Attaf Expresses Deep Gratitude to ASEAN Member States for Supporting Algeria’s Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation

Speaking on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Attaf underscored the political and symbolic importance of Algeria’s entry into this foundational treaty. The signing ceremony formalized Algeria’s place among a growing circle of countries committed to the ASEAN principles of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect.

“We are deeply grateful to Malaysia, which currently holds the rotating presidency of ASEAN, and to all Asian countries that supported our request for accession,” said Attaf.

The Algerian top diplomat outlined three core motivations behind Algeria’s accession to the TAC. Firstly, Algeria’s desire to deepen and diversify its bilateral partnerships with Asian nations.

“By joining this Treaty, we are adding a new dimension to our existing ties,” Attaf affirmed. “It will allow us to broaden, strengthen, and energize our relations with these friendly countries.”

He emphasized that this move represents a step forward in consolidating Algeria’s strategic presence in Asia and creating new avenues for political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

ASEAN: A Model of Regional Cooperation

Attaf highlighted the second motivation as Algeria’s admiration for the ASEAN model of integration, calling it “a solid and authentic example” of regional collaboration.

“We speak frankly when we say that ASEAN has succeeded in offering the world a blueprint for stable and effective cooperation. We wish, with humility, to learn from their experience to replicate such achievements in our respective regions,” he stated.

Algeria, he noted, is keen to apply some of ASEAN’s successful integration mechanisms to efforts in Africa and the Mediterranean basin.

The third and most pressing reason, according to Attaf, is Algeria’s commitment to supporting global peace and stability through legal and multilateral frameworks.

“We are going through a turbulent international period. Algeria is convinced that initiatives like ASEAN — based on international law, the UN Charter, and mutual respect — are essential to stabilizing the world order,” he explained.

He was careful to clarify that Algeria is not yet a full member of ASEAN, but participated in the 58th Ministerial Session specifically to sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, a move that formally establishes a relationship with the regional bloc.

Palestine and Regional Solidarity on the Agenda

On the diplomatic front, Attaf held a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from various ASEAN countries. He confirmed that the situation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, was central to these discussions.

“I can assure you that Palestine, Gaza, and other pressing regional issues were among my top priorities during my talks,” Attaf told reporters, reinforcing Algeria’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause on international platforms.

Algeria’s accession to the TAC is not merely symbolic—it reflects a strategic pivot towards Asia, guided by shared values of sovereignty, dialogue, and economic complementarity. It aligns with Algeria’s broader foreign policy objectives under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, including diversification of alliances, South-South cooperation, and greater engagement in multilateral diplomacy.