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Barnama
07-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
All Eyes On 58th AMM As Malaysia Draws Global Powers To Kuala Lumpur
What sets this year apart is not just the breadth of the agenda but Malaysia's remarkable ability of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, to draw participation from over 35 countries - including key dialogue partners and regional stakeholders, some of which are among the world's leading powers. KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia prepares to host the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings beginning July 8, the capital city is already abuzz with diplomatic anticipation. In contrast to forums like the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which is smaller in scope and focused on global economic governance, the AMM brings together a broader mix of nations - within a structured platform grounded in consensus-building, regional stability and inclusive cooperation. While global platforms such as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) may attract more leaders on an annual basis, the AMM remains Southeast Asia's foremost multilateral diplomatic forum. The four-day gathering will feature 24 ministerial-level meetings encompassing engagements with ASEAN Dialogue Partners, Sectoral Dialogue Partners and external partners - underlining its pivotal role in the regional diplomatic calendar.. Adding a layer of urgency to this year's ASEAN meetings is the mounting global economic uncertainty stemming from the looming July 9 deadline for the expiration of the United States' cooling off period on trade tariffs. Malaysia is no stranger to proactive international diplomacy. Its international engagement spans from peacekeeping missions, advocating for the rights of Palestinians, championing South-South cooperation and consistent calls for an end to conflicts worldwide. At a time when geopolitical divides are widening and multilateralism is under strain, Malaysia's success in convening such a high-level international turnout reflects its standing as a credible middle power and convenor. Should Washington decide to reimpose steep reciprocal tariffs - especially targeting Chinese goods - the ripple effects could reignite trade tensions and threaten regional export-reliant economies including Malaysia. It could further throw the international trading order into disarray. Nevertheless, with major economies like the United States and China both at the table, the AMM offers a timely and critical platform for ASEAN leaders to express collective concern and explore coordinated strategies to mitigate the potential fallout. According to Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, Malaysia plays a pivotal role in today's increasingly fragmented world. "We live in a very polarised world and it is increasingly important for middle powers such as Malaysia to carefully balance its own national interests versus the greater good for the world," he told Bernama. For Oh, the key message from this upcoming gathering is clear -- peace and prosperity. "Regionally, we are facing several ongoing or looming crises, such as the situation in Myanmar and tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. At the same time, we are the fastest-growing region in the world. We need to explore how we can better engage with major economies and serve as a role model for less developed nations," he said. Malaysia's approach to diplomacy appears to have struck the right chord, both regionally and globally. Its ability to attract a wide spectrum of countries to the AMM reflects ASEAN's enduring relevance and Malaysia's commitment to meaningful, inclusive engagement. Further elevating the stature of this year's meeting is the convening of the Fourth Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV), held on the sidelines of the AMM. Co-chaired with Japan and Palestine, the conference is expected to focus on ongoing efforts to support the reconstruction and development of Gaza and Palestine. It also aims to build consensus on ending Israel's aggression against the hapless Palestinians. The convergence of so many countries in Kuala Lumpur underscores not just the importance of the ASEAN meetings but also Malaysia's role growing role as a diplomatic bridge—capable of bringing together diverse interests in pursuit of peace, development, and regional stability. Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, noted that Malaysia's ability to attract such broad participation this year reflects the high expectations placed on its ASEAN Chairmanship since it assumed the role in January. 'As mentioned at the beginning of the year, as soon as Malaysia assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship, there were high hopes among ASEAN partners as well as dialogue partners that ASEAN cooperation and relations with external parties would continue to be strengthened," he said at a press conference held in conjunction with the 58th AMM and related meetings here. Amran emphasised that the participation of foreign ministers this year goes beyond mere protocol - it reflects genuine interest in Malaysia's leadership and hosting of ASEAN. With key partners such as the United States, China, Japan, India, the European Union and South Korea scheduled to attend, the AMM serves as a vital platform to address pressing issues, including regional security, economic resilience and sustainable development. Malaysia is not just playing host—it is actively shaping the regional agenda through an inclusive and balanced approach, rooted in ASEAN centrality and open to broader cooperation. As the world watches, the 58th AMM is more than a diplomatic gathering. It is Malaysia's moment to reaffirm its global relevance, bridge regional divides and lead with a sense of purpose to achieve peace and shared prosperity. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Times of Oman
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
South Africa concludes "historic" G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Johannesburg: South Africa on Friday concluded the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, after a range of global issues having been discussed. South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola hailed the event as "historic" when briefing the media after the meeting, which started on Thursday and ended Friday in Johannesburg. "The first G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting under South Africa's presidency was historic as it was the first G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the African continent," Lamola said, noting that the "very productive" meeting had a high-level strategic discussion on the global geopolitical environment and its impact on their work. He noted that the meeting showed support for South Africa's G20 presidency theme of "Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability" and its priorities and high-level deliverables. According to him, the priorities include strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and development. "The South African presidency took note of the fruitful discussions and inputs on the various priorities and high-level deliverables which will enrich our work as we elaborate in-depth on these in the various streams of work during 2025," said Lamola. "We can assure you that all the views expressed will be considered as we progress with our work during this year. We look forward to the active participation and contributions of all your delegations." He said the G20 raised concern on the slow progress being made in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called for acceleration of speed in achieving that. The G20 foreign ministers also reaffirmed the G20's collective responsibility to fostering sustainable, resilient and inclusive global growth, as a critical element of the broader multilateral system, said Lamola. "Concerning the ongoing conflicts and wars in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, the meeting reiterated that all states must act in a manner consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," the minister said. Lamola further noted that the G20 committed to support peace efforts in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other major conflicts around the globe. The meeting underscored the need to reform the international system of global governance, including the international financial architecture, the multilateral trading system, and the multilateral development banks, he added.
Daily News Egypt
22-02-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Deputy Foreign Minister highlights sustainable development at G20 meeting
Egypt's Deputy Foreign Minister, Ambassador Abu Bakr Hefny Mahmoud, has attended the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty. Speaking on 21 February during the general session of the two-day meeting, Mahmoud outlined Egypt's position on the G20's priorities for 2025. The Deputy Foreign Minister affirmed Egypt's support for the South African presidency's priorities for the G20, noting they reflected the interests of developing countries, particularly Africa's Agenda 2063 for development. He emphasised Egypt's commitment to cooperating on these priorities to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), through enhanced access to financing for developing countries, including debt-for-climate swaps, the use of modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence, and enhanced water and food security. Mahmoud also highlighted the challenges facing the world, particularly the increase in unilateralism and protectionism, stressing the importance of international solidarity and cooperation to address these issues. He focused on the role the G20 could play in addressing imbalances in the global financial architecture, particularly by increasing access to concessional financing. He stressed the importance of avoiding a situation where developing countries are forced to choose between tackling climate change and achieving sustainable development, stating both are necessary. Mahmoud noted the Group's potential to ensure that the practices of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks are equitable and able to provide solutions tailored to the needs of developing countries. He further highlighted the need to manage debt burdens in a way that ensures macroeconomic stability in low- and middle-income countries, avoiding a new global debt crisis. Egypt is participating in the G20 meetings this year at the invitation of South Africa, the current G20 president, as a guest nation across all meetings until the end of the South African presidency in November 2025.
Saudi Gazette
21-02-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi FM at G20: Ensuring Palestinian self-determination key to lasting peace
Saudi Gazette report JOHANNESBURG — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the war in Gaza Strip resulted in the destruction of infrastructure, pointing to the importance of reconstruction, and implementing the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need in the enclave. He added that a permanent solution to the crisis guarantees the key to achieving sustainable stability in the his speech at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in South Africa on Friday, the Saudi minister stressed the need to fully implement the two-state solution and ensure the Palestinians' right to self-determination within a framework that supports long-term peace and security for also pointed out that achieving stability in Syria depends on ensuring economic recovery, as well as reconstruction, which requires regional and international cooperation, in addition to the lifting of sanctions."If we make the right choices, invest in development, and stimulate regional integration, we can ensure that economic progress is not derailed by political conflicts. There will be reason for optimism if we act with clarity, responsibility, and shared commitment.' Prince Faisal said."If we remain committed to preserving the rules-based international order, and prioritizing sustainable peace, we can overcome the risks and become more stable," he Lebanon, he added: "The election of a president of Lebanon is an important step, noting that the formation of the government is a welcome opportunity to advance necessary reforms alongside the full implementation of relevant agreements and international resolutions and ensuring the authority of the state throughout the territory."On Sudan, he explained that the situation in the country requires sustained international participation to facilitate the settlement process and a political solution to support the path to security and economic recovery. He sressed the importance of protecting the maritime security. The Red Sea constitutes a vital axis for international trade, he said, noting that any disruption in the maritime security poses a threat to the global economy, and that the free flow of trade is in the interest of all countries. Freedom of navigation is an international demand, linked to the interests of the entire world, he said, adding: "We call for halting any activity that affects the safety of navigation in the Red Sea."
Saudi Gazette
21-02-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi FM stresses need to fully implement the two-state solution in Palestine
Saudi Gazette report JOHANNESBURG — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the war in Gaza Strip resulted in the destruction of infrastructure, pointing to the importance of reconstruction, and implementing the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need in the enclave. He added that a permanent solution to the crisis guarantees the key to achieving sustainable stability in the region. In his speech at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in South Africa, the Saudi minister stressed the need to fully implement the two-state solution and ensure the Palestinians' right to self-determination within a framework that supports long-term peace and security for also pointed out that achieving stability in Syria depends on ensuring economic recovery, as well as reconstruction, which requires regional and international cooperation, in addition to the lifting of sanctions."If we make the right choices, invest in development, and stimulate regional integration, we can ensure that economic progress is not derailed by political conflicts. There will be reason for optimism if we act with clarity, responsibility, and shared commitment.' Prince Faisal said."If we remain committed to preserving the rules-based international order, and prioritizing sustainable peace, we can overcome the risks and become more stable," he Lebanon, he added: "The election of a president of Lebanon is an important step, noting that the formation of the government is a welcome opportunity to advance necessary reforms alongside the full implementation of relevant agreements and international resolutions and ensuring the authority of the state throughout the territory."On Sudan, he explained that the situation in the country requires sustained international participation to facilitate the settlement process and a political solution to support the path to security and economic recovery. He sressed the importance of protecting the maritime security. The Red Sea constitutes a vital axis for international trade, he said, noting that any disruption in the maritime security poses a threat to the global economy, and that the free flow of trade is in the interest of all of navigation is an international demand, linked to the interests of the entire world, he said, adding: "We call for halting any activity that affects the safety of navigation in the Red Sea."
