MANILA — Member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed the ASEAN Extradition Treaty (AET) on November 14, 2025, at the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Philippines.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the treaty will strengthen efforts to combat cross-border crimes within the region.
The treaty establishes a uniform legal framework to enhance cooperation among ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
Officials said the AET represents the first region-wide extradition agreement among Southeast Asian nations and aims to promote the rule of law and justice across member-states.
The signing ceremony included the Secretary-General of ASEAN and other high-level delegates. The agreement outlines procedures for more effective extradition processes and underscores a cooperative approach to legal challenges involving transnational crime.
ASEAN, formed in 1967 to promote economic growth, cultural exchange, and political stability, views the treaty as a milestone in regional legal and law enforcement collaboration. Officials expect the treaty to improve the capacity of member-states to respond to cross-border criminal activities and to strengthen regional peace and stability.
