The Indo-Pacific region has witnessed a significant boost to stability and prosperity with the UK and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) deepening their cooperation through a joint ministerial statement. Issued on 22 July 2026 in Manila, 'Advancing Together' reaffirms both parties' commitment to upholding international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and resolving disputes peacefully.
The statement marks the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership, established in 2021, and acknowledges substantial progress made over this period. Central to the joint declaration is a renewed commitment to an open, inclusive, transparent regional architecture, with ASEAN at its core, built on enduring values and norms enshrined in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The UK and ASEAN have pledged practical cooperation on key areas identified within the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) - a framework guiding ASEAN's engagement across the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. This strengthened partnership aims to promote peace, stability, and prosperity throughout this vital area, where global challenges require regional collaboration.
Complementing this enhanced cooperation is the adoption of a new ASEAN-UK Plan of Action (2027-2031), guiding future initiatives and fulfilling mutual commitments towards shared prosperity and security. The UK's National Security Strategy for 2025 shares fundamental principles with the AOIP, underlining its support for a rules-based regional order.
The statement welcomed the UK's increased engagement with ASEAN as a Dialogue Partner, including its application to join the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). This move demonstrates the UK's continued commitment to supporting ASEAN's Community-building visions and underscores its strategic interest in the region's long-term stability and economic growth through implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.