About Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):
- It is an intergovernmental organization of ten Southeast Asian countries.
- It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
- It aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its ten members.
- Members:
- Founding members of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
- Brunei joined in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999.
- Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Fundamental principles of ASEAN are:
- Mutual respectfor the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations.
- The right of every state to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion, or coercion.
- Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another.
- Settlement of differences or disputes in a peaceful manner.
- Renunciation of the threat or use of force.
- Effective cooperation among themselves.
- The institutional mechanism of ASEAN includes:
- ASEAN Summit:It meets annually to discuss regional issues and set policy directions.
- ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC): It oversees the implementation of ASEAN agreements and decisions.
- ASEAN Secretariat:It supports and facilitates ASEAN's activities and initiatives.
- ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF):It is a platform for dialogue and cooperation on political and security issues among ASEAN member countries and their partners.
- Decision Making: It is done through consultation and consensus.
