Manila: Paraguayan President Santiago Pe±a Palacios on Monday announced his country's intention to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), signaling its bid to deepen engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speaking during a joint press conference with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malaca±ang, Pe±a said Paraguay has formally conveyed its intention to the Philippines in its capacity as ASEAN chair.
According to Philippines News Agency, this decision by Paraguay underscores its determination to integrate into the regional dialogue and cooperation mechanism, aligning with principles of peace, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. President Pe±a emphasized that accession to the TAC is a strategic declaration positioning Paraguay as a committed actor to stability and multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific.
Pe±a's announcement took place during his official visit to Manila, marking a first for a Paraguayan leader. The TAC is a legally-binding document that promotes peaceful relations, non-interference, and dispute settlement among states in the region and partner countries. Nearly 60 parties, including major global powers such as the United States, China, Japan, France, Canada, the European Union, India, and Russia, have signed it. The treaty lays the foundation for peaceful coexistence, trust, and stability.
The Philippines, in its role as this year's ASEAN chair, will lead commemorative activities for the 50th anniversary of the TAC on July 24. Recently, the Philippines hosted the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu. President Marcos led discussions focusing on ensuring energy security, maintaining a stable food supply chain, and ensuring the safety of Southeast Asian nationals abroad.
These meetings in Cebu marked the first phase of the Philippines' ASEAN chairship for 2026, preceding the 49th ASEAN Summit scheduled for November in Metro Manila. During this summit, regional leaders and dialogue partners, including the US, China, and Japan, are expected to address broader geopolitical and economic challenges under the theme 'Navigating Our Future, Together.'
