Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan emphasized that ASEAN needs to focus on regional economic integration, climate preparedness, and inclusivity to cope with the rapidly changing global landscape.
He said that ASEAN's overall potential should not be overlooked, as it is currently the world's 5th largest economy with a regional GDP of 3.8 trillion USD and a population of 677 million, thus it needs to continue to promote intra-regional trade and investment.
"ASEAN's economic strength and capability diversification, combined with our participation in free trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), give us a unique advantage to establish an integrated supply chain."
"We are stronger when united. Promoting intra-regional trade and investment is important, as it can help us withstand future economic shocks."
He said this on Sunday at the opening of the informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Langkawi International Convention Center.
Regarding the increasingly serious threat of climate change, Mohamad Hasan urged ASEAN to take unified action.
Regarding the increasingly serious threat of climate change, Mohamad Hasan urged ASEAN to take unified action.
"As a region most vulnerable to climate disasters, Southeast Asia must be prepared to deal with crises. ASEAN's collective voice in global negotiations, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is crucial to ensure our needs are addressed."
Additionally, Hasan mentioned that our country hopes to enhance and provide equal opportunities to all social strata to ensure no one is left behind, thus combining ASEAN's theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability" with the Vision of Madani Malaysia.
He said inclusivity is not limited to economic plans and hopes to acknowledge all 11 member countries, including Timor-Leste, to demonstrate its commitment to regional unity.
"If we cannot demonstrate inclusivity within our organization, all our statements will seem hollow. We must fulfill our promises and show trust and support for one another."
As ASEAN celebrates its 58th anniversary, Mohamad Hasan looked back on the efforts of ASEAN leaders and people in building bridges among nations over the past decades.
"I think of those predecessors who poured countless sweat and tears into building bridges between our nations, which fills me with immense pride. However, the work ahead is also challenging."
"We must also shed sweat and tears for the future of our common home, and we will unite to complete this mission. The diversity of our region is not an obstacle but symbolizes our strength in bridge-building."
"In facing future challenges together, let us recognize that success depends on our unity, determination, and willingness to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the world. Everything is in our hands."
Attendees also included Myanmar's representative and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.
Strengthen the community with 3 pillars: Political Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural
Strengthen the community with 3 pillars: Political Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural
Malaysia, with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability" for the meeting, introduced priority areas and deliverables during its tenure as rotating chair, focusing on strengthening the ASEAN community through three major pillars: Political Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying: "This will reflect Malaysia's goal to promote a more integrated, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN, while also enhancing regional peace, stability, and prosperity."
The informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting will also discuss ASEAN's strategic direction and external relations, reviewing follow-up actions on decisions made by ASEAN leaders at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings to be held in Vientiane, Laos, in October 2024.
Additionally, ASEAN Foreign Ministers will exchange views on the development of current regional and international issues, including the Myanmar crisis, geopolitical tensions, and other challenges affecting regional peace and stability.
On the eve of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Malaysian ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting leader Datuk Seri Amran stated that the meeting will discuss the Myanmar crisis and the South China Sea tensions.
The core issue of Myanmar pertains to the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis following the military coup in 2021, which has disrupted ASEAN unity and challenged the regional organization's principles of non-interference and consensus in resolving regional stability and human rights issues.
The South China Sea issue revolves around overlapping territorial and maritime claims between several ASEAN member countries and China, triggering tensions in the region regarding sovereignty, resource development, and freedom of navigation.
In defining Malaysia's role as ASEAN's rotating chair, Independent think tank Emir Research Institute Chairman Datuk Dr. Rais Hussin said Malaysia must focus on promoting unity while respecting member countries' sovereignty and diverse interests.
"This aligns with the Vision of Madani Malaysia promoting inclusivity, integrity, and equitable participation."
Regional policy expert Rais pointed out that this echoes ASEAN's fundamental principle of "Unity in Diversity," and Malaysia should continue to build balanced relationships with all major and medium powers, reflecting ASEAN's principle of neutrality.
"By doing so, Malaysia can help mitigate geopolitical competition and maintain ASEAN's central role in the regional architecture."
Malaysia officially took over as ASEAN's rotating chair for 2025 on the 1st of this month, marking the fifth time our country leads the regional organization since ASEAN's establishment in 1967. Over 300 important meetings and events will be held nationwide throughout the year.
Malaysia has previously served as ASEAN's rotating chair in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.