PROPOSED KEY POINTS FOR THE OPENING STATEMENT

On Mongolias membership in the ASEAN Region Forum (ARF)

* The Philippines supports Mongolias interest, as a member of the ASEAN
Regional Forum, in engaging and working with ASEAN for peace, stability and
development in the region.
* Mongolias initiative in hosting this workshop on Promoting a Nuclear Weapons
Free Status of Mongolia is a positive step in increasing Mongolias engagement
with ASEAN within the framework of the ASEAN Regional Forum. We are pleased
to co-chair this workshop with Mongolia.
* The ASEAN Regional Forum remains the primary forum for cooperation in political
and security issues of common interest and concern in the Asia-Pacific region
through dialogue and consultations. This workshop support international
cooperation in non-proliferation and disarmament under the ARF.
* We appreciate the participation of many members of the ARF in this workshop
Note: Mongolia has formally applied to be a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. The application is still
under review. Jakarta PE has initially opined that Mongolia may not be ready to undertake
cooperation and work in partnership with ASEAN because its relations with ASEAN Member
States are not vigorous enough. DFA-ASEAN, DFA-ASPAC and Jakarta PM have recommended
that Mongolia begin to take a more active role in the ASEAN Regional Forum.

Mongolias Nuclear Weapons Free Status

* In this Workshop, we will be learning more about Mongolia s success in
establishing a Nuclear Weapon Free Status, discussing the regional dimension of
Nuclear Weapon-Free Zones and exploring ways to further non-proliferation. We
have an excellent panel of speakers for all three (3) sessions until tomorrow
morning.
* Mongolias Nuclear Weapon Free Status and ASEANs Southeast Asia Nuclear
Weapon-Free Zone are mutually reinforcing and contribute to overall peace and
stability in the region.
Note: On 17 September 2012, the Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of the five
nuclear weapon states (NWS) the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France
and the Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations signed parallel political
declarations regarding Mongolias nuclear-weapon-free status. As a part of the declaration, the P5
reaffirmed the joint statement on security assurances they made in connection with Mongolias
nuclear-weapon-free status at the UNGA on 5 October 2000.
In addition, the P5 also affirmed their intent to respect Mongolias nuclear-weapon-free status and
not to contribute to any act that would violate it. As a part of the parallel political declaration,
Mongolia confirmed that it has and will continue to fully comply with its commitments as a non-

nuclear-weapon state (NNWS) party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
(NPT) and pursuant to its own domestic law of 3 February 2000, has the domestic legal status of
being nuclear weapon free.

Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone

* During the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting last month (04 August 2015),
ASEAN member states underscored the importance of preserving Southeast Asia
region as a Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone and free of all other weapons as mass
destruction as enshrined in the Treat on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free
Zone (SEANWFZ) and the ASEAN Charter.
* ASEAN remains committed to pursuing consultations with the Nuclear Weapon
States (NWS) to resolve the outstanding issues with regard to the signing of the
SEANWFZ Protocol.
* The ASEAN member states also look forward to the submission and eventual
adoption by consensus of the 70th UN General Assembly draft resolution on the
SEANWFZ Treaty.
Note: These statements are based on the Joint Communique of the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers
Meeting.
Note: The SEANWFZ Treaty has a Protocol that is open to signature by the five recognized
nuclear-weapon states (NWS): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
If signed by the NWS, the Protocol would commit those states not to contribute to any violation of
the treaty by the State Parties and not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons within the zone.
None of the NWS have signed this protocol, as a result of which they are technically able to
transport nuclear weapons within the zone.

Additional Notes: PH-Mongolia Bilateral Relations

* The Philippines is pleased to work with Mongolia in co-chairing this workshop in
Ulaanbaatar. Back in 2013, the Philippines had the pleasure of welcoming His
Excellency Damba Gankhuyag to Manila for the inaugural Philippines-Mongolia
Policy Consultations. In July, our Undersecretary for International Economic
Relations Laura Q. del Rosario reciprocated His Excelltencys visit and led a
Philippine delegation here in Ulaanbaatar for the 2nd Philippines-Mongolia Policy
Consultations. My delegation and I are thank Mongolia for the excellent
arrangement and hospitalities so generously provided.