Latest news with #4thMinisterialMeeting
Barnama
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
EAS Foreign Ministers Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthen Strategic Dialogue Platform
GENERAL Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (centre) poses for a group photo during the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV) in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. By Nazira Hasanah Nasaruddin & Ahmad Aidil Syukri Hamzah KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- The East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the EAS as the premier leaders-led platform for strategic dialogue and regional cooperation, amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. According to the ASEAN Chairman's Statement issued after the 15th EAS Foreign Ministers' Meeting here, the ministers underlined the forum's role in promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia, in line with the ASEAN Charter and key regional declarations including the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). They reiterated that the EAS must remain open, inclusive and ASEAN-centred while upholding a rules-based regional architecture grounded in international law and the United Nations Charter. The meeting also emphasised the importance of fostering strategic trust and ensuring responsible, transparent and predictable behaviour among nations, with full respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Amid shifting global dynamics, the ministers acknowledged the urgency of reinforcing the EAS's relevance and effectiveness, particularly as the summit approaches its 20th anniversary. The ministers reaffirmed ASEAN's central role as the region's convenor for strategic dialogue and stressed the value of confidence-building measures and preventive diplomacy in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. They also called for deeper collaboration through ASEAN-led mechanisms and greater synergy across existing regional institutions to avoid duplication and promote coherence in addressing regional challenges. Efforts to improve the EAS's internal coordination and follow-up mechanisms were also noted, including the need for more timely implementation of leaders' decisions during inter-sessional periods.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Myanmar elections only possible when unrest settles, says Tok Mat
KUALA LUMPUR: Any elections being held in conflict-stricken Myanmar must be impartial and inclusive, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The Foreign Minister said peace and the cessation of hostilities must be a priority before any elections take place. "Elections have to be inclusive, including everybody and all political parties. All stakeholders must be able to participate. "Any elections held without prior inclusive dialogue and political agreement with all Myanmar stakeholders are likely to worsen the conflict and not be seen as credible or legitimate," he said on the last day of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings here on Friday (July 11). Mohamad also said he is scheduled to visit Nay Pyi Taw in the coming months. Malaysia, he said, expressed concerns that the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus is still lacking. He said three of the five points fall on stakeholders to implement them. They are the cessation of hostilities and violence; inclusive dialogue including all parties concerned; and humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar. "Malaysia has continuously called on the SAC, as the de-facto party in power, to show leadership and sincerity in committing towards peace and creating a conducive environment for inclusive political dialogue," he said. The Myanmar civil war, which was sparked by the coup d'etat by its military junta in February 2021, has created lawless border regions that have allowed criminal syndicates to set up "scam parks", where foreign nationals are trafficked into the country and forced to commit scams. Mohamad, who also co-chaired the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (Ceapad), said assistance would be galvanised regionally to urgently address Palestine's needs. He said this will be done through the Kuala Lumpur Action Plan. "This will guide Ceapad members in assisting Palestine in areas including humanitarian aid, reconstruction and state building," he said at a press conference. As Asean chair, he called on the remaining 46 states that have yet to recognise the state of Palestine to do without any preconditions and support Palestine's admission as a full United Nations member. Mohamad also announced that Malaysia would be contributing an additional US$1mil to be channelled to the UNRWA and the Palestinian Red Crescent. This is on top of the previous US$16mil contribution channelled for the Palestinians since 2023.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Palestine's Estephan Salameh arrives in Kuala Lumpur for CEAPAD IV
SEPANG: Palestine's Planning and International Cooperation Minister Dr Estephan Salameh arrived in Kuala Lumpur Friday (July 11) to attend the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV). He arrived on a special flight at the KLIA Bunga Raya Complex at 8.40 am and was received by Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali. Salameh is scheduled to co-chair the CEAPAD IV alongside Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. The meeting is held in conjunction with the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings under Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship. CEAPAD IV will focus, among others, on capacity-building programmes, the reconstruction of critical infrastructure in Palestine, and the effective delivery of comprehensive humanitarian assistance. Current member states of CEAPAD are Japan, Palestine, Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. The last CEAPAD ministerial meeting was held in Bangkok in 2018. According to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry's website, the meeting reflects Malaysia's continued commitment to the Palestinian cause, as underscored by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 29, who emphasised the urgent need to accelerate efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza and Palestine. The ministry reiterated its commitment to working closely with Japan under the CEAPAD framework to respond to the Palestinians' call for assistance. - Bernama
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Nearly 1,000 media to cover 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in KL
KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly 1,000 local and international media personnel are gearing up to cover the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings next week. The event will take place from July 8 to 11 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). International Media Centre (IMC) coordinator Zaria Mohd Nasri confirmed that Bernama, as the official media and IMC coordinator, has completed preparations for the media workspace and secretariat. 'Alhamdulillah, all preparations, particularly for the media secretariat, have been completed,' she said. The media workspace will feature high-speed internet and ample plug points for journalists. A dedicated help desk has also been set up to assist with inquiries. Media representatives can collect their accreditation passes starting today at 4pm. Zaria added that the secretariat has provided online platforms for media access to event photos and ASEAN news at and A walkabout was conducted today for official media to coordinate coverage, with additional sessions planned for domestic and international journalists tomorrow. Embassy representatives will also attend a briefing in the afternoon. The meetings will include 24 sessions at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' level, with participation from Dialogue Partners and ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue partners. Around 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, are expected to attend. Malaysia will also host the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV), co-chaired by Japan, focusing on Gaza's reconstruction. This marks Malaysia's fifth ASEAN Chairmanship, having previously led in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. - Bernama
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific Island Countries Endorse ‘Growing The Pacific 2050' Strategy, Advancing Resilient And Inclusive Agrifood Systems
Press Release – UN FAO The transformation of agriculture and forestry for more regeneration, productivity, and resilience was the central theme of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry. 31/05/2025 Nuku'alofa, Tonga – Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry from Pacific Island countries endorsed the Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy for Agriculture and Forestry today at the 4th Meeting of the Pacific Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry, held in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The 4th Ministerial Meeting concluded the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF), hosted by the Kingdom of Tonga and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pacific Community (SPC). The Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy is anchored in five interwoven strategic pathways — healthy, regenerative, secure, integrated, and enabled — which collectively guide transformative action across the agriculture and forestry sectors. These pathways underpin eight catalytic initiatives (2025–2030), which include promoting One Health and regenerative practices; advancing afforestation and climate-resilient systems; strengthening biosecurity and agrobiodiversity; supporting agribusiness and exports; and enhancing data, knowledge, and education systems to build future talent. This endorsement marks a major milestone in the region's collective commitment to building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agrifood systems for the future. The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of Tonga, Honourable Dr Siosiua Moala Halavatau set the tone for the ministerial meeting in his opening remarks by urging continued collaboration among Pacific Islands to tackle shared challenges such as out-migration, an aging farmer population, and climate change. 'Agriculture and forestry are vital for the Pacific, as they are the backbones of our economies and the foundation of our food security. But they face significant challenges,' said Dr Halavatau. 'Partnership brings us together today in a genuine effort to work together towards a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient future for Pacific peoples and countries.' FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, Guangzhou Qu, who reaffirmed FAO's support for the region, emphasized that traditional practices and knowledge in the Pacific provide scalable solutions for climate resilience and sustainable production. 'Guided by examples from across our Pacific nations, we envision a future where healthy soils thrive, farmer organizations lead, transparent data informs our decisions, and biodiversity flourishes,' said Qu. 'By empowering our youth and integrating indigenous knowledge, we can drive innovation that transforms Pacific agrifood systems, leaving no one behind.' SPC's Deputy Director-General (Science and Capability), Dr Paula Vivili, reiterated the cultural significance of food in the Pacific. 'Let us also not forget that food is identity in the Pacific. Our region has immense food heritage and genetic wealth. We must protect it, celebrate it, and build systems that ensure its benefits for Pacific people,' he said. 'Today, through discussions on invasive species, climate-informed food systems planning, and domestic production, we are collectively shaping strategies that are tailored, timely, and rooted in national priorities,' added Vivili. The transformation of agriculture and forestry for more regeneration, productivity, and resilience was the central theme of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry. This biannual week-long event was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Sinaitakala Tukuaho of the Kingdom of Tonga. PWAF brought together governments, NGOs, community-based organizations, and the private sector to chart a transformative path for agriculture and forestry in the region. Hosted by the Government of Tonga's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, PWAF served as an essential platform for sharing knowledge, aligning strategies, and driving collective action toward resilient and sustainable food systems across the Pacific. The fifth PWAF will be hosted by the Solomon Islands in 2027, as agreed by Pacific countries and territories. FAO and SPC, as key technical and resource partners in the region, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pacific Island Countries in tackling climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, working collaboratively in building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
