Latest news with #AseanForeignMinisters'Meeting
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
South Korea praises Malaysia's Asean Chair role in Myanmar crisis
KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): South Korea has praised Malaysia's active leadership as Chair of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean), highlighting its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. South Korea's Ambassador to Malaysia Yeo Seung Bae said that as Asean organises for peace and stability in South-East Asia, Malaysia as the chair plays an important and active role, especially in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Bangkok a couple of months ago and met both the military leadership and the opposition leadership. "By doing this important role as Chair, Malaysia is making a positive contribution to regional peace and stability. "In that regard, Korea highly appreciates the role of Malaysia, and our government will continue to support Malaysia's active role as the Asean Chair,' he told Bernama in an interview recently. In May 2025, Anwar initiated separate dialogues with Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between the conflicting parties. Subsequently, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM 2025) held in May also agreed that Asean would undertake internal consultations on the proposal to appoint a permanent Asean Special Envoy on Myanmar for a three-year term, a move aimed at ensuring continuity and sustained engagement in addressing the protracted crisis. On June 22, Malaysia called for enhanced collaboration between Asean and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, with a focus on ending violence, alleviating the humanitarian crisis, and supporting long-term peace in the country. Meanwhile, for the upcoming 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) this July, Yeo reaffirmed South Korea's role as a responsible member of the international community and a strong supporter of Asean centrality, particularly in Malaysia's efforts to improve the security situation in the region. Korea is an active member of the East Asia Summit and the Asean Regional Forum, as well as being a key dialogue partner of Asean. "So definitely our new government places big importance on this July's Foreign Ministers' Meeting," he said. The 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) will be held from July 8 to 11, 2025, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and will bring together the foreign ministers of all Asean member countries to review Asean's progress and unity, as well as discuss key regional issues. - Bernama
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
South Korea praises Malaysia's Asean Chair role in Myanmar crisis
KUALA LUMPUR: South Korea has praised Malaysia's active leadership as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), highlighting its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. South Korea's Ambassador to Malaysia Yeo Seung Bae said that as Asean organises for peace and stability in Southeast Asia, Malaysia as the chair plays an important and active role, especially in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Bangkok a couple of months ago and met both the military leadership and the opposition leadership. "By doing this important role as Chair, Malaysia is making a positive contribution to regional peace and stability. "In that regard, Korea highly appreciates the role of Malaysia, and our government will continue to support Malaysia's active role as the Asean Chair," he told Bernama in an interview recently. In May 2025, Anwar initiated separate dialogues with Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between the conflicting parties. Subsequently, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM 2025) held in May also agreed that Asean would undertake internal consultations on the proposal to appoint a permanent Asean Special Envoy on Myanmar for a three-year term, a move aimed at ensuring continuity and sustained engagement in addressing the protracted crisis. On June 22, Malaysia called for enhanced collaboration between Asean and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, with a focus on ending violence, alleviating the humanitarian crisis, and supporting long-term peace in the country. Meanwhile, for the upcoming 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) this July, Yeo reaffirmed South Korea's role as a responsible member of the international community and a strong supporter of Asean centrality, particularly in Malaysia's efforts to improve the security situation in the region. Korea is an active member of the East Asia Summit and the Asean Regional Forum, as well as being a key dialogue partner of Asean. "So definitely our new government places big importance on this July's Foreign Ministers' Meeting," he said. The 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) will be held from July 8 to 11, 2025, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and will bring together the foreign ministers of all Asean member countries to review Asean's progress and unity, as well as discuss key regional issues. – Bernama
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
No road closures for Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting, says Fahmi
PUTRAJAYA: There will be no road closure for the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AFMM) and related meetings taking place from July 8 to 11 in Kuala Lumpur, said government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today (June 26). "There will be no road closures for this event. However, for the 47th Asean Summit scheduled in October, more information will be provided as the date approaches." Previously, a large-scale dry run involving traffic control and road closures in preparation for the 46th Asean Summit 2025 was conducted. Five highways and 25 roads across the capital were affected during the summit. Among the affected routes were those linking Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang to the city centre, official accommodation venues, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) and Istana Negara. The affected highways were Maju Expressway, Duta–Ulu Klang Expressway, Ampang–Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway, Shah Alam Expressway and the SMART Tunnel.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
46TH ASEAN SUMMIT CONCLUDES WITH FOCUS ON UNITY AND GROWTH
Under Malaysia's 2025 chairmanship, the 46th Asean Summit at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) convened regional leaders amid mounting geopolitical and economic headwinds. The summit underscored a renewed focus on deepening economic integration, safeguarding regional stability and championing sustainable development. Against a backdrop of intensifying global uncertainties — from trade frictions to climate risks — Asean leaders laid out pragmatic strategies and forged new partnerships to secure the region's future. Here is an overview of the key outcomes and discussions that defined this critical summit. Asean foreign ministers' meeting Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan opened the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) by urging member states to stand united in the face of global challenges, including the US–China trade war, climate change and rapid technological disruption. Stressing the importance of Asean Centrality, he called for deeper regional economic integration and fairer intra-Asean trade to close income gaps and build resilience. He also addressed humanitarian crises in Gaza and Myanmar, emphasising Asean's moral responsibility to uphold peace and justice. Malaysia's theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' was reinforced throughout, laying the groundwork for the adoption of Asean Community Vision 2045. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan waving towards the media members during the opening of the 46th ASEAN- Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26.–AZMAN GHANI/The Star Asean-GCC-China Summit embraces multipolar cooperation Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the inaugural Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit as a key moment for advancing collaboration in a rapidly evolving, multipolar world. The summit brought together regions with a combined population of over two billion and an economic scale nearing US$25 trillion. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the summit was expected to align with Asean's aspiration to play a greater role in shaping the Indo-Pacific's geo-economic landscape. Leaders focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment and sustainable development—underscoring the alliance's potential to contribute to regional stability, inclusivity and shared prosperity. Timor-Leste's Asean membership confirmed In a historic move, Asean leaders agreed to grant Timor-Leste full membership at the next summit in October 2025, increasing the bloc to 11 countries. Timor-Leste's progress in meeting membership criteria, reflects Asean's expanding inclusivity. Having been an observer since 2022, Timor-Leste is preparing to fully integrate into Asean's economic, political and social frameworks. Asean unveils 20-year strategic roadmap At the 46th Asean Summit, leaders adopted and signed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future. This 20-year roadmap aims to guide Asean in navigating global megatrends while reinforcing its role as a resilient, innovative and people-centred regional community. The vision is built around six core documents, including strategic plans across political-security, economic, socio-cultural and connectivity. It sets out strategic directions and expected outcomes aimed at deepening regional integration, advancing sustainability and strengthening institutional effectiveness. Asean 2045 reaffirms the bloc's commitment to placing people at the heart of its agenda, while preparing to be a global growth hub in the Indo-Pacific. With clear targets and an implementation framework, the roadmap ensures that Asean remains relevant, responsive and united in the face of future challenges. Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao giving sweets to members of the media.— AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star. Awes 2025: Empowering women for Asean's economic future The inaugural Asean Women's Economic Summit (Awes) 2025 spotlighted the pivotal role of women in driving the region's economic transformation. Under the theme 'Empowering Women, Energising Asean: Pioneering Economic Integration for a Resilient Tomorrow,' the summit featured strategic dialogues, leadership workshops and mentoring programmes. These initiatives aim to position women at the forefront of Asean's economic integration, especially amid global challenges such as trade tensions and digital disruption. Awes 2025 sets a robust agenda for gender equality, reinforcing its centrality in building a resilient and innovative Asean economy. Economic milestone: Asean advances trade and energy integration At the summit, member states concluded negotiations on significant upgrades to two key trade agreements: the Asean-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 and the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga). These enhancements aim to deepen intra-regional trade, strengthen supply chains and boost investment flows, with formal signings anticipated at the 47th Asean Summit in October. Concurrently, Asean made strides in energy cooperation by finalising an Enhanced Memorandum of Agreement on the Asean Power Grid (APG). This initiative seeks to bolster regional energy security, connectivity, and sustainability, reflecting Asean's commitment to integrated growth and resilience amid evolving global trade dynamics. Light moment - Gusmao's sweet surprise for journalists Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao brought a sweet break to the intense Asean-GCC Summit by offering candies to the waiting journalists, joking, 'Take it, you've waited so long.' The unexpected gesture delighted and surprised the media, providing a brief but much-appreciated moment of warmth amid a busy schedule.
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Time for Myanmar to change
WESTERN analysts are no fan of Asean. Because, to quote The Economist, it has "the irritating habit of talking around the big issues". Hard to disagree. But Malaysia's call on Asean to speak "firmly and collectively" in defence of international law, citing the Gaza and Myanmar crises as tests of the bloc's moral responsibility will surely win some fans. Speaking at the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the bloc must not remain on the sidelines in the face of global injustices. Blame the silence on Asean's consensus-based decision-making and its principle of non-interference. To issue a statement on any issue, it would require all the 10 countries to agree, a near impossibility. On most issues, it has been a tug of war between one group and another. One wonders where the Asean spirit fled to. At the most, if consensus is what drives its decision, then the world has to get used to "the irritating habit of talking around the big issues". This is of no help to anyone, most of all to Asean. This must change if the bloc wants to defend the oppressed, a call that Malaysia has made to Asean. We needn't go far to find the oppressed. They are within Asean in Myanmar. For more than four years the bloc has been trying to get the military junta, which overthrew an elected government in February 2021, to stop the atrocities there through the five-point consensus (5PC). But the military leaders have shown no interest in implementing it. There is a reason why the 5PC is badged consensus; military regime leader General Min Aung Hlaing himself signed the document. Frustrated by the recalcitrance of the military junta and Asean's inability to stop the atrocities in a member country, Malaysia is emerging as a vocal advocate for change, including a reconsideration of its principle of non-interference. If the military regime continues to ignore the 5PC, suspension of membership may be next. Malaysia is right. Asean cannot remain on the sidelines when atrocities are being committed against its people. More than four years is long enough to show that whatever Asean is doing now is not effective. The bloc can't keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Already more than 10,000 people have been killed — local news portals and Western media, The Economist included, call the killings massacres. Not to mention the millions of Rohingya who have fled to Bangladesh, putting great strain on the country's limited resources. Malaysia, Indonesia and others are also forced to house the Rohingya refugees. These are war crimes, yet some Asean members continue to be silent. If Asean's past is our guide, Malaysia's call for change in diplomacy may face some hurdles. Myanmar itself isn't the problem; currently it has no voting rights. The challenge will come from a few countries that are aligned with Myanmar. As consensus is still the ruling principle, it will require the agreement of all nine members. These few will certainly challenge the proposal for change. But they must remember that they are helping Min Aung Hlaing damage Asean's reputation.
