El Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, Mario Lubetkin, participated on Wednesday (09.07.2025) in the 58th Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), where he signed the country's instrument of accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). The ceremony took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the host city of the meeting. Malaysia holds the Pro Tempore Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.
According to an official announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay, joining the TAC constitutes a strategic step in strengthening diplomatic ties with the ten member countries of ASEAN, a bloc that brings together more than 675 million inhabitants and represents a key player in the global economy. In 2024, the region's GDP growth was estimated at 4,5%, with a projection of 5% for 2025. ASEAN also accounts for 9% of global trade and 17,3% of international foreign direct investment.
"Uruguay, a country firmly committed to multilateralism, peace and the promotion of human rights, considers this accession a valuable opportunity to deepen ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and each of its member states.", stated Foreign Minister Lubetkin at the time of signing, before representatives of the participating countries.
And I add: "With its accession, Uruguay joins other countries in the Latin American region, and we trust that this rapprochement will contribute significantly to building bridges between both regions, and that, through joint efforts, we can move towards a future characterized by greater integration, enriching intercultural dialogue and shared sustainable development.".
The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia was established in 1976 and amended in 1987 to allow for the accession of non-regional states. The text enshrines fundamental principles such as respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the renunciation of the use of force.
The TAC has established itself as a privileged platform for connecting Southeast Asian countries with external partners, allowing Uruguay to deepen opportunities for bilateral cooperation with member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand (founding countries), Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and, recently, East Timor.
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