Phnom penh: Cambodian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Prak Sokhonn stated that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains an indispensable platform for regional peace and stability, guided by its Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). According to Nam News Network, for nearly six decades, ASEAN has transformed Southeast Asia from a region marked by division and uncertainty into one increasingly defined by dialogue, cooperation, and shared prosperity. This was highlighted in Sokhonn's official message marking ASEAN's 59th anniversary. Sokhonn pointed out that the region currently faces a volatile global climate, with resurging armed conflicts, intensifying geopolitical tensions, and mounting strain on international law and multilateralism. He emphasized that in this uncertain environment, ASEAN cannot afford to be passive. The organization must not merely respond to change, but help shape it, stressing that ASEAN's unity and centrality are critical to na vigating modern geopolitical challenges. The Cambodian minister, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, expressed pride in Cambodia's contributions to the region since its accession to the bloc in 1999. He reiterated Cambodia's firm commitment to strengthening ASEAN's unity, resilience, and global relevance while strictly upholding the ASEAN Charter and the TAC in both principle and practice. Founded on August 8, 1967, ASEAN currently comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.