Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an organization of 10 Southeast Asian countries—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It promotes political, economic, cultural, and social cooperation among its members. Although ASEAN works for peace and stability in Southeast Asia, it is not a defense organization.
The members of ASEAN cooperate in such fields as population control, prevention of drug misuse, scientific research, and combating terrorism. Teachers, students, and artists of the member nations exchange visits. In addition, the organization develops plans to promote tourism in ASEAN countries and to encourage programs of Southeast Asian studies. It works to reduce trade barriers among the members.
The foreign ministers of the member countries meet annually to determine ASEAN policy and to consider projects recommended by ASEAN committees. These committees deal with subjects ranging from food and agriculture to the mass media. They consist of experts and officials from the member countries and are responsible for putting ASEAN projects into effect. ASEAN’s administrative body, the Central Secretariat, works to make sure that the policies of the organization are carried out. The secretariat is in Jakarta, Indonesia.
In 1994, the members of ASEAN established the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The ARF promotes cooperation and diplomacy on security matters throughout Southeast Asia. Participants in the ARF include the members of ASEAN plus China, Japan, the United States, and other major countries.
ASEAN was established in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. During the 1970’s, cooperation increased among the member nations. The ASEAN heads of government met in 1976 for the first time and made several important agreements. The member nations agreed to share basic products during shortages and to gradually remove trade restrictions. They also decided to build an industrial project in each country. The leaders established the organization’s Central Secretariat, as well as a council to settle disputes among the member nations.
Brunei became a member of ASEAN in 1984. Vietnam was admitted in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999.
See also Pacific Rim.
