KUALA LUMPUR: It is crucial for Asean to defend the foundation of Asean centrality to ensure the continued prosperity and well-being of the regional bloc, said Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that losing this crucial foundation would weaken Asean on the global stage.
Asean centrality refers to the concept that Asean serves as the leader and hub of regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
" It (Asean centrality) is our strength, characterized by mutual understanding among its members, unmatched by other blocs.
"We must safeguard this as best as we can.
"If the foundation of Asean centrality is threatened by any party, it will weaken Asean," he said in response to a question from Manndzri Nasib (PN-Tenggara) in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (July 24).
As Asean Chair, Mohamad stated that Malaysia is playing its role as the permanent shepherd for Asean Vision 2045 to further cultivate Asean centrality.
"That is why the theme of Asean 2025 is inclusivity and sustainability.
"We chose inclusivity as the lead for the theme to demonstrate the inclusivity of all Asean members as one big family," he added.
Due to this strength, many countries and regional blocs want to become dialogue partners with Asean.
Currently, there are 11 dialogue partners, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and China.
"Before becoming dialogue partners with Asean, countries must sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
"Uruguay and Algeria recently became dialogue partners with Asean after signing the treaty.
"The upcoming Asean Summit this October will see Italy, Sweden, and Lithuania signing the treaty," he added.
Currently, 57 nations have signed the TAC, which was drafted in 1976 to ensure that the Asean region remains conflict-free and neutral.
