The CORE-J Mode - ALAWMM Adjourns Their Meeting, Finding Common Ground
- Tatoli
- Jun 18, 2025
- 3 min read
ALAWMM Adjournment
In subsequent meetings between the ASEAN Law Ministers, ministers continue to further
engage in debate and discussion on solutions to streamline the exequatur process across the ASEAN region. Timor Leste has continuously advocated for efforts aligned with the core
principles of ASEAN, encouraging other member and non-member states to work together to
draft up an advisory guide framework. As ministers continue to work together, they have
effectively drawn up a solution with the consensus of all member states. Despite the region's
diverse cultural contexts, all members have decided to place their differences aside, prioritising a balanced solution that ensures ASEAN’s priorities are met.
CORE-J Model
Some solutions drawn up included scoping the ASEAN exequatur procedure using the Criteria On Reinforcement and Execution of Judgements (CORE-J) framework. This changes the scope of the exequatur process, omitting various segments such as family law, civil law, laws that disrupt the social fabric of a nation and judgements that impede the sovereignty or legal system of a nation. However, the framework integrates commercial and trade laws into the exequatur process, expanding its scope while still respecting the advisory aspect of the system. These commercial laws that remain legally binding in the framework include the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), and the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA).
This framework takes into consideration the different aspects, recognising the magnitude of
streamlining the exequatur process and protecting trade and commercial laws, while still
prioritising the ASEAN core principles, which respect each member state’s independence,
sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, resource limitations and national identity. When this is achieved, ASEAN can ensure that while the enforcement of commercial judgements becomes more consistent and effective across the region, the process does not compromise the balance of national sovereignty and non-interference that lies at the heart of ASEAN’s beliefs. Ultimately, this framework model reflects ASEAN’s unique character: a consensus-based organisation that values regional unity while honouring national diversity and independence. More approaches mentioned include the establishment of an ASEAN Exequatur Enforcement Council (AEEC), an international body aiming to serve as an enforcement mechanism, being composed of ministers from across the region. This council enforces legal discussions, aligned with ATIGA, AFAS and the ACIA. This ensures that there would be legally binding agreements which are crucial to the stable progression of ASEAN.
To add on, the advisory guide is heavily followed to understand and appropriately judge exequatur procedures, where the guide is chosen based on the ASEAN Charter, but up to ASEAN member states to ratify at their discretion.
ASEAN steps forward
Timor-Leste actively joins in the discussion as everyone engages in debate to propose these solutions, continuing to support balanced frameworks that prioritise the streamlining process while respecting each member state’s diverse and unique culture and sovereignty. This inter-cooperation and joint effort within the ASEAN region, along with all non-member states, continues to strive for balance within the region while upholding the core ASEAN principles. When all stakeholders understand the importance of placing aside differences and finding consensus among diverse cultural contexts, the ALAWMM can efficiently work towards its goals and promote effective and efficient cooperation in its meetings. Significant progress and improvement are seen in the recent meetings, and all member and non-member states have actively contributed to making the ASEAN region one with a streamlined exequatur process that does not infringe upon any state's sovereign power. Together, alongside ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste will continue to support ASEAN efforts and contribute its resources to make the region a better place.
Written by Tan Chee Han Asher, Woo Shao Jie, Li Yunxuan
Bibliography
1. investasean.asean.org. “ASEAN Free Trade Area Agreements | ASEAN Investment,” n.d.
n-framework-agreement-on-services.html.
2. ASEAN. “ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).” asean.org, December 11, 2020.
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