Delegates attend the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Foreign Ministers' Retreat, in Singapore, on Feb 6, 2018. ASEAN foreign ministers have agreed on the need for its member states to make use of innovation and technology to improve the lives of their peoples. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

SINGAPORE, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) foreign ministers have agreed on the need for its member states to make use of innovation and technology to improve the lives of their peoples.

In a statement released Tuesday at the end of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat, Singaporean foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan said the foreign ministers expressed support for Singapore's proposal to create an ASEAN Smart Cities Network in this regard.

The ministers also agreed on the importance of strengthening cybersecurity cooperation as the development of the digital economy continues to gain momentum.

The retreat is the first gathering of ASEAN foreign ministers under Singapore's chairmanship this year. Foreign ministers had discussions on ASEAN's priorities for 2018, as well as deep exchanges on regional and international developments.

According to the statement, the foreign ministers discussed the way forward for ASEAN Community building, and the strengthening of ASEAN's external relations at the retreat.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including security challenges such as terrorism, cyber threats and transnational crime, among others.

Balakrishnan told media at a press conference after the statement was circulated that the situation in South China Sea was calmer, and there was a shared good faith and goodwill on both sides.