Latest news with #AseanRegionalForum
The Star
3 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
3 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
22-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Timor-Leste and Asean: Partnership, unity and global engagement
TIMOR-LESTE'S journey to peace and sovereignty has been long and difficult, but it has always been grounded in a clear vision: to be an active, constructive member of the international and regional community. Our pursuit of full Asean membership is a deliberate choice rooted in respect, responsibility, and a desire to contribute to southeast Asia's peace, prosperity and unity. Timor-Leste honours Asean and the values it represents. Our application to join is not symbolic: it is a statement of intent. We seek to belong and to contribute. Asean embodies diversity governed by dialogue and consensus. These are principles that align deeply with our current trajectory of democratic consolidation. Asean's strength lies in its centrality — its ability to provide a stable, inclusive platform for regional and global diplomacy. Timor-Leste fully accepts the responsibilities of membership, to internalise Asean norms, and to participate in its mechanisms, such as the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, current Asean chair and a global leader, secured the unanimous endorsement of all regional and extra-regional leaders for Timor-Leste Asean membership. We are indebted. President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia reinforced his support during the recent Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. We acknowledge and appreciate the support of all member states, which provides us with the confidence to complete our preparations for Asean integration. Beyond Asean, Timor-Leste envisions a bridging role to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). As a nation vulnerable to climate change, we share common cause with Pacific Island nations. We will work to connect Asean's climate and sustainability goals with those of the Pacific, especially in forums like the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC), which fosters regional cooperation on clean energy, decarbonisation and environmental stewardship. In doing so, Timor-Leste can help promote the ecological resilience of two overlapping regions facing shared existential challenges. We recognise that membership requires more than political will. Asean's working language is English, and Timor-Leste is committed to strengthening English-language proficiency among our diplomats and civil servants. While Tetum and Portuguese remain central to our identity, the practical tools of diplomacy demand regional alignment. We will focus on building our institutional capacity through training in Asean-based learning centres — particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. This ensures that our integration is not only symbolic but operational, allowing us to contribute substantively to Asean discussions and negotiations. Though we maintain close historical ties with Portugal and Lusophone countries, Timor-Leste is actively localising its governance and policy frameworks to reflect Asean's institutional models. This includes harmonising our legal codes, trade procedures and diplomatic practices. We do not see this as the loss of identity but as a regional adaptation to ensure compatibility, trust and coherence within Asean's evolving political and economic ecosystem. Timor-Leste's membership should serve as an encouraging example for other countries on Asean's periphery. Papua New Guinea (PNG), a significant state in the Pacific, has long expressed interest in Asean. President Prabowo's mention of PNG as a potential future member reflects a growing consensus that Asean can expand strategically and inclusively. Timor-Leste is prepared to assist PNG in navigating the necessary political and economic adjustments and sharing our lessons and journey through Asean's rigorous pathways to accession. As we prepare for full membership, we reaffirm our commitment to engaging Asean's dialogue partners constructively and neutrally. Timor-Leste will work closely with the United States, India, China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, the European Union, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia and New Zealand. These relationships must remain balanced and mutually reinforcing. We aim to contribute to regional security and economic growth without becoming an arena for major power competition. We are mindful of the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, and although not yet a member, Timor-Leste will align with Asean's collective position in advocating peaceful resolution through pro active, inclusive dialogue. This milestone will not mark the end of our journey, but the beginning of a deeper phase of regional integration. Our small nation brings with it a powerful story of resilience, unity and reconciliation. We do not claim to have all the answers, but we offer the sincerity, commitment and determination that Asean needs in an increasingly volatile world. Timor-Leste is prepared to serve Asean's ideals and contribute to its future. We will defend its centrality, uphold its consensus-driven diplomacy, and extend its principles into the wider Pacific.
The Star
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean remains a credible partner on global stage, says Thai minister
Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. -- Photo: The Nation Thailand/ANN KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- The Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) remains a relevant and credible partner amid increasingly shifting global geopolitical and economic dynamics, said Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. He emphasised that Asean's cohesiveness and commitment to peace and economic cooperation are key to its resilience. "These elements are what make Asean strong together,' he told Bernama in an interview on the sidelines of the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits held in Malaysia's capital last week. He said maintaining regional security and stability is vital for Asean to continue to be seen by its external partners as a region of peace and prosperity. He highlighted several Asean-led mechanisms that have continued to be the cornerstone of the region's security and peace architecture, such as the Asean Regional Forum, East Asia Summit, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). Established in 1976, the TAC is a legally binding code for interstate relations in the region and beyond. As of October 2024, 55 countries are parties to the TAC while several others are also seeking to accede to the treaty. "We are moving in the right direction. The concept of Asean strong together will inspire confidence in the global community that Asean is a worthy and credible partner,' said Maris. Asean was founded in Bangkok on August 8, 1967, as a non-aligned regional response to the Cold War, with Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore as founding members. Asean today consists of 10 members after the inclusion of Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. Timor-Leste is expected to officially join as its 11th member by the end of this year. With a combined population of almost 700 million people and a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$4 trillion, the bloc is on course to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030. Since its establishment, the bloc has continued to evolve to meet the challenges of the times, reflecting its pragmatism and strategic role as a constructive convener of powers. Maris said the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean Community Vision 2045 adopted during the summit is a testament to the bloc's ambition and long-term commitment to build a more integrated, prosperous and resilient future. The vision is anchored on three core pillars, namely political-security, economic and socio-cultural, and reflects the bloc's inclusive approach to development and integration. The Thai top diplomat also commended Malaysia's role and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership as Asean Chair 2025. "With his guidance, I can see that Asean will move in a correct direction,' he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean remains a credible partner on global stage: Thai minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) remains a relevant and credible partner amid increasingly shifting global geopolitical and economic dynamics, said Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. He emphasised that Asean's cohesiveness and commitment to peace and economic cooperation are key to its resilience. "These elements are what make Asean strong together," he told Bernama in an interview on the sidelines of the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits held in Malaysia's capital last week. He said maintaining regional security and stability is vital for Asean to continue to be seen by its external partners as a region of peace and prosperity. He highlighted several Asean-led mechanisms that have continued to be the cornerstone of the region's security and peace architecture, such as the Asean Regional Forum, East Asia Summit, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). Established in 1976, the TAC is a legally binding code for interstate relations in the region and beyond. As of October 2024, 55 countries are parties to the TAC while several others are also seeking to accede to the treaty. "We are moving in the right direction. The concept of Asean strong together will inspire confidence in the global community that Asean is a worthy and credible partner," said Maris. Asean was founded in Bangkok on August 8, 1967, as a non-aligned regional response to the Cold War, with Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore as founding members. Asean today consists of 10 members after the inclusion of Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. Timor-Leste is expected to officially join as its 11th member by the end of this year. With a combined population of almost 700 million people and a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$4 trillion, the bloc is on course to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030. Since its establishment, the bloc has continued to evolve to meet the challenges of the times, reflecting its pragmatism and strategic role as a constructive convener of powers. Maris said the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean Community Vision 2045 adopted during the summit is a testament to the bloc's ambition and long-term commitment to build a more integrated, prosperous and resilient future. The vision is anchored on three core pillars, namely political-security, economic and socio-cultural, and reflects the bloc's inclusive approach to development and integration. The Thai top diplomat also commended Malaysia's role and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership as Asean Chair 2025. "With his guidance, I can see that Asean will move in a correct direction," he added.
