We warmly welcome the decision to launch Sectoral Dialogue Partnership (SDP) between Turkey and the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN), taken at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 5 August 2017 in Manila. It makes it very meaningful that the decision is taken during Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu’s visit to the Philippines to attend a series of events held within the ASEAN Meetings and in the year ASEAN is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

We would like to extend our congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN. We observe that in terms of its political and economic dimensions ASEAN has moved beyond the expectations and goals of the founding fathers, which came together on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok. We renew our faith that ASEAN’s success story will advance further in the next 50 years.

In line with its policy towards Asia-Pacific, Turkey has made great strides in strengthening institutional bonds with ASEAN, which developed into the indispensable political and economic platform in its 50 years. In this context, Turkey acceded the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2010.

The Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, which sets forth more concrete cooperation between ASEAN and third countries in various sectors, is a turning point in terms of the relations between Turkey and ASEAN.

Turkey regards ASEAN as an effective regional integration mechanism in its region. Turkey appreciates the role played by ASEAN to promote and preserve political stability, economic prosperity and social resilience in Southeast Asia region. Turkey supports ASEAN’s efforts to be a more cohesive, credible and relevant organization in regional and international matters in the coming years for the prosperity and well-being of its peoples. The Action Plan presented by Turkey in the framework of its SDP, has practical projects which can contribute to ASEAN’s endeavours in this direction.

Further developing the cooperation between Turkey and ASEAN is an important step for connecting the two ends of Asia. With a view to becoming a Dialogue Partner and as the new Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, Turkey will continue its efforts to enhance its bilateral relations with ASEAN countries and advance its institutional ties with ASEAN.