Three Key Meetings Mark Final Day Of 43rd ASEAN SOME-PETRA

KUCHING, June 18 (Bernama) -- Three key meetings held in conjunction with the 43rd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) have concluded the series of high-level dialogues on energy within the ASEAN framework.

The host, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) announced that the third day of the event saw the convening of the 24th SOME+3 Energy Policy Governing Group (EPGG), which brought together senior energy officials from ASEAN member states and their three key dialogue partners, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

In a statement, PETRA said the meeting reviewed the implementation progress of Phase II of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) (2021-2025) and discussed the strategic direction for the development of Phase III of the APAEC.

“One of the focus areas discussed was the implementation of renewable energy, energy security and the peaceful development of nuclear energy.

“Additionally, the 3rd ASEAN Energy- European Union (EU) energy dialogue emphasised efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector,” read the statement.

According to PETRA, the session highlighted policy exchanges between both sides, including the EU’s reaffirmed support for the ASEAN Power Grid and the integration of renewable energy sources.

It added that the session also covered the implementation of the ASEAN-EU Energy Cooperation Work Plan 2025-2026, which outlines initiatives such as the ASEAN Green Initiative and the Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE).

PETRA also announced today’s final meeting was the Special Governing Council Meeting of the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), chaired by Malaysia.

“The closed-door meeting approved the ACE Audited Financial Report 2024 and discussed the implementation of the ACE Work Plan 2025, including the initial development of a renewable energy subsidy framework,” it said.

The ministry also stated that preparations for the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2025 were discussed, with a focus on green investment and innovation in energy technology.

All meetings held over the three days will serve as a crucial foundation for the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) to take place in October in Kuala Lumpur.

PETRA said the prestigious event marks a significant milestone in strengthening regional cooperation and supporting ASEAN’s aspirations toward a sustainable, secure, and integrated energy future.

“The meeting outcomes reflect ASEAN’s ongoing commitment to advancing energy security, environmental sustainability and the region’s economic resilience,” it said.

The ministry emphasised its dedication to playing an active role in driving the regional energy transition agenda through open dialogue and inclusive multilateral cooperation.

The three-day meeting, which began on Monday, was chaired by PETRA secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli in his capacity as ASEAN SOME 2025 chairman.

-- BERNAMA