Sweden has formally acceded to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), marking a new milestone in its engagement with Southeast Asia.
The accession was signed in Manila on 24 July by Sweden’s Minister for Defence, Pål Jonson, during an official visit to the Philippines. By joining the treaty, Sweden becomes a High Contracting Party to the TAC, reaffirming its support for ASEAN’s role in promoting regional stability and rules-based cooperation.
The signing took place as the Philippines serves as ASEAN Chair in 2026, ahead of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-EU dialogue relations next year.
“We look forward to further engaging with ASEAN and its member states across areas of common interest, including trade, security, defence, the green and digital transitions, science and technology. You can count on Sweden as your long-term partner,” Minister Jonson said.
During the visit, the minister also took part in the High-Level Conference marking the 50th anniversary of the treaty, where he joined discussions on maritime security and regional cooperation.
The visit also highlighted Sweden’s expanding defence relationship with the Philippines. Minister Jonson held talks with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and met representatives of the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, the National Security Council and other defence institutions.
Sweden sees the Indo-Pacific as an increasingly important region for global security and is strengthening its defence cooperation with partners that share its commitment to a free, open and rules-based international order.
Beyond defence, the visit also included the announcement of a new collaboration between Team Sweden and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Manila to support cancer care and accelerate the digital transformation of healthcare services.
