Mr. Chair,

Distinguished Delegates,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN aligns itself with the statement​ delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

1. ASEAN remains seriously concerned over threats to international peace and security by the possible weaponization of outer space or turning outer space into a domain for warfare and armed conflicts. We reaffirm the vital importance of preventing an arms race in outer space and call on the General Assembly to continue playing a leading role in ensuring the peaceful use of exploration of outer space.
2. ASEAN notes the importance of ongoing multilateral discussions on outer space, inter alia, within the framework of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on the Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space in all its Aspects (2024-2028), which will help ensure the meaningful participation of States in shaping the institutions and mechanisms that promote peace and stability in outer space. We reiterate that access to outer space is an inalienable right of all States and must be pursued solely for peaceful purposes and for the collective benefit of humanity.
3. ASEAN emphasizes that the OEWG is an important platform to foster common understanding on practical measures to reduce threats, and prevent an arms race in outer space, in order to maintain outer space as a peaceful, safe, stable and sustainable environment. The adoption of the final report by consensus at the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) established pursuant to the UN General Assembly resolution 77/250 on further practical measures for the prevention of an arms race in outer space, is proof that differences in positions on outer space among States are not intractable.
4. ASEAN calls upon all States to ensure that the use and exploration of outer space remain peaceful. In this regard, the General Assembly must play a vital role in fostering continued dialogue on current issues and challenges in this field. We reiterate the urgent need for the commencement of substantive negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament on a legally binding and multilaterally verifiable instrument, including the prohibition of the placement of weapons in outer space and the prohibition of the threat or use of force against outer space objects.
5. In conclusion, ASEAN believes that creating a peaceful and sustainable outer space requires a collective commitment. We reaffirm the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing the challenges of outer space security and underscore the need to strengthen international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

Thank you!