ASEAN Remains a Credible Partner on Global Stage

By Voon Miaw Ping
KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains a relevant and credible partner amid increasingly shifting global geopolitical and economic dynamics, said Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.
He emphasised that ASEAN's cohesiveness and commitment to peace and economic cooperation are key to its resilience.
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'These elements are what make ASEAN strong together,' he told Bernama in an interview on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits held in Malaysia's capital last week.
He said maintaining regional security and stability is vital for ASEAN to continue to be seen by its external partners as a region of peace and prosperity.
He highlighted several ASEAN-led mechanisms that have continued to be the cornerstone of the region's security and peace architecture, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, East Asia Summit, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
Established in 1976, the TAC is a legally binding code for interstate relations in the region and beyond.
As of October 2024, 55 countries are parties to the TAC while several others are also seeking to accede to the treaty.
'We are moving in the right direction. The concept of ASEAN strong together will inspire confidence in the global community that ASEAN is a worthy and credible partner,' said Maris.

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