Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (right) and Finland 's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen attend the Signing Ceremony of the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) by the Republic of Finland on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. - BernamaPIC
KUALA LUMPUR: Finland has deepened its ties with Asean through its Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia.
The accession of Finland, witnessed by Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn, brings the number of High Contracting Parties to the TAC to 58.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who spoke on behalf of Malaysia as Asean Chair, said Finland’s accession is not just a diplomatic formality but a bridge that links Southeast Asia and Europe through shared ideals, mutual trust and a rule-based international order.
“It reflects Asean’s o
utward-looking spirit. One that welcomes partnerships with like-minded countries which share our aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity,” he said during his remarks at the signing ceremony here on Saturday (Oct 25).
Mohamad said since its inception in 1976 the TAC has been a bedrock of Asean’s approach to peaceful co-existence guided by the principles of mutual respect, non-interference and peaceful settlement of disputes.
He said almost five decades later, its principles remain as relevant as ever, adding that the TAC serves as a moral compass that guides the region towards diplomacy.
Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said Finland reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of peaceful cooperation, mutual respect and the sovereign equality of nations—values that lie at the heart of both Asean and Finland's foreign policy.
“The TAC is more than a treaty, it is a testament to Asean's role as a stabilising force in the region and as a champion of multilateralism. In this time of geopolitical uncertainty, what we need is the promotion of dialogue, trust building, the peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for sovereign equality. Finland is proud to join this community of nations that believe in diplomacy over discord and cooperation over confrontation,” she said.
Our accession to the TAC reflects Finland's broader aspiration to deepen our engagement with Southeast Asia. We see immense potential in collaboration in several areas of mutual benefit, including the circular economy, the blue economy, digital transformation and education,” she added.
Established in 1976, the TAC embodies universal principles of peaceful coexistence and friendly cooperation among states, which serves as a legally binding code for interstate relations within Southeast Asia and extends its influence beyond the region. Parties to the treaty include major global powers such as China, the United States, Russia, and the European Union.
