Saudi Arabia Signs TAC, Foreign Minister Retno: A Reflection of Strong Commitment to Comply with ASEAN Values ​​and Principles

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during the ASEAN Foreign Minister's meeting in Jakarta. (International Ministry/Infomed/Abi)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi appreciated Saudi Arabia's move to sign the instrument for accession to the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (TAC) by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the sidelines of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Jakarta.

Foreign Minister Retno said, with the accession signed by Prince Faisal, Saudi Arabia became the 51st country to sign the TAC.

"This reflects Saudi Arabia's strong commitment to comply with ASEAN values ​​and principles, as stated in the TAC," said Foreign Minister Retno in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wednesday 12 July.

"Commitment to work together and collaborate, commitment to consistently uphold international law, commitment to contribute to peace and stability in Southeast Asia and its surroundings," said Foreign Minister Retno.

According to Foreign Minister Retno, these values ​​and principles are becoming increasingly important, amidst the current geopolitical dynamics.

"We welcome Saudi Arabia into the ASEAN Family. Together, we must be a positive force for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region," said Foreign Minister Retno.

"We look forward to the ASEAN-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit in Saudi Arabia in October this year," she stressed.

Drafted by the founders of ASEAN in 1976, the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (TAC) aims to create political stability and security in Southeast Asia, including the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region.

"We are discussing the country's accession to the TAC which we hope is not only on paper, but actually implemented," said Foreign Minister Retno yesterday.

It is known, apart from signing the accession by Saudi Arabia, ASEAN also approved the accession of Serbia, and studied Algeria's request. Indonesia is also seeking the accession of Panama, Spain, and Mexico at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in September.