Algeria, Uruguay Join TAC, Boost Bilateral And Multilateral Engagement – Mohamad

By Nurul Hanis Izmir and Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- The accession of Algeria and Uruguay to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) provides a formal mechanism that allows both countries to engage more effectively with ASEAN, whether through multilateral or bilateral frameworks, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He added that the participation of the two countries from the continents of Africa and South America also reflects ASEAN’s openness and its standing as a trusted and respected regional bloc on the international stage.

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“We have long had bilateral relations with Algeria, and now we will begin bilateral ties with Uruguay,” he said.

He made the remarks to the media after attending the signing ceremony of the Instrument of Accession to TAC by both countries held here today.

Algeria was represented by its Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ahmed Attaf, while Uruguay was represented by its Foreign Minister, Mario Lubetkin.

“Alhamdulillah, this afternoon we successfully concluded the signing ceremony for the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between ASEAN and the two countries, Algeria and Uruguay.

“This is a treaty of friendship. We shake hands in commitment to making global peace our shared priority,” he said.

According to him, the TAC represents a form of friendship agreement that reflects the commitment of nations to work together to uphold global peace and stability.

Earlier in his speech at the ceremony, Mohamad said since its adoption in 1976, the TAC has stood as the foundation, for peaceful inter-state relations in Southeast Asia.

He said its timeless principles - respect for sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the renunciation of the threat or use of force - remain as crucial today as they were five decades ago.

“Now, not only is the TAC our anchor in an everchanging geopolitical landscape, but it also reflects ASEAN’s enduring commitment to the core values of peace, stability, and constructive engagement with partners across the globe.

“As Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing ASEAN’s outward-looking approach, and fostering partnerships built on trust, inclusivity, and mutual benefit,” he said.

With the accession of Algeria and Uruguay, the total number of countries that have signed the TAC continues to grow, further strengthening ASEAN’s role as a bridge for cooperation between regions and continents.

The participation of both countries brings the total number of parties to the ASEAN treaty to 57, up from the previous 55.

Representatives from both nations formalised their commitments on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings currently taking place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Wednesday.

-- BERNAMA