Mohamad Calls For Stronger ASEAN-Switzerland Ties To Promote Peace, Rule Of Law

By Maizatul Jamny Muhammad Rosli

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- ASEAN and Switzerland must strengthen their cooperation in promoting peace, dialogue and respect for international laws amid escalating global tensions, said Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

In his opening remarks at the Trilateral Meeting between Switzerland and the ASEAN Secretariat on Thursday, Mohamad said Switzerland’s focus on peace, human rights, responsible business conduct and humanitarian mine action demonstrates a genuine alignment with ASEAN’s values.

The Trilateral Meeting was held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

He said both ASEAN and Switzerland play key roles in advocating for peace and prosperity, noting the regional bloc’s role in convening countries, including major powers, to address shared concerns and foster mutual cooperation.

“… Together, ASEAN and Switzerland should lend a collective voice, to advocate for dialogue and peace. This is vital in a world where warlike-language has come to occupy significant space,” he said.

Mohamad also underscored the importance of upholding international law and seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza.

“It is imperative that Israel be held accountable for its relentless atrocities and persistent violations of numerous international laws in Gaza and against other countries in the region. To allow such inhumanity and impunity to go unpunished, raises concerning questions about the credibility of the international community and systems,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ignazio Cassis, the Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, expressed concern over rising global instability and reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to multilateralism and peaceful diplomacy.

He said Switzerland also acknowledges that the role of regional and international organisation is important, and emphasised the country's commitment to working together with its partners all over the world towards a just and peaceful international order.

“Coming up to the international situation, let me just affirm that the world is getting crazy, if I may be very open in this small discussion. Conflicts and tensions globally are high. I also think about, of course, Ukraine, about Gaza, but also about Sudan, Myanmar and many others where we are present with our humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.

“We are a very heterogeneous nation with many languages and different religions, even if the nation is not going to be with almost 10 million people. We are convinced that we have to find ways to peacefully settle all disputes and that is also what we try to do in our nation at the ASEAN set,” he added.

Cassis said that the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter serve as Switzerland’s guiding framework in today’s turbulent times, emphasising the need to pursue dialogue not only with like-minded partners but also with those holding differing views.

Also present at the trilateral meeting was the Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

-- BERNAMA