(VOVworld) – ASEAN leaders signed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration to establish the ASEAN Community at the 27^th ASEAN Summit on November 22. The UN Secretary General and leaders of ASEAN’s dialogue and partner countries witnessed the signing. World leaders have welcomed this historic turn in ASEAN’s development.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak said the establishment of the ASEAN Community heralds a new period of extensive development and integration. Leaders of countries attending the 27^th ASEAN Summit and related meetings congratulated ASEAN leaders and showed their support for the ASEAN Community. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the birth of the ASEAN Community a historic milestone and said ASEAN will play a central role in integration in the Asia-Pacific region. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe congratulated ASEAN members for agreeing on a common strategic goal. He said the most important thing is that ASEAN has enriched and shared global values. He stressed the importance of prosperity and stability in the region and pledged continued support for ASEAN’s unity efforts. Republic of Korea President Pak Geun-hye said Seoul will play an active role in ASEAN Community integration. Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said China respects ASEAN’s role in regional cooperation and will support the building of the ASEAN Community.

US President Barack Obama said the birth of the ASEAN Community was a new step in regional economic integration and political stability and pledged continued US support for ASEAN.  New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said New Zealand welcomes every step in ASEAN’s development and welcomes the establishment of the ASEAN Community.