More than the past five decades, ASEAN has successfully evolved into a rules-based and people-centred regional organization founded upon shared interests, regional stability, and mutual respect and trust.
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia (TAC), signed in 1976, and the ASEAN Charter, adopted in 2008, have reinforced the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and rules-based cooperation, thereby providing a solid foundation for ASEAN’s unity and continued development.
ASEAN has now entered a period of transition from the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The year 2026 marks a historic milestone, signifying the commencement of the implementation of the Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans. It is also a year in which important foundations are being laid for ASEAN’s long-term growth and development.
ASEAN has grown into a regional grouping with a population of more than 680 million people. Guided by the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, ASEAN has continued to promote regional peace, stability, and cooperation. ASEAN continues to face a range of challenges, including strategic competition among major powers, geopolitical tensions, transnational crimes, online scams, energy and food security concerns, and the impacts of climate change.
As ASEAN Member States face differing social, economic, and political challenges, their respective interests and policy priorities also vary. In this regard, any tendency to focus solely on addressing domestic issues within individual Member States could have significant implications for ASEAN’s centrality.
The newly elected Myanmar Government, through the free and fair multiparty democratic general election between December 2025 and January 2026, will continue to advance peace, stability, and national development. As an ASEAN Member State, Myanmar will continue to uphold and adhere to the fundamental principles of ASEAN and work closely together with its fellow ASEAN Member States in promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Myanmar joined ASEAN in 1997 and has now reached its 29th year of membership. Throughout this period, Myanmar has actively contributed to ASEAN through responsible, active, and constructive engagement. It has participated actively in ASEAN Community-building efforts, regional cooperation initiatives, and various ASEAN mechanisms. In addition, Myanmar continues to work closely with fellow ASEAN Member States in advancing the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Myanmar’s constructive cooperation has contributed to ASEAN’s unity, integrity and regional development, while ASEAN’s engagement with Myanmar should also bring about positive reflections for Myanmar.
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