France first European nation to sign ASEAN non-aggression pact

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dpa German Press Agency
Published: Friday December 8, 2006

Cebu, Philippines- France will become the first European country to sign the Association of South-East Asian Nation's (ASEAN) non-aggression treaty next week, officials said Friday. French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy will sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation on December 11 on the sidelines of the ASEAN aummit in Cebu, 585 kilometres south of Manila.

Through the treaty, France aims to develop its political dialogue and economic, cultural and scientific ties with the 10-member ASEAN, as well as establish a long-term partnership.

East Timor was also scheduled to sign the non-aggression pact to promote regional stability during the ASEAN summit, organizers said.

Accession to the treaty is also a requirement to joining the East Asian summit, which gathers ASEAN countries with Japan, China, South Korea, India, New Zealand and Australia.

ASEAN members are Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma).

Officials said the European Union, already a dialogue partner of the ASEAN, had also wanted to accede to the treaty but the pact must first be amended to allow accession of a non-state party.

© 2006 dpa German Press Agency