ASEAN + 3 Summit

ASEAN has a link with countries in Europe through the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and with countries like the Americans, Mexico and Chile through the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Recognising the importance of establishing the same link in East Asia and the important role that the East Asia countries play in the region, the Heads of State/Government of the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea were invited to the 2nd ASEAN informal Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 1997, which was also coincided with the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN. The First ASEAN+3 Summit was therefore held and followed by the ASEAN+1 Summit with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, separately. 

At the 3rd ASEAN Informal Summit in Manila in 1999, the ASEAN + 3 process was further strengthened with the issuance of the Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation by the ASEAN and plus three Leaders. The statement reflects a commitment to strengthen cooperation and collaboration in East Asia in priority areas of shared interest and concern especially in economic, monetary and financial cooperation, social and human resources development, science and technology, culture and information and development cooperation.