Preventing Conflict Escalation

摘要

Southeast Asia, which has seen wars, occupations and terrorism in its past, knows all too well the cost of conflict and why it should not be allowed to fester. The harmony and economic prosperity that the people of ASEAN have enjoyed did not come easily. We have laboured hard to achieve what we have today. It is the fruit of the sown seeds of constructive cooperation, of respect and mutual trust that has developed over time. Moreover, as the fulcrum of global economic growth, the need for peace and stability in our region is crucial not only for our countries, but the world as a whole. Also, Southeast Asia's strategic location as a crossroads of the world's commerce, ideas and civilisations means that conflicts from elsewhere can easily spread to our shores. Therefore, Southeast Asia has a real and crucial stake in the movement to prevent conflict throughout the globe. I sincerely believe that a strong ASEAN has been, and will always continue to be, a stabilising influence in the region.