Latest news with #AseanSecretariat
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Sri Lanka to further strengthen bilateral ties
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Sri Lanka have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism, education and skilled labour, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the matter was discussed during a courtesy call by Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath today, in conjunction with the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings currently taking place here. "This close relationship not only benefits both countries but also contributes to regional stability and development," he said in a Facebook post. Anwar also expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka's continued contribution to shaping a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous future for the region. He added that Malaysia will continue to work closely with Sri Lanka to achieve shared progress, not only for the people of both countries but also to build a more united, prosperous and resilient Asean community. The 58th AMM and related meetings, held under Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship 2025 themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability", feature 24 ministerial-level meetings involving Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners. The four-day high-level gathering brings together around 1,500 delegates, including Asean and Timor-Leste Foreign Ministers, Asean Dialogue Partners, Asean Regional Forum participants, Sectoral Dialogue Partners and senior Asean Secretariat officials. – BERNAMA
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean, Switzerland must champion peace amid rising warlike rhetoric
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean and Switzerland must stand united in championing dialogue and peace, particularly in a world increasingly gripped by belligerent rhetoric, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Delivering his keynote address at the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland, and the Asean Secretariat today, he stressed the importance of upholding international law, including the peaceful and just resolution of conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. "This is especially critical in an era where warlike discourse has come to dominate global narratives," he said. He further stressed the need for Israel to be held accountable for its relentless atrocities and ongoing violations of international law in Gaza and elsewhere in the region. "Permitting such inhumanity and impunity to go unpunished raises deeply troubling questions about the credibility of the international community and its institutions," he added. Mohamad also underlined the respective roles of Asean and Switzerland as crucial platforms for peace-building and global dialogue, particularly amid increasing geopolitical instability. "Asean, through its annual meetings, serves as a unique forum where nations — including major powers — convene to address shared concerns and promote cooperation for mutual benefit. "Switzerland, as the host of the World Economic Forum in Davos, holds a pivotal position as a convener of global discussions on economic, social, and environmental challenges. "Together, we must raise a collective voice in support of dialogue and peace," he said. The trilateral meeting formed part of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and its associated events, comprising 24 ministerial-level sessions, including those with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.
The Star
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean and Switzerland must champion dialogue and peace, says Mohamad Hasan
KUALA LUMPUR: In an era where warlike language dominates global discourse, Asean and Switzerland must champion dialogue and peace together, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Delivering his opening remarks at the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland, and the Asean Secretariat, Mohamad stressed the importance of promoting respect for international law and pursuing peaceful and just resolutions to conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza. "Asean and Switzerland should lend a collective voice to advocate for dialogue and peace. This is vital in a world where warlike language has come to occupy significant space," he said on Thursday (July 10). "It is imperative that Israel be held accountable for its relentless atrocities and persistent violations of numerous international laws in Gaza and against other countries in the region. "To allow such inhumanity and impunity to go unpunished raises concerning questions about the credibility of the international community and systems," he added. Mohamad welcomed Switzerland's strong alignment with Asean values, highlighting its focus on peace, human rights, responsible business conduct, and humanitarian mine action. "We see this in its sustained support for Asean's political-security agenda, especially through the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, Asean Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, and the Asean Regional Mine Action Centre," he noted. On the economic front, Mohamad expressed appreciation for Switzerland's support in promoting sustainable trade and innovation, particularly through the 2024 Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation between Asean and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). He said the initiative would enhance trade, MSME empowerment, and digital entrepreneurship. "Switzerland's expertise in innovation and technology can contribute significantly to Asean's transition into a digital and green economy," he said. Mohamad also underscored the importance of Asean–Switzerland cooperation in the socio-cultural realm, especially in disaster management, climate adaptation, biodiversity, water resource management, and vocational training. He highlighted the Asean–Swiss TVET Initiative as a key platform for enhancing skills development in the region. "Beyond these, Asean and Switzerland play key roles in advocating peace and prosperity. Asean, through its annual meetings, brings together many countries, including major powers, to discuss issues of common concern and promote cooperation for mutual benefit. "Meanwhile, Switzerland's role as host of the World Economic Forum in Davos underscores its standing as a key convener of global dialogue on economic, social, and environmental challenges," he added. Mohamad noted that the WEF's focus on inclusive and sustainable solutions aligns strongly with Asean's priorities.
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Asean foreign ministers to meet US, China and other dialogue partners today
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — Asean foreign ministers will hold sessions with nine dialogue partners, including the United States and China, on Thursday, during the post-ministerial conferences held in conjunction with the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings. Apart from the world's two major powers, separate meetings will be held with Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Japan, Russia, and South Korea, beginning at 9 am. Other events on Thursday include Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland and the Asean Secretariat scheduled for 12.45 pm, followed by 16th Mekong-Japan Cooperation Ministerial Meeting. The 26th Asean Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting will also be held. In the evening, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will host a gala dinner for his counterparts at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The 58th AMM and related meetings are taking place from July 8 to 11 under Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship 2025, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', featuring 24 ministerial-level meetings involving Asean dialogue partners and sectoral dialogue partners. — Bernama
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean Foreign Ministers hope to finalise Timor-Leste accession papers by October
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean Foreign Ministers hope to expedite documentation for Timor-Leste's accession by October. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said this was among the key matters discussed during the 58th AseanForeign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) this morning. "We will ensure that the documentation for Timor-Leste's accession as a full Asean member is signed during the 47th Asean Summit in October. "Efforts must be expedited to finalise the documentation so this goal can be achieved at the summit," he told reporters after the plenary session this afternoon. Mohamad said other topics discussed included Asean's relationships with external partners, where member states agreed on the need to strengthen engagements to position Asean as a more open and inclusive bloc. "We need to enhance this further because we require a more open Asean to avoid overdependence on any single party. "Asean must be seen as a bloc or region that is open... One that welcomes multiple partners for engagement and trade," he said. Mohamad is scheduled to meet his counterparts again later today during the retreat session. The 58th AMM and related meetings, held under Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', will feature 24 ministerial-level meetings, including engagements with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners. In conjunction with the meetings, Malaysia will also host the Fourth Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV). Co-chaired with Japan and Palestine, the conference will focus on initiatives to support the reconstruction and development of Gaza and Palestine. The high-level meetings, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11, will gather around 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from Asean member states, Timor-Leste, Asean Dialogue Partners, Asean Regional Forum (ARF) participants, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and senior officials from the Asean Secretariat.
