On 5 August 2017, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, attended the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (50th AMM) in Manila, Philippines. 

 

The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN unity and centrality amidst rising regional and global uncertainties in the changing geopolitical circumstances. The meeting reiterated the need for ASEAN to look outward and actively engage with external parties, based on the principles of international law. To strengthen ASEAN’s credibility, ASEAN must respect each other’s sovereignty, must uphold non-interference, and speak in a unified voice on matters of common concern.

 

As this year marks ASEAN’s 50th anniversary, the Foreign Ministers looked back on the successes of ASEAN since its founding in 1967 in Bangkok, amidst global uncertainties in the context of the Cold War. Today, ASEAN is home to 630 million people, enjoying peace and security as well as economic growth. To ensure a people-centred community, the Foreign Ministers called for the implementation of key ASEAN documents, including the Initiative on ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan III and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, in order to narrow the development gaps between ASEAN Member States and enhance connectivity.

 

The meeting issued an ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ statement on the developments in the Korean Peninsula, expressing their grave concerns over the escalation of tensions in the region including the testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles by North Korea, which threaten peace, security and stability in the region and the world. The Foreign Ministers urged North Korea to comply fully with its obligations under all relevant U.N. Security Council Resolutions.

 

During the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, who was invited to the 50th AMM as the guest of the Chair. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also met with H.E. Mr. Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, as Chairman of ASEAN and host of this important meeting.