Conflict, security tackled at TAC meet

MANILA, Philippines — Conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy, maritime security and cooperation and addressing emerging threats and challenges were among the key issues highlighted in the first high-level conference among key parties to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) signed in 1976.

The Philippines, as chair of the ASEAN for this year, hosted the historic conference at the Philippine International Convention Center as part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of TAC.

In her keynote speech, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro welcomed the ascension of Sweden, Poland, Romania and Lithuania as “high-contracting parties” into ASEAN’s growing global community.

“Over the past five decades, peace transformed Southeast Asia from a region of turmoil into a global economic powerhouse, a vibrant market and an engine of innovation. Our journey proved one fundamental truth: economic prosperity does not happen by accident. It is made possible only under the indispensable conditions of peace,” Lazaro said.

She added that the TAC has become the guiding code of conduct of ASEAN in reaching and maintaining stability in the region, and in other regions.

“Today, that invitation is upheld by 62 high contracting parties representing nearly three quarters of humanity. When our leaders took the leap of faith, they recognized a truth that presses upon us today. No nation can prosper in isolation and true security can never be built behind closed doors,” Lazaro said.

She added that the spirit of “kapwa” or neighbor, while Filipino in origin, is not unique to the country but is a universal concept of peace that reaches every region of the world.

“We find this exact same core belief that human dignity is indivisible and a true peace rests on our ability to see ourselves in the other. This result teaches us one lesson. Neighborhood is not defined by geographic distance. It is defined by shared values and common aspirations. When you view one another through the lens of ‘kapwa,’ physical distance evaporates. We become true neighbors in a shared world,” Lazaro pointed out.

The ASEAN earlier adopted the Guidelines on the Modalities for Engagement of ASEAN with High Contracting Parties.

The guidelines establish a framework for enabling high-contracting parties to engage more deeply with ASEAN, particularly those without formal partnership arrangements.

‘Rule of law’

According to Lazaro, engagement with external partners in achieving peace requires “continuous labor, deliberate restraint, inclusive dialogue and an unyielding adherence to the rule of law.”

“It is precisely in times of global fracture that ASEAN’s unique convening power becomes essential. Today, that convening power is on full display here in Manila. ASEAN remains an open, inclusive and safe space, a trusted platform where nations, regardless of size or strategic alignment, can gather, speak candidly, cultivate trust and actively choose peace,” she said.

The ASEAN foreign ministers and dialogue partners concluded yesterday their five-day Manila conference.

While discussions focused on regional peace, security and economic resilience, Lazaro said the international community has to recognize the reality that it is facing one of its most uncertain periods in decades. — Kate Judson