Pasay City:Slovakia, Slovenia, and Cyprus are poised to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia just ahead of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit scheduled for Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the foreign and transportation ministers from these three countries will sign the peace pact during the ASEAN ministerial meeting held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

During a post-bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro in Pasay City on Thursday, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár expressed Slovakia's intention to become increasingly prominent in the region following its accession. Blanár emphasized Slovakia's commitment to sharing common values with ASEAN, particularly the maintenance of peace and a rules-based order, and extended gratitude to the Philippines for its support in the accession process as this year's ASEAN chair.

Blanár also highlighted the strategic nature of Slovakia's future partnership with ASEAN, citing the region's significance as an important EU market with rapidly growing economies. He noted that EU countries are vital trade partners for ASEAN nations, following only the region's internal stakeholders and the US.

The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, initially signed in February 1976 by ASEAN's five founding members—Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand—serves as the cornerstone for peace and security in the region. Accession to the treaty indicates a country's dedication to ASEAN's principles of peaceful coexistence and friendly cooperation among regional states.

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer, and Cyprus Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Evi Tsolaki are set to sign the instrument of accession on Saturday.