ASEAN Designates Germany, Qatar as Sectoral Dialogue Partners

ASEAN foreign ministers have approved the granting of Sectoral Dialogue Partner status to Germany and Qatar, while also accepting Turkiye as the bloc’s 12th Dialogue Partner during the 59th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM). The Chair of the AMM, Philippine Foreign Minister Ma. Theresa Lazaro, stated that the decision reflects increased confidence from international partners in ASEAN and a desire for deeper engagement with the international community. “These developments demonstrate the continued trust of our partners in ASEAN. We also view this as a positive step towards realising the aspirations of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” Lazaro said. According to Lazaro, Germany was granted Sectoral Dialogue Partner status in recognition of its long-standing support for ASEAN and its commitment to strengthening the development of the ASEAN Community. Qatar was granted the same status due to its growing cooperation with ASEAN in areas such as diplomacy, development, humanitarian assistance, education, and connectivity, as well as its accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). During the plenary session, the foreign ministers also expressed full support for the 50th anniversary of the TAC on 24 July. On that occasion, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and Lithuania are scheduled to formally accede to the treaty. The meeting also saw the adoption of an ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on developments in the Middle East and the Guidelines for the ASEAN Mechanism of Engagement with Parties to the TAC. Lazaro noted that the statement on the Middle East was agreed upon following escalating conflict in the region, particularly between the United States and Iran. She added that the statement, proposed by the Philippines as ASEAN Chair, aims to strengthen the bloc’s common position in maintaining regional peace and stability. The engagement guidelines provide a new framework for practical cooperation between ASEAN and TAC signatory states, expected to support regional development, economic growth, and the strengthening of political, economic, and socio-cultural ties. The 59th AMM series will continue this week with meetings between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, the ASEAN Plus Three, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the East Asia Summit, and the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the TAC.