Three more countries will accede to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) this year, according to the ASEAN chairman’s statement released this afternoon (Thursday).
Saudi Arabia, Spain and Panama will sign the TAC ahead of the 43rd ASEAN summit in September.
The treaty, which was enacted in 1976, has enjoyed broad support around the world, as its principles are based on non-violent, peaceful means of resolving conflict, and non-interference, among others.
For the past 47 years, TAC has promoted peace and stability in the region and has served as an important foundation for the development of an inclusive, rules-based, people-centred ASEAN Community. Furthermore, the treaty is at the core of ASEAN centrality.
There are currently 50 signatories from all four corners of the world, comprising a quarter of the UN members. Spain will become the 7th member of the EU to accede to the TAC after France, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece.
In 2016, during the ASEAN summit in Vientiane, Laos, the leaders agreed to explore a legally binding instrument, building upon the TAC for the wider region.
