Manila, Feb. 24 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) marked the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), a landmark agreement among 58 states for peaceful interstate relations in the region.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, the 11 ASEAN foreign ministers called on all TAC parties to reaffirm their commitment to TAC's purposes and principles, and to "fulfill their obligations under the Treaty in its entirety."

"We also reiterate the importance of continuing to promote awareness, understanding and adherence to the underlying principles of the TAC among high contracting parties (HCPs)," it said.

The 11 ASEAN foreign ministers, for their part, affirmed the treaty's enduring relevance to the region, an...