Singapore - Myanmar ratified the Association of South-East Asian Nation's landmark charter Tuesday and vowed to uphold and enhance its democratic ideals.

Myanmar, vilified for its dictatorial government and human rights abuses, became the seventh of the 10-member regional grouping to ratify the document, which was signed by the leaders in November last year.

"Myanmar's ratification of the charter demonstrates our strong commitment to embrace the common values and aspirations of the peoples of ASEAN," Foreign Minister Nyan Win said.

"It is my honest hope that with the growing momentum of ratification, our common goal and commitment to complete ratification of the charter by all-member states will be realized at the time of our leaders' summit in Bangkok" in December," he added.

While foreign ministers attending the 41st ASEAN Minister Meeting watched, Nyan Win handed over the document to ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan, to the applause of the observers.

"I'm sure the eighth, ninth and tenth members will complete the ratification journey," said Surin, referring to the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.

Surin said he expects the full ratification by December.

"The charter will help us building an ASEAN community we can all be proud of," he said.

The document, which will turn the 41-year-old regional grouping into a legal entity, was initially opposed by Myanmar's ruling junta because of its inclusion of human rights.

Several Philippine senators said they will oppose the ratification of the charter until the military junta, which has ruled the country since 1962, institute meaningful democratic reforms.

In opening the meeting, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said ASEAN has decided to press on with the charter's implementation without waiting for all 10 members to ratify it.

"The internal processes of member countries are different and some will be more difficult than others, Lee said.

Myanmar's ratification occurred a day after ASEAN ministers expressed their "deep disappointment" over the continued detention of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and undetermined numbers of political prisoners.

ASEAN includes Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (dpa)