Algeria officially joined the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this Wednesday, with the unanimous support of all member states, thus marking a new phase in consolidating its principles in defense of peace and the rule of law.
With Algeria now among its members, the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation gains a country deeply committed to the principles of international law. Algeria consistently advocates for international peace and security, the protection of human rights, and tirelessly promotes international relations based on justice and equity.
This accession marks a new diplomatic milestone aimed at strengthening Algeria’s presence in major regional and international platforms.
Through this framework, Algeria will be able to coordinate with ASEAN countries to build a future rooted in peace and prosperity for all peoples, reflecting Algeria’s strong commitment to the application of international law and its longstanding relationships of friendship and cooperation with ASEAN member states.
It should be recalled that the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) was signed on 24 February 1976 by the ASEAN founding members during a summit in Indonesia, with the aim of consolidating principles of peace and stability in the region and reinforcing cooperation among members.
“This day marks a crucial milestone in Algeria’s relations with ASEAN,” declared the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, regarding Algeria’s official accession to the bloc, during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Algeria’s accession to the TAC highlights the growing interest in the principles promoted by ASEAN, far beyond its regional borders.
In this regard, Algeria, through its foreign minister, expressed admiration for ASEAN, stating that the organization “has brilliantly demonstrated, through its actions and concrete achievements, how regional cooperation can drive change, enhance stability, and bring well-being to all.”
Algeria also took the opportunity to point out the challenges facing the current international order, notably the deliberate violations of international law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, the marginalization of the role of the United Nations, and the “near-total paralysis” of the UN Security Council.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country holds the ASEAN presidency for 2025, welcomed Algeria’s accession to the Treaty on Tuesday, stressing Malaysia’s commitment to developing partnerships with Algeria on multiple levels.
On 13 June, the 46th ASEAN Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, welcomed Algeria’s accession to the Treaty and reaffirmed the importance of this instrument as a key code of conduct governing relations among Southeast Asian states, as well as a vector for peace and regional stability.
In the final declaration of the Summit, ASEAN member states reiterated their “commitment to uphold and promote the principles of the Treaty, while striving to expand its reach both within and beyond the region,” and welcomed “the growing interest expressed by non-regional countries that share the same values.”
It is worth noting that the 2nd Conference of High Contracting Parties to the TAC is scheduled for August at the ASEAN Secretariat headquarters in Jakarta (Indonesia), as part of preparations for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty.
APS