Senior General urges ASEAN to tackle regional challenges internally, citing non-interference principle
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Phyo (NP News) - Aug 9
In a message commemorating the 58th ASEAN Anniversary, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stressed that the regional bloc must uphold the dignity and integrity of its collective will, operate without external interference, and address regional challenges in line with the ASEAN Charter’s principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.
He observed that, under the Charter, ASEAN’s true strength lies in unity and cooperation, with each member’s sovereignty respected regardless of political, cultural, or economic differences in engagement with dialogue partners.
Highlighting ASEAN’s remarkable achievements since its inception, the Senior General specifically noted the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015, which rests on three foundational pillars: the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community, and the Socio-Cultural Community.
He further underscored ASEAN’s pivotal role in fostering dialogue, enhancing security cooperation, and advancing regional integration through key platforms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). The Senior General characterized progress toward the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 as "encouraging".
Looking toward the future, the Senior General identified 2025 as a pivotal year for reviewing progress achieved, refining priorities, and developing comprehensive strategies to realize the “ASEAN Community Vision 2045.” He called upon ASEAN member states to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to unity, sustainable development, economic resilience, and regional peace, with the ultimate goal of transforming ASEAN by 2045 into a prosperous and globally respected community.