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The ASEAN foreign ministers unanimously welcomed the progress in the negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and emphasized the need to maintain momentum to expedite the process.
The ASEAN foreign ministers stressed the necessity of reaching an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea as soon as possible to implement the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
After presiding over the informal meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers on Sunday, Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Mohamad Hassan said at a press conference: "We emphasize that peace and stability must be maintained in the South China Sea."
When asked about Malaysia's plan to finalize the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea during its term as the ASEAN rotating chair this year, he stated that negotiations are ongoing, and every effort is being made to ensure that they proceed as planned.
In terms of combating cyber fraud, Mohamad Hassan said that China and ASEAN, as partner countries, will cooperate to combat transnational crime.
Regarding U.S. President-elect Trump's phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, Mohamad Hassan considered it welcome news and congratulated Trump for taking office next Monday and returning to the White House.
"We hope that under his leadership, the world will become more stable and peaceful."
Additionally, Mohamad Hassan said that ASEAN foreign ministers are concerned about the potential resurgence of superpower competition in the region, which could exacerbate tensions and have spillover effects in the region.
"ASEAN unanimously believes that it is crucial to jointly safeguard regional interests and must strengthen ASEAN's centrality, unity, and solidarity."
"We also emphasize that ASEAN must continue to play a leading role in the regional architecture, continuing to determine the direction and future of the region and the entire community."
Latest Gaza Ceasefire Plan
ASEAN foreign ministers welcome the latest Gaza ceasefire plan and prisoner release agreement.
Mohamad Hassan said that they expressed this unanimous stance at the informal meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers held in Langkawi today.
He said that the ceasefire plan provides an opportunity to ease tensions and prioritize the protection of innocent lives. ASEAN foreign ministers consider the situation in Gaza to remain "deeply concerning."
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, set to begin on Sunday, which includes the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar, earlier during his visit to the UK, welcomed the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
He said that the ceasefire is a crucial step that will provide much-needed relief to the suffering people of Gaza.
He also mentioned that Malaysia, which has long defended the rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people, will provide assistance for the reconstruction of Gaza.