Implement ASEAN ACT: Addressing Challenges Together

August 08, 2022

It is encouraging to note that ASEAN has formally established fifty-five ASEAN Committees in third countries and international organizations (ACTCs) in the national capitals and other key cities across the world in order to promote ASEAN’s interest and identity as well as to facilitate further strengthening ASEAN’s external relations.


ASEAN must be resilient, united and strong against the pressure and influence stemming from rising geo-political confrontations and economic competition among major powers to further promote an open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based regional architecture that is based upon ASEAN-led mechanisms.
Since her admittance to the association’s membership on 23 July 1997, Myanmar has proven to be a responsible, proactive and constructive member of ASEAN and a strong supporter of the ASEAN Community Building efforts.


While working closely with Cambodia as ASEAN Chair in 2022 and with all ASEAN Member States, Myanmar will continue to stand on the fundamental principles and norms enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) by promoting constructive cooperation with all ASEAN Member States and external partners including with our Dialogue Partners aiming to achieve our common goals for the benefit of all our peoples in the region.


Nowadays, ASEAN has become a successful model of regionalism in maintaining peace, security and stability and has evolved into an important regional organization in global affairs.
Moreover, the growing number of interested parties pursuing to engage with ASEAN and accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) demonstrates that ASEAN’s norms and values are increasingly embraced by the international community.


In realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and our regional integration commitments, it is essential for all ASEAN Member States to enhance ASEAN identity and raise ASEAN awareness while strengthening more inclusive human resource development, empowering women and youth as well as promoting people-to-people bonds across the region.


On this auspicious 55th anniversary of ASEAN, it is necessary to encourage all Myanmar citizens to actively join the government in realizing ASEAN’s aspirations and in contributing to the advancement of our community-building efforts that will promote peace, stability and prosperity in our region and beyond.


Now is the time for Myanmar citizens to keep abreast of other ASEAN member States in all arenas in modernizing the nation, especially enhancing the socio-economic status of the people who are from the basic strata of the country in line with this year’s ASEAN theme: ASEAN A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together.