Algeria: Algeria and Uruguay have expressed strong appreciation towards Malaysia and ASEAN member states for supporting their accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), describing the move as a significant step towards enhanced multilateral cooperation and global stability.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ahmed Attaf, stated that the accession to TAC will inject new dynamism into Algeria’s already fruitful bilateral relations with ASEAN countries, while also allowing the country to learn from ASEAN’s successful model of regional cooperation and integration. Attaf emphasized the gratitude towards Malaysia and all ASEAN nations, acknowledging that joining TAC enables Algeria to broaden and strengthen its ties with friendly countries in the region. He highlighted the importance of such movements in stabilizing the world order based on the rule of law and mutual interests, principles that ASEAN embodies.

Attaf made these remarks to reporters following the signing ceremony of TAC, held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The ceremony was attended by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and other ASEAN foreign ministers, including from Timor-Leste, marking the bloc’s collective welcome of the new signatories.

Meanwhile, Uruguay’s Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin noted that his visit to Malaysia marked a historic moment as the first by a Uruguayan Foreign Minister, emphasizing the urgency for Latin America to recalibrate its engagement with ASEAN. Lubetkin expressed that the need for engagement is mutual and highlighted Uruguay’s commitment to upholding multilateralism, defending sovereignty, peace, and sustainable development, and addressing environmental and climate change issues.

Lubetkin also called for the Global South to unite efforts, knowledge, and resources to build a more equitable international order, starting with stronger south-south cooperation through ASEAN-led platforms. He stressed the necessity for regions like Asia and Africa to collaborate more effectively to address global challenges.