SINGAPORE: ASEAN's foreign ministers have issued a 64-paragraph joint communique, spelling out some of the political, social and economic challenges facing the grouping.

One area of concern for the ministers is food and energy security. They have affirmed that access to adequate and reliable supply of staples, and stable prices were fundamental to the region's economic and social well-being.

A spokesman for the Singapore Chair told the media that ASEAN's senior officials will be closely monitoring the food situation in the region.

ASEAN's foreign ministers have emphasised that they are prepared to hold a high level meeting to tackle the situation if the need arose.

In their joint communique, ministers also expressed concern that the recent volatility and rise of oil prices had adversely affected the ASEAN economies. Hence, there is a need for concerted efforts to improve energy efficiency and conservation.

ASEAN's foreign ministers have also set up a high level panel on a Human Rights Body for the grouping.

The panel is expected to submit its first draft of the terms of reference for the body during the forthcoming ASEAN summit in December in Bangkok. - CNA/vm