the complexities of regional and global challenges confronting ASEAN
and the international community require enhanced capacity in addressing them in the context of
cooperation in areas of priorities and mutual concerns such as political affairs, peace and security,
promotion of democracy and human rights, rule of law, economic and social development, sociocultural
cooperation, disaster management, culture and education, regional connectivity and
integration, and international and regional issues of common concern in accordance with the
principles of the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter and international law;