Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ambassador Hamad Al-Mashaan, emphasized the significance of preventive diplomacy as a fundamental element of Kuwait’s foreign policy during a meeting in Manila, Philippines, on July 25. The gathering marked the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and was held alongside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings.

Al-Mashaan highlighted Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to resolving disputes peacefully in line with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. He noted that the success of diplomacy should be gauged not only by its ability to resolve conflicts but also by its capacity to prevent crises from arising—a concept he described as the “quiet achievement” of preventive diplomacy. The deputy foreign minister stressed that this approach remains as vital today as when the treaty was originally established in 1976.

Expressing pride in Kuwait’s accession to the TAC, Al-Mashaan characterized the treaty as embodying shared principles of dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. He called for reinforcing the practical mechanisms of preventive diplomacy to strengthen conflict prevention efforts and avoid escalation of tensions. In his closing remarks, he underscored the importance of supporting mediation and dialogue initiatives to maintain sustainable peace and security both regionally and globally.

The event also saw the formal accession of four countries to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, and Romania signed their respective Instruments of Accession during a ceremony following the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila. Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro was present at the signing, marking an expansion of the treaty’s membership beyond the Southeast Asian region.

ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, first adopted in 1976, serves as a regional framework dedicated to promoting peace, cooperation, and stability among Southeast Asian nations through dialogue and diplomatic engagement. The recent accession of non-ASEAN countries reflects broader international interest in the treaty’s principles and mechanisms for preventive diplomacy.