PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): Asean remains a relevant bloc with a key role in today’s geopolitical landscape.
This is evident as several countries, including major powers, express interest in forming partnerships and becoming dialogue partners with the regional bloc.
Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, stated that since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has maintained strong growth, promoting peace, stability, and fostering economic development opportunities.
"Asean is now recognised by the international community as a highly successful regional organisation," he said at a press conference on the Asean 2025 Chairmanship on Tuesday.
"This success has attracted many parties to collaborate with Asean," he added.
Currently, Asean has 11 dialogue partners, eight sectoral dialogue partners, and six development partners, according to Amran.
"We are aware that there are still countries expressing strong interest to become Asean dialogue, sectoral dialogue, or development partners," he said.
Amran noted that Asean also cooperates with eight dialogue partners under the East Asia Summit (EAS) and 17 partners through the Asean Regional Forum (ARF).
Additionally, an increasing number of countries are showing interest in signing the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia (TAC) with Asean.
"There are now 55 non-Asean countries party to the TAC, with applications from other nations currently under consideration," he stated.
The TAC, Amran explained, is a crucial instrument for contributing to regional stability and peace.
Economic experts believe the 10-member bloc is poised to become an "economic powerhouse" and the "world’s economic dark horse."
With a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$ 3.8 trillion in 2023 and a population of 677 million, Asean is now the world’s fifth-largest economy, after the United States, China, Japan, and Germany.
Meanwhile, Amran highlighted that the Asean 2025 Chairmanship will focus on the development of the Asean Community Vision 2045, with the 20-year declaration expected to be adopted this year.
The Asean Community Vision will provide a roadmap to accelerate sustainable development in the region, he added.
"Malaysia has played a crucial role in developing the Asean Community Vision 2045, and the process has been ongoing since 2022. It takes time due to the numerous aspects involved and the need for multiple meetings and consultations among Asean member states," he added.
Malaysia officially assumed the Asean Chairmanship on January 1 with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability."
This marks Malaysia's fifth time as Asean Chair, following its terms in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
Asean comprises 10 South-East Asian nations: Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. - Bernama
