The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have expressed concern over international and regional instability. This was stated in their joint statement issued Thursday at the 55th meeting of the regional bloc's foreign ministers in Phnom Penh.
"ASEAN is concerned about international and regional instability, especially recent developments in the area adjacent to the region, which could destabilize it and eventually lead to serious confrontation and open conflicts with unpredictable consequences among major powers," the document reads.
The statement notes that ASEAN member states have consistently supported a "one-China" policy. "ASEAN calls on all parties for maximum restraint, and to refrain from provocative actions and respect the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia," the statement stresses.
For its part, ASEAN "stands ready to play a constructive role in promoting peaceful dialogue between all parties, including through the use of ASEAN-led mechanisms to de-escalate tensions and ensure peace, security and development in the region."
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations was founded in 1967 and today unites 10 countries - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: AFP
Based on materials from TASS