After a close consultation of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers at their Informal Meeting in Karambunei, Malaysia, H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Senior Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Chairman of the ASEAN Standing Committee (ASC), issues the following statement:

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers had a constructive exchange of views on the current situation in the Korean Peninsula.

The Foreign Ministers expressed their continued concern over the evolving situation in the Korean Peninsula which could lead to a serious threat to peace, security and stability in the whole Asia-Pacific region.

The Foreign Ministers-while acknowledging ASEAN as a primary driving force in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)-commended the efforts made in recent months by the ASC/ARF Chairman in facilitating the dialogue with the concerned parties in order to find a lasting and durable solution to the Korean Peninsula.

The Foreign Ministers urged the ASC/ARF Chairman to continue his concerted efforts to engage in the talk between the involved parties.  The Foreign Ministers believed that the ARF remains an important forum for constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security issues, such as the Korean Peninsula.

The Foreign Ministers reiterated the importance of, and the necessity for, a denuclearized Korean Peninsula as an important contribution leading to the reunification of Korea and, therefore, to peace and stability in the region