ASEAN has formally admitted Türkiye as its 12th Dialogue Partner while granting Germany and Qatar Sectoral Dialogue Partner status.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary and 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting chairperson Theresa Lazaro said the decisions reflected continued international confidence in ASEAN and supported the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Germany received the status in recognition of its longstanding support for ASEAN and readiness to contribute further to regional community-building.
Qatar was approved following growing cooperation with ASEAN in diplomacy, development, humanitarian assistance, education and connectivity, as well as its accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
“These developments demonstrate the continued confidence of our partners in ASEAN,” Lazaro said following the meeting’s plenary session.
ASEAN foreign ministers also backed commemorative activities marking the treaty’s 50th anniversary on July 24, when Poland, Romania, Sweden and Lithuania are expected to formally accede to it.
The ministers adopted a statement on the escalating situation in the Middle East, particularly tensions involving the US and Iran, reaffirming ASEAN’s position on regional peace and stability.
They also approved guidelines establishing a framework for practical cooperation between ASEAN and treaty partners across regional development, economic growth and political, economic and socio-cultural relations.
The 59th meeting continues this week with engagements involving ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Plus Three, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit.
