KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- Following the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Interface with AICHR Representatives earlier in the day, the Foreign Ministers reconvened for the second formal engagement of the 58th AMM calendar—the Meeting of the Commission of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty—held from 3.15pm to 4.15pm. The session was chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan and attended by the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member States and the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste as observer.

The SEANWFZ Treaty, also known as the Bangkok Treaty, signed on 15 December 1995, remains a cornerstone of ASEAN’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and nuclear disarmament. It prohibits the development, acquisition, or deployment of nuclear weapons within Southeast Asia, reinforcing ASEAN’s long-standing contribution to the global non-proliferation regime. The Commission convenes regularly to review implementation progress and engage in dialogue with nuclear weapon states on the Treaty’s Protocol.

In his opening remarks, the Foreign Minister observed that the global non-proliferation regime faces unprecedented strain due to protracted conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East. He noted growing scepticism surrounding the credibility of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and called on ASEAN to remain steadfast in upholding the principles of disarmament and non-proliferation in the face of intensifying global uncertainty.

During the meeting, the Commission took stock of progress made under the current Plan of Action (2023–2027) to implement the SEANWFZ Treaty. Ministers welcomed the steady momentum achieved and stressed the importance of maintaining this trajectory in pursuit of the Treaty’s core objectives.

The session also addressed operational matters related to the SEANWFZ Protocol, including efforts to deepen constructive engagement with nuclear weapon states. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying diplomatic outreach to facilitate progress on long-standing challenges.

In addition, Ministers reiterated their support for Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN’s security architecture and expressed their anticipation of its accession to the SEANWFZ Treaty later this year.

As a landmark instrument within ASEAN’s political-security community, the SEANWFZ Treaty remains central to ASEAN’s vision of a region defined by peace, freedom, and neutrality. Its enduring significance lies in the collective aspiration to maintain Southeast Asia as a nuclear-weapon-free zone, contributing to broader regional and global stability.

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SOURCE: Communication & Public Diplomacy Division
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