The association of southeast asian nations was formed
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, by five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The formation of ASEAN was driven by a desire to promote regional cooperation and peace after a period of conflict and instability in Southeast Asia.
The founding members of ASEAN agreed to the following principles:
- Mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, political stability, and national identity of all member states;
- The right of every member state to lead its national life in freedom from external interference, subversion, or coercion;
- Non-interference in the internal affairs of other member states;
- Settlement of all disputes or differences peacefully through negotiation or other agreed-upon peaceful means;
- Active cooperation in all fields for the common good of the peoples of Southeast Asia;
- Assistance to each other in the form of mutual aid in meeting economic, social, and technical problems; and
- Joint action to accelerate the economic growth, social progress, and cultural development of Southeast Asia.
ASEAN has since expanded to include 10 member states: Brunei Darussalam (1984), Cambodia (1999), Laos (1997), Myanmar (1997), and Vietnam (1995). ASEAN has played a significant role in promoting regional cooperation and peace in Southeast Asia. The organization has helped to resolve conflicts between member states, promote economic development, and address common challenges such as climate change and terrorism.
Here are some of ASEAN’s achievements:
- The establishment of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), which has helped to boost trade and investment in the region;
- The creation of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), a platform for dialogue and cooperation on security issues;
- The development of the ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights;
- The establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015, which aims to create a single market and production base, a politically cohesive and integrated ASEAN, and a resilient and globally connected ASEAN.
ASEAN has also played a role in helping to promote regional peace and stability. The organization has helped to resolve conflicts between member states, such as the Cambodian Civil War and the Moro conflict in the Philippines. ASEAN has also played a role in promoting dialogue and cooperation on security issues, such as through the ARF.
ASEAN is a dynamic and evolving organization that is playing an increasingly important role in Southeast Asia. The organization is facing a number of challenges, such as economic inequality, climate change, and terrorism. However, ASEAN has a strong track record of cooperation and is well-positioned to address these challenges.