ASEAN Remains Firm Amid Global Uncertainties - Malaysian FM

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- ASEAN continues to stand firm and deliver results despite global uncertainties and escalating rivalries among major powers, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said today.

He said the regional bloc’s unity and resilience have allowed it to withstand external pressures and preserve stability amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

“In the eyes of the international community, ASEAN has stood as a beacon of neutrality, and a safe harbour, amid geopolitical turbulence,” he said in his opening remarks at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) here today.

He added that under Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship, ASEAN has sought to preserve its unity and shared purpose while charting a forward-looking path that stays true to its core values of trust, dialogue, and consensus.

“These values form the glue that have empowered us, to defy the expectations of the world - to be a success story of a region that is highly diverse, in terms of culture, languages, religions, and modes of governance – and yet is thriving so well,” he said.

The Foreign Minister emphasised that inclusivity and sustainability must continue to define ASEAN’s vision, ensuring that no member state is left behind as the region moves forward.

He noted that ASEAN’s expansion, including the inclusion of Timor-Leste and the growing number of partners acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, underscores iits standing as a globally respected centre for dialogue.

“Earlier this year, Algeria and Uruguay joined the Treaty, while Finland’s upcoming accession will bring the total to 58 High Contracting Parties,” he said.

Mohamad also highlighted ASEAN’s mediation role in helping to de-escalate tensions between two neighbouring countries, Thailand and Cambodia, calling it a ‘reminder of the fragility of peace.’

“Thanks to tireless mediation efforts, tensions have since de-escalated. We commend both countries for choosing the path of diplomacy and dialogue to resolve their differences,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment, as ASEAN Chair, to support peacebuilding efforts, saying the forthcoming signing of a ceasefire agreement and the establishment of an ASEAN Observer Team would mark a key milestone in regional diplomacy.

He also stressed that unity must continue to guide ASEAN’s approach in addressing the South China Sea issue and the Myanmar crisis, both of which, require diplomacy and trust rather than coercion.

The AMM is part of a series of meetings held ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit, which gathers regional leaders to deliberate on key political, economic, and security issues under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability.’

Malaysia is hosting the summit as part of its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, which concludes this year.

-- BERNAMA