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New Straits Times
4 days 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.
New Straits Times
5 days 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.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean now respected and recognised globally, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean has achieved a 'spectacular' position where it is measured, respected and recognised internationally, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. Anwar attributed the regional bloc's current global standing to the deep-rooted trust and enduring friendships among its leaders over the years. "We have done relatively well. I must reiterate the level of trust and confidence we have in ourselves. "I was in Rio, and in Italy and France, meeting leaders for bilateral sessions on Malaysia, but without exception, they all asked about Asean. "Everyone has recognised the role of Asean. Asean has now achieved a spectacular position, measured, respected and recognised internationally," he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) here today. Anwar listed several contentious issues that Asean was able to address due to mutual trust and close ties within the bloc. These included the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. "When we discuss with the leaders in Myanmar, without exception, they are full of support and confidence. "Similarly, after the event, we were able to engage again to seek a common platform, understanding how to proceed with the Five-Point Consensus. "Even the unfortunate incident recently between Cambodia and Thailand, which of course all Asean leaders expressed concern about, did not prevent us from immediately calling our colleagues in both countries to express our concern and support all efforts and initiatives to secure lasting peace," he said. He added that Asean leaders had gone through various phases to ensure the bloc's continued success, including in areas where limitations still remain, such as intra-Asean trade and joint investments. 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 discuss initiatives to support the reconstruction and development of Gaza and Palestine. The high-level meetings, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11, will bring together around 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from Asean member states, Timor-Leste, Asean Dialogue Partners, Asean Regional Forum (ARF) participating countries, Sectoral Dialogue Partners and senior officials from the Asean Secretariat.
New Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean officials touch down in KL for high-level talks
SEPANG: Diplomatic delegations have begun arriving in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, which will be held from July 8 to 11. Among the early arrivals was Laos Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Phongsavanh Sisoulath, who landed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 8.05pm today. Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative Kyaw Nyun Oo and Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Eksiri Pintaruchi were also among those who arrived. Senior officials from several Asean countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and Indonesia, also touched down on Sunday. The 58th AMM and related meetings, to be held under Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' will feature 24 ministerial-level meetings, including sessions with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners. The event is expected to gather about 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from Asean member states, Timor-Leste, Asean Dialogue Partners, Asean Regional Forum (ARF) participating countries, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and senior officials from the Asean Secretariat. Malaysia is hosting the AMM as part of its fifth Asean Chairmanship, having previously held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
The Star
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia lays groundwork through strategic bilateral meetings ahead of 58th AMM
KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin held four high-level bilateral meetings with Asean senior officials from Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei on Sunday (July 6), in preparation for the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings. The discussions centred on aligning agendas, finalising joint outcome documents and addressing logistical and protocol arrangements to ensure smooth proceedings. They also served to strengthen coordination among Asean member states on key regional issues ahead of ministerial-level deliberations. Amran began his engagements with Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Kung Phoak, followed by Director General for Asean Cooperation at Indonesia's Foreign Ministry, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro. He later met with the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Eksiri Pintaruchi and Permanent Secretary (Asean), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, Johariah Abdul Wahab. Each meeting lasted more than 30 minutes. The 58th AMM and related meetings, to be 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. The event, from July 8 to 11, is expected to gather about 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from Asean member states, Timor-Leste, Asean Dialogue Partners, Asean Regional Forum (ARF) participating countries, Sectoral Dialogue Partners and senior officials from the Asean Secretariat. Malaysia is hosting the AMM as part of its fifth Asean Chairmanship, having previously held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. - Bernama
