Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia join ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation

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The Republic of Cyprus, the Slovak Republic, and the Republic of Slovenia have formally joined ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) on Saturday, November 14, 2026.

Cyprus Minister Evanthia Tsolaki, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, and Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer signed and deposited their respective instruments of accession to the treaty ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit opening ceremony.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro likened the accession to the Filipino concept of “pakikiisa,” or solidarity, with the ASEAN bloc.

She underscored the importance of supporting the pact amid persistent tensions in parts of the region.

“Each accession is more than just an expression of support for the TAC and ASEAN. This is what we call in Tagalog, pakikiisa, a decision to join in a common undertaking of peace and commitment towards cooperation,” Lazaro said.

“This is particularly important to the current geopolitical environment we face today, where escalating tensions, strategic competition, rivalries, and protracted conflicts continue to challenge the foundations of global peace and stability,” she added.

Lazaro said the expansion of signatories to the treaty reaffirms the enduring relevance and indispensable role of the TAC in upholding regional and global peace through mutual respect, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference, and effective cooperation.

The TAC is ASEAN’s foundational peace and security treaty, setting out the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and cooperation among its high contracting parties.

Earlier this year, Poland also formally acceded to the pact as the regional bloc commemorates the 50th anniversary of the treaty's signing.

The three newly acceded countries noted that their entry into the treaty reflects a strong commitment to mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

Slovak Foreign Minister Blanár, who attended the official opening of the Slovak Embassy in the Philippines earlier this week, expressed optimism that Slovakia's accession to the TAC would foster stronger ties with ASEAN and bring greater benefits to the peoples of all member states.

“We are convinced that closer cooperation between Slovakia and ASEAN (22:50) will bring tangible benefits to our peoples and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region. Today, signature reflects that ambition,” Blanár said.

The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will be held from November 16 to 18 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. — BAP, GMA News