Wednesday 09/07/2025

His Excellency Ahmed Attaf,
Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria 

His Excellency Mario Lubetkin,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay 

Excellencies ASEAN Colleagues, 
 
Secretary-General of ASEAN, 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Our gathering today marks an important new chapter, in the ties between ASEAN and two of our friends from across the globe.

On behalf of Malaysia, as Chair of ASEAN, it is my honour and privilege to warmly welcome, His Excellency Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria; and His Excellency Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, to the signing ceremony of the Instruments of Accession of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, or TAC.

The accession of Uruguay and Algeria to the TAC is a historic milestone. Since its adoption in 1976, the TAC has stood as the foundation, for peaceful inter-state relations in Southeast Asia.

Its timeless principles — respect for sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the renunciation of the threat or use of force — remain as crucial today as they were five decades ago.

Now, not only is the TAC our anchor in an everchanging geopolitical landscape, but it also reflects ASEAN’s enduring commitment to the core values of peace, stability, and constructive engagement with partners across the globe.

By acceding to the TAC, Algeria and Uruguay have signalled their firm commitment to these principles. They have committed to uphold the values needed to foster dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

We should bear in mind, that ASEAN’s partnerships have steadily expanded across continents, reinforcing its stature as a robust regional organisation, that actively engages with global partners.

Today, ASEAN fortifies its linkages with Latin America and North Africa, regions that share our aspiration for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

Algeria and Uruguay’s accessions to the TAC, will pave the way, for deeper cooperation and enhanced understanding, between ASEAN and both regions.

As Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing ASEAN’s outward-looking approach, and fostering partnerships built on trust, inclusivity, and mutual benefit.

In closing, I convey my sincere congratulations to Algeria and Uruguay, on this significant occasion. Malaysia looks forward to working closely with both countries under the TAC framework, in the spirit of friendship, respect, and peaceful coexistence. Thank you. 

--BERNAMA