KUALA LUMPUR: Upholding the commitment to the “Asean Way” is crucial, as the regional bloc navigates the tides of change.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the recent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and its mediation efforts highlights the importance of Asean centrality.
“The border conflict between our neighbours this year, has understandably opened some anxieties within the Asean community. It reminds us of the fragility of peace.
“Fortunately, 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 in his opening remarks at the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
He added that as Asean chair, Malaysia is humbled by the trust placed on the nation, to facilitate these efforts and iy remain fully committed to supporting both countries.
Mohamad said Malaysia looks forward to the signing of the formal ceasefire agreement, and the establishment of the Asean Observers Team during this Summit.
On another matter, he said Asean and Timor-Leste have come a long way in welcoming the latter as part of the bloc.
He said the adoption of the Guidelines for Facilitating Timor-Leste’s Participation in Asean Legal Instruments marks a historic milestone in that journey.
“Welcoming this young democracy strengthens not only our collective resolve, but also our capacity to meet future challenges together,” he said.
Mohamad said Asean is expanding in more ways than one.
Earlier this year, he said, Algeria and Uruguay acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and soon, Finland will also do so, raising the total number of high contracting parties to 58.
“This underscores our growing reputation as a globally respected centre of dialogue and a trusted partner for peace.
“In the eyes of the international community, Asean has stood as a beacon of neutrality and a safe harbour, amid geopolitical turbulence.
“Regardless of the uncertainties and the great power rivalries, that have cast their long shadows across global trade, this region has remained steadfast and productive,” he said.
Economically, he said, collective vision remains strong.
He said the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Asean Digital Economy Framework
Agreement (DEFA) continue to deepen integration, strengthen supply chains, and attract global investment.
At the same time, he said, Asean continues to diversify its partnerships, expanding ties with India, Australia, the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
This in turn, enhances Asean’s collective strategic autonomy, he added.
“Importantly, we have positioned ourselves as a strategic East-West connector, through the establishment of the Asean-GCC-China Summit back in May.
“All over the world, our collective strength is gaining recognition. Because the nations of Asean stand together and move as one,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
