58th AMM: Malaysia Lays Groundwork Through Strategic Bilateral Meetings
The discussions centred on aligning agendas, finalising joint outcome documents and addressing logistical and protocol arrangements to ensure smooth proceedings. They also served to strengthen coordination among ASEAN member states on key regional issues ahead of ministerial-level deliberations.
Amran began his engagements with Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Kung Phoak, followed by Director General for ASEAN Cooperation at Indonesia's Foreign Ministry, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro.
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What sets this year apart is not just the breadth of the agenda but Malaysia's remarkable ability of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, to draw participation from over 35 countries - including key dialogue partners and regional stakeholders, some of which are among the world's leading powers. KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia prepares to host the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings beginning July 8, the capital city is already abuzz with diplomatic anticipation. In contrast to forums like the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which is smaller in scope and focused on global economic governance, the AMM brings together a broader mix of nations - within a structured platform grounded in consensus-building, regional stability and inclusive cooperation. While global platforms such as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) may attract more leaders on an annual basis, the AMM remains Southeast Asia's foremost multilateral diplomatic forum. 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Should Washington decide to reimpose steep reciprocal tariffs - especially targeting Chinese goods - the ripple effects could reignite trade tensions and threaten regional export-reliant economies including Malaysia. It could further throw the international trading order into disarray. Nevertheless, with major economies like the United States and China both at the table, the AMM offers a timely and critical platform for ASEAN leaders to express collective concern and explore coordinated strategies to mitigate the potential fallout. According to Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, Malaysia plays a pivotal role in today's increasingly fragmented world. "We live in a very polarised world and it is increasingly important for middle powers such as Malaysia to carefully balance its own national interests versus the greater good for the world," he told Bernama. For Oh, the key message from this upcoming gathering is clear -- peace and prosperity. "Regionally, we are facing several ongoing or looming crises, such as the situation in Myanmar and tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. At the same time, we are the fastest-growing region in the world. We need to explore how we can better engage with major economies and serve as a role model for less developed nations," he said. Malaysia's approach to diplomacy appears to have struck the right chord, both regionally and globally. Its ability to attract a wide spectrum of countries to the AMM reflects ASEAN's enduring relevance and Malaysia's commitment to meaningful, inclusive engagement. Further elevating the stature of this year's meeting is the convening of the Fourth Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV), held on the sidelines of the AMM. Co-chaired with Japan and Palestine, the conference is expected to focus on ongoing efforts to support the reconstruction and development of Gaza and Palestine. 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It is Malaysia's moment to reaffirm its global relevance, bridge regional divides and lead with a sense of purpose to achieve peace and shared prosperity. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
