ASEAN member states reaffirm peaceful course as organization celebrates 50th anniversary

MOSCOW, August 8. /TASS/. Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reaffirmed their course towards peace and peaceful resolutions of all disputes in line with the international law as well as the fight against terrorism. "We reaffirm our commitment to the maintenance and promotion of peace, security, and stability, including the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law," ASEAN member states said in a statement dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the organization. "We will comprehensively address cross-sectoral concerns, including non-traditional security issues and transnational challenges, such as illicit drug trafficking, trafficking-in-persons, terrorism, and violent extremism; as well as other transboundary challenges such as disaster management, emerging infectious diseases and maritime-related issues," according to the statement. "We will further strengthen our efforts to address key regional and global challenges in collaboration with the international community," the statement said. ASEAN comprises Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar with a total population of over 600 million people. The Association aims to develop cooperation in the economic, social, cultural and other spheres, and also strengthen peace and stability in Southeast Asia. The gross domestic product of ASEAN member-states stood at about $3.5 trillion as of May and is expected to reach $4 trillion by 2020. ASEAN is becoming an increasingly attractive area for foreign investments, which grew by 16% in 2014 to over $136 billion. Read more