The joint statement called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its members to step up the performance of mechanisms and agreements in order to maintain peace and security, prevent conflicts and deal with disputes in a peaceful way.

It also urged the bloc to develop policies regarding culture, society, equality, respect and protection of rights of people, especially women, children, ethnic minorities and the disabled.

For the first time, Agent Orange-related issues enjoyed support from ASEAN people’s organisations, and were mentioned in the joint statement.

At the previous plenary session, the delegates discussed the integration and cooperation amongst people from the regional nations in a move to build a people-centred community.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations, Tran Dac Loi, said the APF 6 was a success. The participation of the delegates from different groups, including young people, women, farmers, fishermen and the disabled, proved the diversity of the forum.

Loi, who is also Head of the APF 6 Organising Committee, said the forum was a chance for ASEAN people to increase mutual understanding and build new connectivity networks for peace, friendship and development in the region.

At the closing ceremony, Vietnam officially handed over the chairmanship of the 7th APF to Indonesia.