Promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region

Within the framework of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related conferences held in Jakarta, Indonesia, ASEAN countries witnessed the signing ceremony of the document of accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) by three countries: Kuwait, Serbia and Panama, bringing the total number of members of the Treaty to 54.

At the 43rd ASEAN Summit, the signing ceremony of the document of accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) took place by the three countries of Kuwait, Serbia and Panama, bringing the total number of members of the Treaty to 54. (Photo: Anh Son)

The TAC was signed at the First ASEAN Summit in Indonesia in 1976. The purpose of the TAC is to promote lasting peace, amity and cooperation among the peoples of the Parties to the Treaty, and to contribute to their strength, solidarity and closer relations.

The basic principles of TAC are mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and national identity of all states; the right of every state to exist free from external interference, subversion or coercion; non-interference in each other's internal affairs; settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful means; renunciation of the threat or use of force; and effective cooperation with each other.

With the admission of Serbia, Panama and Kuwait, ASEAN has expanded its cooperation list in the Middle East, Europe and Central America. Serbia, Panama and Kuwait became the 52nd, 53rd and 54th countries to sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, respectively.

Saudi Arabia had earlier signed the treaty during the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-56) in July. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno said the growing number of signatories to the treaty reflects the partners' interest in ASEAN and is advantageous to promote stability in the region and beyond.

“In the current context of global competition and conflict, we must further strengthen the values ​​of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia to strengthen trust.

ASEAN and its partners need to increase dialogue and enhance cooperation to address common challenges, such as the climate crisis and transnational organized crime, while promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and between ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). (Photo: Anh Son)

Within the framework of the conference, ASEAN also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Pacific Island Forum (PIF).

At the signing ceremony, the countries affirmed that ASEAN and countries in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific face similar challenges and opportunities. Therefore, ASEAN and countries in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific must cooperate to maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

The Indo-Pacific should not become a venue for great power competition or conflicts originating elsewhere. This will only be possible when all parties uphold common values ​​and principles, namely a model of cooperation rather than competition, a mentality of mutual benefit.

ASEAN - The world's fastest growing economy with an increasing voice and position is demonstrating ASEAN's appeal and value to partners committed to working together to promote a peaceful and prosperous region with ASEAN-led mechanisms.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/asean-43-mo-rong-hiep-uoc-than-thien-va-hop-tac-o-dong-nam-a-tac-thuc-day-hoa-binh-on-dinh-va-thinh-vuong-o-khu-vuc-240886.html