenced because earthquake , typhoon and tsunami .



26 Foreign Minister of region forum Asean ( ARF ) already organization talks about some termite threaten against region security , including nuclear project of CHDCND North Korea , situation in Myanmar and boundary dispute Thailand - Kampuchea

Nevertheless , Foreign Ministers also reserved many discussion time about catastrophe management in region , place witnessed a strong typhoon ring mend in Myanmar and a strong earthquake devastate Sichuan , China and chance danger hide of a big disease bird flu .

According to joint statement draft , Foreign Ministers recognized say army closed role increasingly important in campaigns cope with catastrophe in region . one of the key point will be find out mechanism allow launch army foreign country to catastrophe region to conduct campaigns rescue

Singaporean Foreign Minister , George Yeo , say a game practise ground common between U.S - Philippines can is a model . " conduct each game practise ground like that has many meaning . each friend do not want to cooperation with each other lầu first when has catastrophe . if each friend luyện practise before , if each friend know each tần number radio , each friend share language , procedure , then each friend can effect action than many when catastrophe occur " , Mr. Yeo say

Forum ARF also has welcomed six country participation negotiations give up nuclear above Peninsula North Korea . CHDCND North Korea , day 24 / 7 , concluded treaty no invade of Asean . this treaty wake up matter settle disputes by peace alternative

Boundary dispute Thai Lan-Campuchia also get discussion in forum . Mr. Yeo say lẽ out Kampuchea no should give this problem out UN Security Council . replace in that , according to Mr. , Kampuchea should give out before Asean to settle according to bilateral mechanism , like Thailand wish .

http://vietnamnet.vn/thegioi/2008/07/795352/

[gsgs]

Re: ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic

nothing on the ASEAN webpage

http://www.aseanplus3-eid.info/index.php

which was just recently established for these purposes

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72860

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Re: ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic

yes, you are correct gs. And the ASEAN-3 were in attendance at the conference.

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showpost.php?p=170366&postcount=6