FINLAND’S ACCESSION INTO TAC A BRIDGE LINKING SOUTHEAST ASIA AND EUROPE

By Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi and Nursyabiha Sukri

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Finland’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) represents more than a diplomatic formality; it also serves as a bridge linking Southeast Asia and Europe through shared ideals, mutual trust, and a common vision for a rules-based international order.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Finland’s entry into the TAC underscores ASEAN’s openness to strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations that share its aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity.

“Finland brings to the partnership a wealth of experience, shaped by its history, strong institutions, and global reputation for innovation, sustainability, and resilience,” he said during the signing ceremony of Finland’s Instrument of Accession to TAC here today.

He said the new partnership opens up vast opportunities for collaboration between ASEAN and Finland, particularly in key areas such as digital transformation, sustainable development, maritime cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

“Such collaboration will not only enrich our partnership but also extend ASEAN’s community-building efforts beyond Southeast Asia, linking our aspirations with those of Europe and the wider world,” he added.

Mohamad reaffirmed that Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN, strongly supports Finland’s accession and reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to ensuring that the TAC remains the foundation for constructive dialogue and regional peace.

He added that Malaysia and all ASEAN member states warmly welcome Finland into the TAC family in the enduring spirit of goodwill, inclusivity, mutual respect, and lasting friendship.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister of Finland Elina Valtonen said Helsinki’s accession to the ASEAN treaty reflects the country’s broader aspiration to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia.

She said that by joining TAC, Finland reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of peaceful cooperation, mutual respect, and the sovereign equality of nations, values that lie at the heart of both ASEAN and Finland’s foreign policy.

“This moment marks a significant milestone in Finland’s relationship with ASEAN and its member states,” she said in her remark at the signing ceremony.

Valtonen also commended Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, hospitality and leadership, marked by vision, pragmatism, and a steadfast dedication to inclusivity and sustainability, which resonate strongly with Finland’s own priorities.

“In this time of geopolitical uncertainty, what we need is the promotion of dialogue, trust building, the peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for sovereign equality.  Finland is proud to join this community of nations that believe in diplomacy over discourse and cooperation over confrontation,” she said.

She said Finland sees immense potential in cooperation with ASEAN across several areas of mutual benefit, including the circular economy, the blue economy, digital transformation and education.

“We look forward to contributing constructively to ASEAN’s vision for a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region. Let this signing be not only a symbol of friendship but also a true foundation for future cooperation and partnership,” she added.

Earlier today, Finland officially joined the TAC, making it the third country to join the ASEAN treaty during Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 and bringing the total number of states that signed the ASEAN treaty to 58, after Algeria and Uruguay in July, further reinforcing the bloc’s role as a bridge of cooperation between regions and continents.

Finland, represented by Valtonen, formalised the country’s commitment on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here on Saturday.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad witnessed the signing ceremony. Also in attendance were the foreign ministers of ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, as well as ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

-- BERNAMA