ASEAN foreign ministers express concern over international instability

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The heads of the foreign ministries of the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed concern about international and regional instability. This is stated in their joint statement, adopted at the 55th meeting of foreign ministers of the regional block taking place in Phnom Penh.

“ASEAN is concerned about international and regional instability, especially the latest developments in the area adjacent to the region, which could destabilize it and ultimately lead to serious confrontation and open conflicts with unpredictable consequences between the major powers,” reads the document.

The statement also notes that ASEAN member states have consistently supported the "one China" policy. “ASEAN calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from provocative actions and respect the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in Southeast Asia,” the foreign ministers stressed.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations was founded in 1967 and today unites 10 countries - Brunei, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.