a day ago
Global players eye Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Ramping up: Several major global actors, including the United States, China and Russia, will also take part in the Asean Post-Ministerial Conferences. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Final preparations for the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related programmes are progressing smoothly.
The meeting, to be held from July 8 to 11 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, is set to welcome Asean ministers, key dialogue partners from major powers and a robust agenda – all against the backdrop of shifting trade dynamics.
Guided by Foreign Affairs Ministry officials, a walkabout yesterday led journalists, photographers and cameramen through permitted zones.
Each hall and conference room has been labelled, with dedicated zones including the International Media Centre and designated door-stop interview points.
According to the Foreign Ministry, all logistical arrangements should have been finalised by last night.
The 58th AMM will be attended by foreign ministers from all 10 Asean member states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
They will be joined by Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn of Cambodia and the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste, as the country advances its application for Asean membership.
In response to international interest, several major global actors, including the United States, China and Russia, will also take part in the Asean Post-Ministerial Conferences.
Additional dialogue partners include the European Union, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
Highlights of the four-day event include the South-East Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Commission Executive Committee meeting; trilateral meetings involving Malaysia with Brazil, Norway, Switzerland and Turkiye, alongside the Asean Secretariat; and a conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development.
The opening ceremony will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 9.
The US delegation's participation is expected to draw particular attention, as President Donald Trump's 90-day tariff pause is set to expire during the same week – adding further weight to US-Asean dialogue.
Relief from trade tensions is expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
