ASEAN Regional Forum Reinforces Security Cooperation Amid Global Tensions
Chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the meeting underscored the ARF's role as the region's primary platform for constructive political-security dialogue, calling for deeper cooperation, preventive diplomacy and a renewed focus on ASEAN Centrality, in line with the chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
Ministers addressed a wide range of security concerns, including North Korea's missile provocations, maritime disputes in the South China Sea and ongoing violence in Myanmar.
The ARF also urged the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and emphasised the importance of peaceful dialogue and compliance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The meeting also highlighted growing threats from cybercrime, terrorism, climate change and transnational crime, calling for cross-sectoral coordination and enhanced capacity-building across ARF platforms. Maritime issues such as piracy and marine pollution were flagged as persistent concerns, with ministers welcoming ongoing cooperation under ASEAN-led frameworks.
On Myanmar, the ARF reiterated support for the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, called for an immediate cessation of violence and commended the efforts of the ASEAN Chair's Special Envoy in promoting inclusive dialogue.
Ministers also expressed alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising tensions in the Middle East, urging adherence to international law and renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Looking ahead, the ARF agreed to develop a new post-2025 Plan of Action aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and supported updating the ARF Vision Statement to ensure continued relevance in an evolving security landscape.
The meeting concluded with support for the Philippines as the next ARF Chair in 2026, and acknowledgment of the ASEAN Secretariat's work in fostering transparency through the Annual Security Outlook and inter-sessional initiatives. Related
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New Straits Times
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