Cyprus, Slovakia, and Slovenia formally joined the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia during a signing ceremony in Manila on Saturday, November 14, reaffirming their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.

The instruments of accession were signed by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, Slovenian Foreign Minister and European Affairs Tone Kajzer, and Cypriot Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Evi Tsolaki.

The treaty, originally signed in Bali, Indonesia, in 1976, by five ASEAN founding members, which are the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, serves as a framework for maintaining peaceful relations among nations.

By joining the agreement, the three European countries committed to upholding its principles, including respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Their accession brings the total number of parties to the treaty to 65, marking another milestone in ASEAN's efforts to strengthen international partnerships and promote peace beyond Southeast Asia.

PHOTO: ASEAN 2026 PH