The objectives of the ASEAN Regional Forum are outlined in the First ARF Chairman's Statement (1994), namely:

1. to foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security issues of common interest and concern; and
   
2. to make significant contributions to efforts towards confidence-building and preventive diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region.

The 27th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (1994) stated that "The ARF could become an effective consultative Asia-Pacific Forum for promoting open dialogue on political and security cooperation in the region. In this context, ASEAN should work with its ARF partners to bring about a more predictable and constructive pattern of relations in the Asia Pacific."