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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 51250, member: 636"] Global powers rushed to Malaysia as foreign ministers gathered for the massive ASEAN summit that wrapped up Friday. The diplomatic circus proved the Southeast Asian bloc commands serious respect on the world stage. Major nations keep begging to join the exclusive club through the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan boasted about how countries line up desperate for partnership deals. The regional powerhouse started with just five founding members but keeps growing stronger. Timor-Leste will become the 11th member when leaders meet again in October. The small nation has been jumping through procedural hoops to secure its spot at the big table. ASEAN bosses adopted special guidelines to fast-track the newcomer into their legal framework. Officials pushed Timor-Leste to sign the required documents as quickly as possible. The admission represents another victory for the expanding alliance. Cyprus, Italy and Sweden scored approval to join the peace treaty after months of lobbying. Belgium, Croatia and Lithuania must wait while bureaucrats review their applications. Algeria and Uruguay officially signed onto the agreement Wednesday during the summit festivities. The treaty attracts nations seeking regional stability and peaceful cooperation. A whopping 57 countries have already committed to the diplomatic pact. Mohamad held private talks with representatives from 15 different nations during the three-day extravaganza. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre hosted 21 separate meetings between ASEAN members and their international partners. Despite having a freeze on new dialogue partnerships, leaders hint they might make exceptions for valuable additions. [/QUOTE]

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