Finland has joined the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia (TAC), becoming the 58th High Contracting Party at a signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur witnessed by Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.
Speaking on behalf of Malaysia as Asean Chair, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Finland’s accession strengthens a rules-based international order and reflects Asean’s outward-looking partnership approach grounded in peaceful coexistence and non-interference.
Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen reaffirmed support for peaceful cooperation, dialogue, and respect for sovereign equality, calling the TAC a testament to Asean’s stabilising role and commitment to multilateralism.
Valtonen said Finland will engage the region across technology, climate action, circular economy, connectivity, and networks, with particular emphasis on education and human capital development.
