The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continues to serve as a relevant and credible partner on the global stage, despite rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics, said Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur last week, Maris underscored ASEAN’s unity and steadfast commitment to peace and economic cooperation as the foundation of the bloc’s resilience.

“These are the elements that make ASEAN strong when we stand together,” he told Bernama.

He stressed that safeguarding regional peace and stability remains crucial for ASEAN to maintain its reputation among external partners as a zone of peace, stability, and prosperity.

The Thai foreign minister highlighted the importance of ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, the East Asia Summit, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) as cornerstones of regional security and diplomacy.

Established in 1976, the TAC serves as a legally binding framework for inter-state relations in the region and beyond. As of October 2024, 55 countries have acceded to the treaty, with more expressing interest.

“We are heading in the right direction. The idea of ‘ASEAN strong together’ will continue to build international confidence in ASEAN as a dependable and capable partner,” said Maris.

Founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok by Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, ASEAN was established as a neutral regional bloc in response to Cold War tensions. The organization has since expanded to include Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Timor-Leste is expected to become its 11th member by the end of 2025.

Today, ASEAN represents a population of nearly 700 million and a combined GDP of around US$4 trillion, positioning the bloc to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030.

Maris noted that ASEAN has evolved to address the challenges of each era, demonstrating its adaptability and continued relevance as a platform for strategic dialogue and cooperation among global powers.

He also highlighted the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN Community Vision 2045 during the summit, calling it a clear expression of ASEAN’s long-term commitment to building a more integrated, prosperous, and resilient community.

The Vision 2045 framework is built on three key pillars: political-security, economic, and socio-cultural, reflecting ASEAN’s inclusive and holistic approach to regional development and integration.

Maris also praised Malaysia’s leadership as incoming ASEAN Chair in 2025 and commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his guidance.

“With his leadership, I am confident ASEAN is moving in the right direction,” he concluded.

Source: Bernama
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand