While delivering her opening remarks at Tuesday's plenary session, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized the importance of ASEAN's credibility.
"This means consistent implementation of the ASEAN Charter, including in decision-making processes in emergency situations," she explained.
Marsudi highlighted that with unity, ASEAN can address current challenges and anticipate and respond to future challenges.
She further stressed the need for ASEAN to navigate regional dynamics effectively.
"We need to send a clear message that ASEAN will never be a proxy in great powers' rivalry," she emphasized, adding that the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) must be respected by all member countries.
Additionally, the minister emphasized the importance of expanding inclusive engagement with other regions, including the Pacific Islands Forum and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
"Furthermore, we need to move beyond confidence-building measures and take bold steps to deter potential conflicts and actively promote peace through preventive diplomacy," the minister said.
After the session, Marsudi noted that an increasing number of countries have shown interest in signing the TAC.
She expressed hope that the accession to the TAC will not remain only on paper but will be implemented effectively.
The TAC, established in 1976, aims to create political stability and security in Southeast Asia by regulating the peaceful resolution of conflicts between countries.
During the plenary session, Serbia's application for TAC accession was approved, and ASEAN appointed its secretariat to review Algeria's application.
Editor: Anton Santoso
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