Türkiye marks ASEAN anniversary as dialogue partner

Türkiye on Saturday marked the 59th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with the Foreign Ministry expressing its commitment to deepening cooperation with the Southeast Asian bloc as its newest Dialogue Partner.

Anniversary message

The Foreign Ministry posted a statement on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal to commemorate the founding of the ten-member bloc. “As ASEAN’s newest Dialogue Partner, we will be pleased to continue working together to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” the ministry said. The statement underscored Ankara’s commitment to deepening ties with the regional grouping.

Manila meeting

Türkiye was formally accepted as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner during the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, in July. The designation marked Ankara’s formal entry into the bloc’s institutional framework and opened new avenues for cooperation in trade, security, and cultural exchange.

Bilateral engagement

Ankara has sought to expand its economic and political presence in Southeast Asia through strategic partnerships with individual member states. The July accreditation followed years of diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and increase high-level visits between Türkiye and the region’s capitals.