What is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and what are its key goals?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten member states in Southeast Asia. It was established on August 8, 1967, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok, Thailand. The member states include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The key goals of ASEAN are as follows:

1. Economic Integration: ASEAN aims to promote economic cooperation and integration among its member states. This includes the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, which seeks to create a single market and production base, facilitate the free flow of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor, and promote regional economic development.

2. Political and Security Cooperation: ASEAN seeks to enhance regional peace, stability, and security through dialogue, confidence-building measures, and cooperation among member states. It promotes the peaceful settlement of disputes and non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.

3. Socio-Cultural Cooperation: ASEAN aims to foster closer cultural, social, and people-to-people ties among member states. It promotes cooperation in various areas such as education, culture, health, youth, sports, and tourism to enhance mutual understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures within the region.

4. Environmental Sustainability: ASEAN recognizes the importance of sustainable development and environmental protection. It seeks to address regional environmental challenges, promote sustainable resource management, and enhance cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

5. Regional Integration and Connectivity: ASEAN aims to enhance regional integration and connectivity through various initiatives. This includes the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, which seeks to improve physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity within the region, facilitating trade, investment, and tourism.

Overall, ASEAN's key goals revolve around promoting regional cooperation, economic integration, political stability, cultural understanding, and sustainable development within Southeast Asia.