Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

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.