ASEAN reaffirms unity and centrality as key to regional peace and prosperity

by FARAH SOLHI

ASEAN member countries have reaffirmed their stance of practising unity and centrality as the key to regional peace, stability and prosperity

After the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit on May 27, the association collectively stated that it remained committed to being a reliable economic partner to all, that will continue to advance its regional economic integration while strengthening and expanding its existing economic partnerships.

Apart from this, the association members will continue to seek opportunities for economic cooperation with new partners that are anchored in mutual respect, shared values and a common goal of peace and prosperity.

“We stand ready to work constructively with all partners to advance and support a resilient, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system for the benefit of our people and economies.

“We stress our strongest resolve to stand together, as ASEAN, in safeguarding the region’s economic stability, resilience and long-term growth trajectory,” they said in a joint statement.

They also emphasised that unilateral and retaliatory trade actions are counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation, especially when these actions create indirect impacts on ASEAN.

The members have instructed their respective officials to monitor the potential risk of trade diversion and to engage with partners through established platforms to seek constructive solutions, while remaining committed to a peaceful and constructive resolution through consultative dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to international law.

These are in line with the fundamental principles under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia.

“To this end, we reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment towards regional unity, economic stability and practical cooperation in navigating external challenges,” they said in the statement.

ASEAN is also committed to maintaining an open and secure trade flow, as well as working with partners to strengthen supply chains resilience and promote sustainable development, in recognising that business certainties and resilient supply chains are crucial for global economic stability and recovery.

The member countries also adopted several shared commitments to strengthen ASEAN’s resilience by deepening intra-regional trade and investment, including by accelerating priority initiatives such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and the upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

They expressed confidence that these efforts will reinforce regional integration, boost business certainty and competitiveness, and ensure ASEAN remains cohesive, agile and responsive to emerging challenges.

“We affirm shared resolve to leverage, modernise and upgrade ASEAN Plus One Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) in mitigating the risk of global trade uncertainties and supply chain disruptions, while ensuring they remain modern, comprehensive, inclusive, whilst, in parallel, strengthen and boost intra-ASEAN trade and investment, and responsive to 21st-century economic realities.”

ASEAN is also committed to intensify its economic engagements by deepening cooperation with external partners and expanding engagement with new and emerging partners, including region-to-region linkages such as with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

“Together, these efforts will reinforce ASEAN’s resilience, expand and enhance economic opportunities, and secure its position as a dynamic and forward-looking hub of global trade and investment,” the member countries added.

ASEAN will also enhance its internal coordination, making full use of existing cross-sectoral mechanisms and the newly established ASEAN Geoeconomic Task Force.

To this end, the association had tasked relevant ministers to monitor the current global economic challenges and to coordinate as appropriate for a strategic and coherent ASEAN response.

It has also avowed to undertake timely and targeted domestic measures to mitigate the impact of high tariffs, including safeguards to support the region’s industries and workers more broadly, especially those who are vulnerable to trade disruptions.

“At the same time, we will work collectively to ensure that ASEAN is well prepared to embrace future, transformative change that drives innovation, foster resilience and enhance regional competitiveness.

“In doing so, we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind in our journey towards a more inclusive, sustainable and digitally empowered ASEAN.”

ASEAN, which stands for the Association of South-East Asian Nations, also reiterated resolute pledge to upholding the multilateral trading system, as it underscores the importance of predictable, transparent, inclusive, free, fair, sustainable and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core.

The bloc is ready to engage constructively with WTO members to advance necessary reforms and ensure that the global trading system remains predictable, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and capable of addressing contemporary challenges.

“As the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 enters its final phase, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to delivering and advancing a bold and forward-looking ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

“We are determined to leverage the full benefit of our economic integration to reinforce regional resilience and act collectively in the face of external disruptions, including unilateral trade measures that threaten the integrity and stability of the global trading system.”

The member states also acknowledged the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as a vital instrument and primary framework that guides ASEAN’s engagement of all its partners with openness, inclusivity, transparency and resilience in accordance with international law.

The 46th ASEAN Summit took place on May 26 and 27 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) alongside the second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit.