Malaysia strengthens ASEAN ties ahead of 58th AMM in Kuala Lumpur
The talks focused on aligning agendas, finalising joint documents, and ensuring seamless logistical arrangements.
The meetings aimed to enhance coordination among ASEAN member states on key regional issues before ministerial-level discussions commence.
Amran first met with Laos Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Phongsavanh Sisoulath, followed by Alternate SOM Leader ASEAN-Philippines Ana Marie L. Hernando.
The 58th AMM, under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' will include 24 ministerial-level meetings with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.
Scheduled from July 8 to 11, the event is expected to host around 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from ASEAN states, Timor-Leste, and senior officials from the ASEAN Secretariat.
Malaysia is hosting the AMM for the fifth time, having previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. – Bernama
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New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia urges Thailand, Cambodia to resume peace talk
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand and Cambodia have been urged to hold negotiations to restore peace and stability, in line with the spirit of Asean unity and fraternity. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict between the two nations must be guided by principles of solidarity and good neighbourliness. He said Malaysia stands ready to play a constructive role, through the Asean Chair's Office, in helping Thailand and Cambodia resume talks and bring an end to the fighting. Mohamad also reiterated Malaysia's call for both countries to exercise maximum restraint and implement an immediate, unconditional ceasefire. "This is to prevent either Thailand or Cambodia from taking any action that may jeopardise peace efforts. "As the Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia is deeply concerned about the escalating tensions between the governments of Thailand and Cambodia. "The situation has already resulted in rising casualties on both sides, widespread damage to public property, and the displacement of many residents from border areas," he said in a statement. The latest round of clashes between Thailand and Cambodia stems from tensions that began in May, following the death of a Cambodian soldier during an armed confrontation at the border. The 818-kilometre border between the two countries has long been a source of dispute, with both claiming sovereignty over areas demarcated during French colonial rule in 1907. Several ancient temples along the border remain key points of contention, including Prasat Ta Moan Thom and the famed Preah Vihear Temple. International media earlier reported that fighting had entered its third day, although there appeared to be a glimmer of hope, as both sides expressed willingness to seek diplomatic support, claimed acts of self-defence, and called for an end to hostilities through dialogue. At least 30 people have been killed and over 130,000 displaced in what is now the worst conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbours in 13 years. Thailand's death toll remains at 19 as of today, while Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata confirmed the deaths of five soldiers and eight civilians. In February, the dispute over Prasat Ta Moan Thom, a Khmer temple near the Thai border, flared up further when Thai authorities barred Cambodian tourists from singing their national anthem at the site. The Cambodian government, however, has denied initiating the conflict, stating it only responded after Thai forces launched an armed attack. Both nations have since severed diplomatic ties and continue to blame each other for triggering the violence. Thailand has also announced the closure of all border checkpoints with Cambodia until further notice.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Thai-Cambodia clashes spread along the frontier as death toll rises
BANGKOK (Thailand)/SAMROANG (Cambodia): Thailand and Cambodia pounded each other with heavy artillery fire for a third day on Saturday (July 26) as a border conflict that killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 170,000 from their homes spread across the frontier. Clashes broke out for the first time in the countries' coastal regions where they meet on the Gulf of Thailand, around 250km southwest of the main frontlines thumping with blasts on July 26 afternoon. 'It feels like I'm escaping a war zone,' 76-year-old Samlee Sornchai told AFP at a temple shelter for evacuees in the Thai town of Kanthararom, after abandoning his farm near the embattled frontier. Both sides say they are open to a truce in the combat being fought with jets, tanks and ground troops, but have accused the other of undermining armistice efforts. Tensions initially flared over long-contested ancient temple sites, but fighting has spread along the neighbours' rural frontier region, marked by a ridge of forest-clad hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice. Both sides reported a coastline clash at around 5am (6am Singapore time), with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of firing 'five heavy artillery shells' into locations in Pursat province, which borders Thailand's Trat province. Cambodia's Defence Ministry said 13 people were now confirmed killed in the fighting, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded. Thai authorities say 13 civilians and seven soldiers have been killed on their side, taking the toll across both nations higher than the 28 killed in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. The fighting has forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand's border regions, with more than 35,000 driven from their homes in Cambodia. After the closed meeting of the Security Council in New York, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire. 'Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire – unconditionally – and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute,' he told reporters. Border row Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on July 26 that for any ceasefire or talks to proceed, Cambodia needed to show 'genuine sincerity in ending the conflict'. 'I urge Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue,' he told reporters. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said on July 25, before the UN meeting was held, that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia. 'We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia, we are ready to do that. But so far we have not had any response,' Nikorndej told AFP. Malaysia currently holds the chair of the Asean regional bloc, of which Thailand and Cambodia are both members. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has warned that if the situation escalates, 'it could develop into war'. Both sides blamed each other for firing first, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station hit by at least one rocket. Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions. At the UN, Cambodia's envoy questioned Thailand's assertion that his country, which is smaller and less militarily developed than its neighbour, had initiated the conflict. '(The Security Council) called for both parties to (show) maximum restraint and resort to a diplomatic solution. That is what we are calling for as well,' said Chhea Keo. Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra – still an influential figure in the kingdom – visited shelters on July 26 to meet evacuees. 'The military needs to complete its operations before any dialogue can take place,' he told reporters. The 76-year-old said he had no plans to contact Hun Sen, Cambodia's powerful former prime minister who was long a close ally. 'His actions reflect a disturbed mindset. He should reflect on his conduct,' Thaksin said of Mr Hun Sen. The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours – both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists – over their shared 800km border. Dozens of kilometres in several areas are contested and fighting broke out between 2008 and 2011, leaving at least 28 people dead and tens of thousands displaced. A UN court ruling in 2013 settled the matter for more than a decade, but the current crisis erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a new clash. Relations between the two countries soured dramatically when Hun Sen in June released a recording of a call with suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra focused on the border row. The leak triggered a political crisis in Thailand as Paetongtarn – Thaksin's daughter – was accused of not standing up for Thailand enough, and of criticising her own army. She was suspended from office by a court order. -- AFP, BLOOMBERG
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
58th AMM Highlights ASEAN's Balancing Act Amid Superpower Rivalry
Analysts believe that the engagement by both powers reflects ASEAN's growing strategic importance amid shifting global dynamics, with China projecting a stable diplomatic approach and the US seeking to re-establish trust in the region. KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- The presence of China and the United States (US) at the 58th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings has reinforced the grouping's zest to maintain regional peace and neutrality amid rising superpower rivalry and heightened Malaysia's diplomatic credibility as a trusted partner and future bridge-builder among competing powers. Similarly, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's presence at Kuala Lumpur signalled Washington's endeavour to re-establish ties with Southeast Asia as a security and economic partner, more so after the chaos caused by America's sweeping tariffs, most of which will take effect come August. Amid renewed geopolitical competition, an analyst opined that China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's active engagement reflected Beijing's evolving foreign policy posture and its desire to align with ASEAN's principles of peace and neutrality. 'Wang's participation was a productive time for China. It was an opportunity to show its international standing and willingness towards dialogue,' said Dr Rowena Abd Razak, a historical consultant and an Associate with IMAN Research (A Kuala Lumpur-based think tank which focuses on the domains of protective security, peacebuilding and sustainable development). She noted that China's reiteration of support for the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN), along with Wang's meeting with Rubio, demonstrated Beijing's openness to working within international frameworks. Undoubtedly a feather in the cap for ASEAN, 'these moves undeniably showcased China's ability to play a savvy foreign policy game - one that is markedly different from perceived US aggression and the unpredictability of (Donald) Trump's presidency,' she said. Rowena added that Wang's conduct during the meetings reflected an alignment with ASEAN's aspiration to maintain peace and advance a nuclear-free Southeast Asia. Despite China being an economic superpower and Southeast Asia's dependence on the Chinese economy, Wang's approach also showed deference to ASEAN centrality and Malaysia's role as the regional bloc's Chair this year, she said. From an economic perspective, she said Beijing is capitalising on the region's growth potential, mainly as the US adopts increasingly protectionist policies. She cited the proposed upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA 3.0) as reflecting Beijing's vision of deeper integration with the region. 'Beijing sees ASEAN as an important zone of trade and exchange, particularly amid growing US economic isolation,' she said, referring to the debilitating tariffs imposed on ASEAN member states. 'Wang is expressing Beijing's view of ASEAN's importance and positioning China as a champion for the region,' she added. WASHINGTON RECOVERS LOST GROUND Concurring with Rowena, Universiti Malaya (UM) Security and International Relations analyst Collins Chong Yew Keat said this year's AMM served as a platform for ASEAN to assert its relevance amid intensifying great power competition. Rubio's attendance reflected Washington's attempt to re-engage the region more consistently and rebuild strategic trust. He attributed this to the US attempting to recover lost ground and re-establish itself as a security and economic partner. 'This year's meetings marked a turning point in US efforts to restore credibility and demonstrate dependable support for ASEAN centrality, especially after years of transactional diplomacy. 'While China's rise has been structured and steady, the US is now working to show it remains committed to ASEAN's future,' he said. Rubio's reaffirmation of support for ASEAN principles – neutrality, regional autonomy, and freedom of navigation – was significant, especially amid tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. 'The emphasis on shared values, rules-based order and connectivity offered by Rubio provides a needed contrast to China's assertiveness,' he added. Still, Collins said ASEAN must balance engagement with both powers without eroding unity or compromising neutrality. MALAYSIA ACTS AS A BRIDGE-BUILDER Collins also said this year's AMM tested ASEAN's strategic maturity as the global order becomes more fragmented. It seemed to have passed with flying colours. He said Washington's clearer messaging and sustained high-level participation reflected an understanding that past diplomatic absences had created a vacuum increasingly filled by China. 'ASEAN is now in the spotlight to prove that it remains a relevant and cohesive force amid competing frameworks like the Quad, a grouping comprising Australia, India, Japan and the US and AUKUS, the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the US. 'There is now recognition in Washington that inconsistency has damaged trust in the region,' he said. Looking ahead, Collins said that Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship for the remainder of 2025, especially at the upcoming summit and with leaders of dialogue partners, possibly including US President Trump, will be pivotal in steering the bloc through a complex regional environment. He added that Putrajaya, Malaysia's federal administrative capital, has the diplomatic credibility to act as a trusted interlocutor between competing powers. 'Malaysia must step forward as a bridge-builder to ensure ASEAN remains cohesive while promoting inclusive, rules-based cooperation with all major powers. 'Malaysia's leadership will be critical in strengthening ASEAN mechanisms, advancing economic resilience and anchoring strategic convergence based on mutual respect and autonomy,' he said. Wang participated in key sessions during the AMM, including the ASEAN-China and ASEAN Plus Three (APT) meetings. Rubio, on his first official visit to Asia, participated in the ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers' Meeting and held bilateral talks with Wang on the sidelines. The meetings, held from July 8 to 11, were hosted under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, with the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. -- 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
