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.
Senior State Department Official (July 8): "Malaysia is ...an important ASEAN country. We wanted to touch base with ASEAN – an ASEAN country while we were on this trip. They also have a fairly advanced financial intelligence unit. In fact, the financial intelligence unit in Malaysia consults, offers technical advice within the region in Southeast Asia. They have extensive bank oversight capabilities." Full Text
Ambassador Marciel (Feb. 26): "We’re looking to the ASEAN region to be a partner on a whole host of issues. We want to work together on climate change, economics, trade, education, health, and sort of traditional diplomacy and security issues. Again in many of these areas, we already have existing programs and existing cooperation, but the Obama administration wants to do more [and] wants to strengthen those ties." -Full Text
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