Manila: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) key security dialogue platform has urged states to recognize the necessity for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. In an ASEAN chair's statement issued on Thursday, the Philippines highlighted the outcomes of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum meeting held on July 23, where a strong call was made for all nuclear weapon states to fulfill their obligations in advancing nuclear disarmament.
According to Philippines News Agency, the meeting emphasized the importance of nuclear weapon states adhering to Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The statement underscored that the complete elimination of nuclear weapons is the only way to ensure they are never used under any circumstances. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is a significant security mechanism in the region, bringing together member states from ASEAN, along with participants from Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United States, Bangladesh, North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Papua New Guinea.
During the meeting, ministers expressed concern over developments in the Korean Peninsula and emphasized the need for the resumption of peaceful dialogue among all concerned parties. The ASEAN chair expressed "grave concern" over North Korea's ongoing nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, describing them as violations of UN Security Council resolutions and threats to regional peace and stability.
The Philippines affirmed ASEAN's readiness to play a constructive role through ASEAN-led platforms like the ARF, aiming to foster a conducive atmosphere for dialogue among parties. Besides the Korean Peninsula, discussions also covered the South China Sea, Myanmar, and the situation in the Middle East.
The meeting concluded with a call for the full and effective participation of all ARF members in its activities, expressing confidence in ARF's continued role in promoting dialogue and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The commitment to strengthening ARF as an ASEAN-led platform for addressing regional and international security challenges was reaffirmed.
Additionally, the meeting saw the formal admission of the United Kingdom as the 28th participant of the ARF, recognizing its strong engagement with ASEAN as one of its eleven Dialogue Partners.
