ASEAN Approves Uzbekistan’s Entry into Treaty

Uzbekistan’s application to join the ASEAN Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation has been approved, according to Dunyo. The initiative was proposed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and follows nearly a year of preparatory work and negotiations. The decision was made during a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur under Malaysia’s chairmanship.

The Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation in Southeast Asia was originally signed on February 24, 1976 in Bali, Indonesia, and is recognised as a key framework setting out the principles of regional cooperation within ASEAN.

The ASEAN region currently consists of 11 countries with a combined population of around 700 mln.

Uzbekistan’s accession is expected to expand opportunities in the region, strengthening government-to-government cooperation, boosting trade and investment ties, and enhancing confidence among major foreign enterprises.

Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan is close to completing its negotiations with Russia over joining the World Trade Organization.