KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- The Signing Ceremony of the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) was held today from 4.30pm to 5pm. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan officiated the ceremony in the presence of ASEAN Foreign Ministers, the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste as observer, and Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.
The Ceremony marked a historic milestone with the formal accession of the the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria and Oriental Republic of Uruguay to the TAC. Algeria was represented by Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs Ahmed Attaf and Uruguay was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mario Lubetkin.
In his remarks, the Foreign Minister welcomed Algeria and Uruguay into the TAC framework, as the accession reflect the significance of ASEAN’s as a platform for peace, mutual respect, and constructive international cooperation. He noted that their participation reaffirmed the TAC’s foundational principles, sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful dispute resolution, and the renunciation of force as shared values across regions.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the significance of ASEAN’s growing network of partners, including with Latin America and Africa, and expressed confidence that Algeria and Uruguay’s inclusion would help deepen cooperation in all areas such as multilateralism and economic resilience. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment as ASEAN Chair to an outward-looking, inclusive and principled regional order grounded in the TAC.
The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, which was signed in Bali in 1976, remains a cornerstone of ASEAN’s diplomatic architecture. Initially intended for Southeast Asian nations, it has since expanded to include external partners. With the accession of Algeria and Uruguay, the number of High Contracting Parties now stands at 57, underlining the TAC’s global relevance as a legally binding code of inter-state conduct and a central pillar of ASEAN’s role in promoting regional peace and stability. Media Resources For pictures of the Signing Ceremony of the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), please contact the International Media Centre Help Desk.
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For pictures of the Signing Ceremony of the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), please contact the International Media Centre Help Desk.
SOURCE: Communication & Public Diplomacy Division,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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