KUALA LUMPUR – Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), met with Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, on 25 October 2025 alongside the signing of Finland’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
During their bilateral discussion held on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, both officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership between Finland and the ASEAN Member States.
According to the Finnish Foreign Affairs Ministry, the meeting focused on broadening dialogue, economic cooperation, and regional‐global issues.
Finland’s formal entry into the TAC marks a notable enhancement of its engagement with Southeast Asia, bringing the total number of signatories to 58.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister highlighted this as a “bridge linking Southeast Asia and Europe” that underscores ASEAN’s openness to like-minded partners.
Elina Valtonen said that Finland’s accession “reaffirms our unwavering commitment to principles of peaceful cooperation, mutual respect and the sovereign equality of nations”.
She emphasised opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as circular economy, blue economy, digital transformation and education.
Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn praised Finland’s contribution to strengthening the regional architecture and expressed optimism that the enhanced partnership would bolster ASEAN’s efforts in peaceful cooperation and connectivity.
The meeting comes at a time when ASEAN is pursuing deeper engagement with external partners, aligning its economic and diplomatic agendas within an evolving global environment.
Finland’s accession to the TAC and the bilateral talks signal a mutual intent to expand collaboration beyond traditional realms and forge new frameworks of cooperation.
Looking ahead, both sides anticipate concrete follow-up initiatives. Possible areas of cooperation include human capital development, sustainable innovation and leveraging Finland’s experience in education and technology in support of ASEAN’s community-building goals.
The meeting and accession ceremony together reflect a strategic moment in Helsinki’s and ASEAN’s-shared commitment to multilateralism and partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News
