Her Excellency Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz, Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for Political-Security Community,
Excellencies and Representatives of the High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia,
Dear Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalamu’alaikum and Good Morning.
On behalf of Malaysia as Chair of ASEAN in 2025, allow me to begin by extending a warm welcome to Your Excellencies and colleagues to the Second Conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. The theme of our conference this morning – “The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation: Past, Present and Future Challenges and Opportunities” reflects the Treaty’s continued importance, through honouring its past, highlighting its relevance in addressing today’s challenges and the utility in advancing its continued role as a credible model of inter-state relations. The fundamental principles of the TAC are also closely aligned with Malaysia’s theme of its ASEAN Chairmanship of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, as these values reflect the TAC’s core essence, one in which diverse actors join on an equal footing to ensure peace as a continuous, resilient and lasting dividend.
The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation continues to serve as ASEAN’s cornerstone for peace and stability, taking into account the Treaty’s evolution in contributing and promoting to global peace and security. Since 1976, the TAC has served as ASEAN’s anchor for peace and prosperity, built on trust, dialogue, restraint and respect for sovereignty. Since its inception, the Treaty has contributed to guiding the region away from conflict towards the promotion of cooperation and development.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Following on the heels of the First TAC Conference in 2024, the convening of this second Conference is indeed timely amidst ongoing and increasing geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. In the face of worrisome international conditions with their deep implications, it is imperative that the High Contracting Parties to the TAC collectively reaffirm the principles espoused by the Treaty. This conference is also an opportunity for us to exchange views on how we can further contribute to strengthening peace and security in the region as well as the community-building efforts of ASEAN.
The increasing number of High Contracting Parties to the Treaty highlights the growing profile of ASEAN regionally and internationally as a region that is committed to upholding peace. Currently, there are fifty-seven (57) High Contracting Parties to the TAC and there is an expectation that this figure would continue to increase in the coming years. This growing trend of countries acceding to the TAC underscores the universal nature of the fundamental principles of the Treaty. It reflects the significance ascribed to them as principles that are necessary to govern peaceful relations among States and thereby advance global peace and stability.
This forum provides us with an important opportunity to exchange views on how the Treaty can further serve as a basis to promote greater cooperation between ASEAN and its external partners under the three pillars of cooperation. We are keen to hear the views of non-ASEAN High Contracting Parties on how the Treaty can be utilised to further enhance our cooperation. This sharing of ideas and proposals will contribute to enhancing our community-building efforts and engagement with our partners in the common interest of the region and international community.
As the TAC grows in significance and importance, it is imperative that all HCPs strengthen the TAC’s practical implementation for current and future challenges. I hope that in our discussions today we can address how the TAC can be implemented in ways that respond to contemporary realities, support confidence-building and promote conflict prevention.
Another important facet of this Conference to is look ahead. The High Contracting Parties (HCPs) will have the opportunity to exchange views on how to mark the Treaty’s 50th Anniversary in 2026, both as a celebration and as a means to invigorate our common efforts to shape its future with a fresh vision and renewed purpose. We hope that all HCPs could use today’s discussion to shape our approach to the anniversary, to reaffirm the Treaty’s role in promoting peace and stability, and addressing both traditional and emerging regional challenges. I look forward to robust discussions during both the morning’s plenary session and the afternoon’s panel discussion.
Thank you.
