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Synopsis

Ambassador Domingo stressed the influence that each of the ASEAN Directors-General had over the foreign policies of their respective countries. The closeness among the Directors-General, as well as among senior officials and at ministerial level, resulted in continuous harmony despite differences in national interests. The Ambassador described the consensual manner of decision-making in ASEAN, and the staunch support of this by member countries, which contributes to ASEAN strength. ASEAN's feat of maintaining harmony among member countries, and thereby maintaining peace and order in the region, is perhaps its most important achievement.
The most difficult time for ASEAN was in the wake of the Cambodian situation in 1979 when the member countries had initially differing positions. However, a consensus was reached based on Thailand's stance.
ASEAN has grown in terms of  ASEAN consciousness, and in new areas of cooperation beyond the member countries. Member countries have remained focused on their interests, most especially with regard to economic concerns, and worked together to confront common problems.
On the future of the ASEAN, Ambassador Domingo hopes that the countries will continue to dismantle trade barriers, build up a regional consciousness, and remember that bilateral irritants are best settled within the regional organization.