New partner: Valtonen speaking after the TAC signing ceremony. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Finland has deepened its ties with Asean by acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia (TAC).
Its accession brings the number of High Contracting Parties to the TAC to 58.
The ceremony was witnessed by Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who spoke on behalf of Malaysia as Asean Chair, said Finland’s accession was not merely a diplomatic formality but a bridge linking South-East Asia and Europe through shared ideals, mutual trust and a rules-based international order.
“It reflects Asean’s outward-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 yesterday.
Mohamad said since its inception in 1976, the TAC has been the bedrock of Asean’s approach to peaceful co-existence, guided by the principles of mutual respect, non-interference and the 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 Affairs Minister Elina Valtonen said the country 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.
When met by reporters after the ceremony, Valtonen said Finland is a trustworthy partner and will take its role as part of the TAC responsibly and seriously.
She said the country is truly honoured to be in this position, adding that Finland already has a strong footprint in the region, partnering with many countries and offering solutions in technological fields and more.
Among other areas of cooperation, she said, were tackling climate change, advancing the circular economy, and improving connectivity and networks.
“There’s so much we can do, especially in the education and human capital space, and that is certainly at the core of what Finland likes to offer and partner up with.
“We truly believe in human capital and the empowerment of each and every individual,” she added.
