Sri Lanka has received its first ever opportunity to be presented at the 14th ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Regional Forum (ARF).

According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama this is a great honor to the island nation and Sri Lanka will accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia at the Forum.

He added that it will enhance peace, friendship and mutual cooperation in Southeast Asia. Other than that the treaty promotes the strengthening of the solidarity and close relationships within the region.

The Treaty is scheduled to be held in the Philippines from August 1 to 2, 2007. The 1987 Protocol to the Treaty provided for the accession of countries outside the ASEAN region.

Sri Lanka's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation as provided in the 1987 Protocol and its participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum would further strengthen this collective initiative.

The Foreign Ministry has taken the initiative to develop closer links with the ASEAN countries bilaterally to enhance cooperation to combat terrorism in particular to monitor and to suppress the financing of terrorist activities.

The Treaty will lead to the following benefits for the member countries:

Development and strengthening of the traditional, cultural and historical ties of friendship, good regional relations and cooperation among the peoples of the ASEAN countries;

Cooperation in the economic, social, technical, scientific and administrative fields as well as in the matter of common ideals and aspirations of international peace and stability in the region;

Prevention of disputes from arising and settlement of disputes through a regional process; and Cooperation in counter-terrorism.