Asean’s contribution

Kavi Chongkittavorn in his April 24 article, “Five priorities at the 32nd Asean summit” offers an adequate opportunity to remind people of the significance of having a permanent diplomatic priority on Asean’s agenda.

The United Nations General Assembly, which comprises 193 member states, adopted in 2017 by consensus a resolution which specifically recognised Asean’s role as a regional organisation that promotes multilateralism and regional peace, stability and prosperity, including through the regional architecture led by it, and emphasised the importance of the centrality and unity of Asean in further strengthening the regional security system.

The diplomatic value of this document is illustrated also by the fact that it was sponsored by the 10 Asean member states, on behalf of 645 million people, representing almost 9% of the world population, together with 57 UN member states, including Asean Dialogue Partners, members of the European Union and partners from Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean.

In many ways, Asean is a strong bastion of multilateralism and it helps to shape common answers to the global threats facing the world community of nations.

By continuing to promote and develop a robust, effective and results-oriented multilateralism, Asean brings a valuable contribution to a peaceful and fruitful global cooperation. IOAN VOICU