ASEAN foreign ministers have opened their preparatory meetings in Bali, Indonesia, ahead of the Leader's Summit which begins on Thursday.

 

One of the topics discussed is the implementation of a common ASEAN visa for non-ASEAN citizens.

  

Foreign Ministers and representatives, including S'pore Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam (2nd L), in Bali for ASEAN Meeting.

 

This is to ease travel within ASEAN and observers say can help boost tourism and travel in this part of the world.

 

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry said the foreign ministers will also assess the outcomes of their meeting in July this year and also the informal meeting they had on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September this year.

 

Among the issues to be discussed include setting up the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation and a declaration on the conduct of the parties involved in the South China Sea.

 

The foreign ministers will also be updated on the implementation of the ASEAN Charter, a major document which stipulates ASEAN as a rules-based organisation.

 

Issues of regional and international concern will also be raised following a slew of recent international meetings and forums such as the G20 summit and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting (APEC) in Honolulu.

 

Indonesia's foreign minister, Marty Natalegawa is chairing the meetings in his capacity as the ASEAN Chair.

 

ASEAN foreign ministers traditionally meet ahead of their leaders to finalise the documents which they intend to present for adoption at the leader's meeting and retreat.

 

- CNA/ck