Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability. U.S. relations with ASEAN have been excellent since its inception. The ASEAN chairmanship rotates annually on an alphabetical basis.

The ASEAN Declaration in 1976, considered ASEAN's foundation document, formalized the principles of peace and cooperation to which ASEAN is dedicated. Brunei joined in 1984, shortly after its independence from the United Kingdom, and Vietnam joined ASEAN as its seventh member in 1995. Laos and Burma were admitted into full membership in July 1997 as ASEAN celebrated its 30th anniversary. Cambodia became ASEAN's tenth member in 1999.

The Association commands far greater influence on Asia-Pacific trade, political, and security issues than its members could achieve individually. ASEAN's success has been based largely on its use of consultation, consensus, and cooperation.

ASEAN took the first steps toward an ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) in 1993, when it agreed to eliminate most tariffs on manufactured goods between members over the following decade. Implementation of AFTA hit a snag, however, when Malaysia insisted on postponing tariff reduction for its automobile, the Proton.

Every year following the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, ASEAN holds its Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC). In 1994, ASEAN took the lead in establishing the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which now has 23 members and meets each year at the ministerial level just before the PMC.

Lead U.S. Delegation to ASEAN Meetings

Deputy Secretary Negroponte: "...we have had a very good day of meetings, particularly the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference consultations with the ASEAN countries. I had a very good meeting with the 10 Foreign Ministers and had an opportunity to emphasize the great importance that the United States attaches to our relationship with ASEAN -- a group of countries comprising 100 million people, the fourth largest market for the United States economically, and essentially an area of peace and tranquility, where all of the conflict situations between the countries of the region have been resolved and are part of history. " Deputy Secretary's Trip Page