Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (center) exchanges documents with HE Ahmed Attaf (left) of Algeria and HE Mario Lubetkin (right) of Uruguay, during the TAC signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur
By PHUBIEYAS AHMAD
KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — Malaysia, as the current ASEAN Chair, made diplomatic history on Wednesday by officially welcoming Algeria and Uruguay into the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). This significant expansion marks a notable step in ASEAN’s global outreach and its unwavering commitment to principled peacebuilding.
During a formal signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan hailed the accession of both nations as a “historic milestone.” He emphasized that it symbolizes ASEAN’s growing reputation as a successful model of regional cooperation, built on mutual respect, non-interference, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Present at the ceremony were His Excellency Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria , and His Excellency Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Also in attendance were ASEAN Colleagues and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.
“Algeria and Uruguay have signaled their firm commitment to these principles. They have committed to uphold the values needed to foster dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, in an increasingly complex and interconnected world,” the Minister stated in his address.
The TAC, originally signed in 1976, is the bedrock of ASEAN’s diplomatic framework. It embodies enduring values such as respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the rejection of the use of force—principles that remain crucial in today’s volatile global landscape.
With Algeria and Uruguay now signatories, ASEAN is not only expanding its geographical connections but also reinforcing a rules-based approach to international relations. This approach resonates with countries far beyond Southeast Asia.
“Today, ASEAN fortifies its linkages with Latin America and North Africa, regions that share our aspiration for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development,” Mohamad added.
HE Ahmed Attaf (left), Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria , and HE Mario Lubetkin (right), Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay , sign the Instruments of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in Kuala Lumpur on July 9, 2025.
Malaysia, chairing ASEAN for the fifth time, is actively positioning the bloc as a bridge-builder between diverse regions and cultures. The accessions of Algeria and Uruguay clearly demonstrate the universal appeal of ASEAN’s values, offering common ground in an increasingly fragmented world.
The ceremony celebrated this pivotal moment and also hinted at broader ambitions: deeper cooperation in trade, development, and multilateral diplomacy between ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America.
“Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing ASEAN’s outward-looking approach, and fostering partnerships built on trust, inclusivity, and mutual benefit,” the Minister concluded.
As global uncertainties continue to rise, Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship consistently underscores the importance of diplomacy, peace, and multilateralism—not merely as lofty ideals, but as practical strategies for fostering regional and global resilience.
- TNS NEWS