Since its founding in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has cultivated a reputation for trust and dialogue that has made the region synonymous with peace, stability and dynamism.
The achievements of our 10 member states — soon to be 11 with East Timor’s expected admission later in 2025 — are rooted in a culture of consensus, open communication and solidarity. This tradition of cooperation has enabled ASEAN to manage tensions, prevent conflict and nurture prosperity across one of the world’s most diverse regions.
ASEAN’s spirit of solidarity was tested recently when Malaysia, the group’s current chair, convened the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand amid violent clashes along their border. Through careful listening, principled mediation and the constructive involvement of both the United States and China, the parties secured an immediate ceasefire. The episode reaffirmed not only the enduring value of dialogue and mutual respect but also the confidence that ASEAN’s citizens place in the association as a custodian of peace and stability.
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