ASEAN's relations with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar (the CLM Countries) intensified during the year under review as preparations for their entry into ASEAN entered the final phase. The First Informal ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on 30 November 1996 agreed that the CLM countries "be admitted as members simultaneously" and that the relevant ASEAN bodies would continue with the necessary preparatory technical and procedural steps.

On the occasion of the Informal Summit, the ASEAN Heads of Government met with their counterparts from the CLM countries. Prior to their meeting, the Heads of Government of the CLM countries made a historic visit to the ASEAN Secretariat. The Heads were welcomed by the Secretary-General of ASEAN who gave a briefing on ASEAN affairs.