ABOUT THE COMMITTEE:
 

On 8 th August, 1967 the foreign Ministers of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand concluded negotiations on the Bangkok Declaration and signed a document.

By virtue of that document, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was born. As set out in the ASEAN Declaration, the aims and purposes of ASEAN are:

(1) to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian nations, and

(2) to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries in the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.