ASEAN

C. A. Read the text carefully!
ASEAN

The Association of South East Asian Nations or ASEAN is a regional organization formed tby the goverment of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. It was formed through the ASEAN Declaration, or as it is a more commonly known “The Bangkok Declaration”. This was signed by the foreign Ministers of ASEAN countries 8th August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The aim of the organization is to have a close cooperation among the member countries on an equal basis. This would bring mutual benefits and stimulate solidarity which will promote peace, stability, and prosperity. ASEAN also aims at maintening external relations with similar aims. We have ASEAN-Australia economic cooperation, ASEAN- US economic cooperation, etc.
From the very beginning, ASEAN was set up as aregional organization for economic, social, and cultural cooperation. In addition to these general goals, ASEAN also aims at colaboration in the fields of agriculture, trade and industry, transportation, and communication.
Politically, ASEAN also aims at keeping Southeast Asia neutral, so that it remains a “Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality.” The Kuala Lumpur Declaration, signed on 27th November 1971, is the most significant document in the development of ASEAN. The ASEAN Secretariat office is located at Sisingamaharaja Street, Jakarta and its main task is to be responsibible for the effective implementation of ASEAN projects and activities. This office was set up in June 1976 based on the Agreement on The Establishesment of the ASEAN Secretariat signed at the Bali Summit Conference in February 1976.
Over the years, ASEAN has grown into a significant and constructive force in Southeast Asian politics. It is able to find local solutions to regional problems and to produce concrete results in dealing with matters ranging from trade difficulties to youth activities.

Answer these questions!
15. How many countries joined the ASEAN for the first time?
16. What is the purpose of setting up the organization?
17. What is meant by “external” in the text?
18. What office was set up in June 1976?
19. In which specific areas does ASEAN want close cooperation?
20. How old the ASEAN now?


D. State true or false ( T/F ) to the following statement!
21. (......) Indonesia is one of the founder of ASEAN
22. (......) ASEAN Declaration was signed in 1971
23. ( .....) ASEAN Declaration was declarated in ASEAN countries
24. (......) one of the aims of ASEAN is to set up military pact
25. (......) Bangkok Declaration was signed by five Foreign Minister
26. (......) ASEAN comprises five countries
27. (......) “The Kuala Lumpur Declaration” was signed four years after ASEAN organization was founded
28. (......) The aims of external relations is different from of internal one
29. (......) The Secretariat office of ASEAN is located in Indonesia
30. (......) one of the aims of ASEAN is to maintain close and beneficial cooperation with similar aim and purposes`