Slovakia, Slovenia, And Cyprus Set To Accede To ASEAN Amity Treaty In Manila

MANILA, Nov 13 – Slovakia, Slovenia, and Cyprus are set to formally accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) on Saturday, November 14, 2026, ahead of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila.

Ministers from the three European nations will sign the instruments of accession during the ASEAN ministerial meeting at the Philippine International Convention Centre (PICC):

• Slovakia: Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár
• Slovenia: Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer
• Cyprus: Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Evi Tsolaki

Speaking after a bilateral meeting with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro in Pasay City on Thursday, November 12, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated that Bratislava aims to establish a stronger, more visible presence across Southeast Asia following its accession.

“Slovakia will be a part of the ASEAN TAC countries. It is a privilege for us, and we take it as an honour. We share common values, and one of the most important parts of our cooperation is to maintain a peace and rules-based order,” Blanár said, thanking the Philippines as 2026 ASEAN Chair for facilitating the accession.

Blanár characterized Slovakia’s expanding partnership with the regional bloc as a strategic priority, noting Southeast Asia’s status as a vital market for the European Union and home to some of the world’s fastest-growing emerging economies.

“As far as I know, EU countries are the most important trade partners of ASEAN countries after the stakeholders in this region and the US. So, this is really a strategic issue for Slovakia as a member of the European Union,” he added.

50th Anniversary of ASEAN’s Core Peace Pact

Established in February 1976 during the inaugural ASEAN Summit by the bloc’s five founding members—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—the TAC serves as Southeast Asia’s foundational peace and security code of conduct, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2026.

By acceding to the treaty, external partners affirm their commitment to ASEAN’s core principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes, and friendly regional cooperation.

Signing Ceremony, Signatories, and Treaty Significance

Key diplomatic participants, event logistics, and treaty principles include:

• Acceding European States: Slovakia, Slovenia, and Cyprus.
• Official Signatories (Saturday, Nov 14, 2026): Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer, and Cypriot Transport, Communications and Works Minister Evi Tsolaki.
• Venue & Occasion: ASEAN ministerial meeting at the Philippine International Convention Centre (PICC), ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit (Nov 15–17, 2026) hosted by 2026 ASEAN Chair the Philippines.
• Treaty Background: Signed in February 1976 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand; marks its 50th anniversary in 2026 as ASEAN’s primary framework for peaceful coexistence and a rules-based regional order.

–NMT