Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

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by AUFA MARDHIAH

THE United States reaffirms its strong ties with ASEAN and announced new areas of cooperation, including a civil nuclear deal with Malaysia. 

US State Secretary Marco Rubio (picture) said ASEAN remains a key platform for American engagement in Southeast Asia, both diplomatically and economically.

“We are very warmly received, very positively received,” he told reporters, citing robust bilateral relationships and a number of meetings that produced “real deliverables.”

Among them was a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on civil nuclear cooperation between the US and Malaysia, which Rubio described as a “very positive” step forward.

He also confirmed the US has moved to elevate diplomatic ties with several ASEAN countries, expected to be formalised soon.

The visit also involved new defence-related agreements and efforts to deepen cybercrime cooperation across the region — a shared concern among ASEAN members and the US.

Rubio added that with Southeast Asia expected to drive two-thirds of global economic growth over the next three decades — much of it via digital platforms — cybersecurity and regional collaboration would become even more critical.

On trade, Rubio defended the US’ decision to impose new global tariffs, including those affecting ASEAN exports, saying they were necessary to address longstanding trade imbalances.

“These tariffs are not aimed at one country or one region. For too long, the US has run unsustainable trade deficits with countries around the world,” he said.

He noted that while the new tariffs will take effect on August 1, the US remains open to making bilateral arrangements that could adjust the terms for individual countries.

“We identified new areas of cooperation. This was a very positive trip,” he said.

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by AUFA MARDHIAH

NEW Zealand urges ASEAN nations to take a cautious and patient approach in navigating the current wave of global tariff hikes, as uncertainties continue to cloud regional trade dynamics.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters (picture) said it is still too early to draw conclusions about the final outcome of escalating tariff actions and encouraged governments to “wait and see”.

“It will not be what you think it is now,” he said on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN’s Foreign Ministers’ Meetings after meeting with US secretary of state Marco Rubio today.

Peters suggested that the situation could change unexpectedly or resolve in unforeseen ways.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in New Zealand’s continued engagement with ASEAN, describing the path forward as “onwards and upwards”.

He called the collaboration an “amazingly exciting time” and said his country is proud to support peace and stability efforts in the region.

“We’re very proud and pleased to be part of the contribution of peace and stability in this part of the world,” he added.

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by FARAH SOLHI

ASEAN is considering Turkiye as full Dialogue Partner status, a step up from its current position as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan said the country has played a positive role as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner with the bloc, especially through the many initiatives carried out together.

Among the initiatives highlighted are Turkiye providing scholarships to students from ASEAN countries, and collaboration in technology, security and defence.

Currently, Mohamad said many countries have submitted their applications to become Sectoral Dialogue Partners.

“But we have a moratorium at the moment due to the many applications,” he told reporters after the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Turkiye and the ASEAN Secretariat at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

Established in 2017, the ASEAN-Turkiye Sectoral Dialogue Partnership has steadily grown and is grounded in shared goals of peace, economic resilience and people-to-people connectivity.

In his opening remarks at the meeting earlier, Mohamad said the partnership stands on a solid foundation of cooperation that spans the three ASEAN community pillars.

This encompasses the Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) 2024–2028, a forward-looking framework designed to strengthen collaboration across several critical sectors.

“These sectors include political-security cooperation, trade and the digital economy, education, disaster management, and sustainable development.

“To further deepen this partnership, Malaysia welcomes efforts to expand cooperation in the defense industry, along with advancements in technology transfer.

“Our economic relations are set to grow even further through collaborations such as the Turkiye-ASEAN Business and Investment Forum, along with its support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) development and innovation partnerships,” he said.

Mohamad added that Turkiye’s experience in e-governance can provide valuable expertise in advancing digital integration, diversifying supply chains and building collective resilience.

Initiatives like the Turkiye Scholarships-ASEAN Joint Scholarship Programme, which trains ASEAN diplomats, and proposed cooperation on technical and vocational education and digital skills development will reinforce people-to-people links and nurture lasting cross-cultural ties, he added.

Additionally, Mohamad affirmed Malaysia’s position in calling for Israel to be held accountable for its persistent violations of international law.

“Malaysia believes that ASEAN and Turkiye’s shared values have made them natural partners in championing multilateralism, peace, stability, prosperity, equality, justice and humanity on the global stage.

“As principled and responsible members of the international community, we should lend our collective voices to advocate for peaceful and just resolution to conflicts around the world, including the dire situation in Gaza,” he said.

Mohamad said impunity has emboldened Israel to attack other countries and warned that it will continue to destabilise the region and beyond if left unchecked.

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by AKMAR ANNUAR

MALAYSIA calls for the East Asia Summit (EAS) to move beyond rhetoric and adopt concrete measures to address regional and global challenges, as the forum marks its 20th anniversary this year.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the EAS must remain outward-looking and relevant in a volatile geopolitical landscape.

“The EAS was established in 2005 after we faced various issues, especially the Asian Financial Crisis and other problems,” he told reporters after chairing the 15th EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

He said the establishment of the EAS alongside ASEAN was a deliberate effort and idea to strengthen cooperation among countries in the region.

Furthermore, he explained that the platform was created to facilitate consensus-building during times of crisis, including natural disasters and cross-border challenges.

“Our priority in the EAS is solidarity and consensus,” he said.

Mohamad also said member countries had agreed to adopt several declarations at the summit in October, with the aim of strengthening the grouping’s effectiveness.

Additionally, he stated that Malaysia does not want to see repeated statements being issued without any concrete action being taken.

“We want the EAS or this coalition of East Asian countries to be empowered, translated into real action and serve as a broader platform,” he added.

In his official remarks, Mohamad said the EAS remained more vital than ever as the world faces rising conflicts, great power rivalries, economic fragmentation, technological upheaval and transnational threats.

“With a combined nominal GDP of approximately US$68 trillion (RM288.32 trillion), the countries in this hall today account for over half of the global economy.”

He noted that this economic weight reinforces the strategic importance of the EAS, not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a powerful engine for cooperation that expands shared prosperity and strengthens socio-economic resilience.

Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, has prioritised building strategic trust through diplomacy, goodwill and respect for international law.

Mohamad urged EAS member countries to uphold their collective responsibility in advancing peace, equity and regional resilience.

He also encouraged them to mark the 20th anniversary of the EAS by committing to concrete efforts to resolve conflicts, grounded in the values of justice, fairness, equality and humanity.

Ceasefire in Myanmar Must Be Expanded

Mohamad said all ASEAN and dialogue partner countries had reaffirmed the importance of implementing the five-point consensus.

“It’s not difficult, because the five-point consensus calls for a ceasefire, dialogue between stakeholders, access for humanitarian aid and a special envoy,” he told the media after the meeting.

He said Malaysia had consistently appointed a special envoy under each ASEAN chairmanship. He also cautioned against Myanmar’s plan to hold elections before addressing ongoing violence.

“Elections are not the priority right now. What’s important is to stop the violence, stop the atrocities, so that all sides can sit together and the people can live well,” he said.

Mohamad said international aid must be allowed to reach those in need before any discussions about elections can take place.

He stressed that an election held without the participation of all parties would be meaningless. Such an election, he added, would not resolve the underlying issues.

Instead, it would likely worsen the situation, as excluded groups would be dissatisfied, further escalating tensions in Myanmar and creating greater challenges for neighbouring ASEAN countries.

Mohamad said Myanmar had acknowledged that a temporary ceasefire was in place.

“What we want is for this temporary ceasefire to become permanent and expanded. Not just patchy areas,” he said.

He pointed out that a nationwide ceasefire is essential for restoring stability and allowing normalcy to return.

He maintained that ASEAN must focus on halting hostilities, promoting discussions among all parties and ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.

Genocide in Palestine Must Stop

Mohamad also called for accountability over Israel’s actions in Gaza. He said the conflict in Palestine, described as the longest of the modern era, must be resolved based on international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.

Moreover, he stated that 80 years of impunity have emboldened Israel to the point of openly committing genocide, including the use of mass starvation affecting even babies and children.

“This is unacceptable. It must not be allowed to continue. It must stop,” he said.

Mohamad said ASEAN welcomed and supported all international efforts for peace in Ukraine, Palestine and the Middle East.

He urged EAS participants to recommit to peace and cooperation grounded in international norms.

“ASEAN counts on the constructive engagement and commitment of all partners towards ensuring lasting peace, shared prosperity and continued progress for all,” he concluded.

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by AUFA MARDHIAH

MALAYSIA has called on the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to step up its role in tackling rising security threats, warning that the platform risks becoming irrelevant if it fails to evolve.

Speaking at the 32nd ARF Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur today, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (picture) said the region is facing growing challenges — from maritime tensions and cyber threats to climate-related crises — and the forum must act swiftly.

“The security challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region today are increasingly complex and multidimensional. If we fail to respond, the ARF may risk losing its relevance,” he said in his opening remarks.

As ARF chair this year, Mohamad said Malaysia is committed to revitalising the forum and making it more responsive to current realities.

Furthermore, he noted that discussions among ASEAN officials are ongoing and non-ASEAN members will be updated soon.

He also outlined four key areas for the ARF to focus on moving forward. First, the forum must stay alert to urgent issues like cyber attacks, disinformation, maritime disputes and the growing risks of climate change, which are already displacing communities and threatening regional stability.

Second, it should build stronger early warning and response systems, especially for crises like natural disasters, health emergencies and conflict prevention.

Third, Mohamad said the ARF needs to bridge the gap between talk and action by launching joint projects in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism and disaster preparedness, while improving coordination with other ASEAN-led platforms.

Finally, he said the ARF’s true strength lies in its inclusivity, bringing together 27 participants with diverse views but a shared commitment to peace, mutual respect and cooperation.

“Together, we must strengthen the ARF as a stabilising force — a forum where trust is nurtured, differences are managed and partnerships are strengthened,” he said.

The meeting, held in parallel with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, also served as a chance for members to reflect on the ARF’s progress and share views on regional and global issues of common concern.

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by FARAH SOLHI 

MALAYSIA has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation with the US on Thursday, aiming to advance peaceful nuclear cooperation.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan said the MOU signed with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio represents crucial steps in strengthening the two countries’ comprehensive partnership.

“For Malaysia, exploring the role of nuclear energy is a key part of our long-term strategy.

“It is about ensuring energy security, driving economic growth and developing our national capacity to harness nuclear energy in a safe, secure and truly responsible manner,” he said in a statement.

He added that Malaysia is ready to commence 123 Agreements negotiations, which are agreements on civil nuclear cooperation.

The Agreement would establish a legally binding framework for significant peaceful nuclear cooperation between the US and its partners.

Mohamad emphasised that Malaysia remains fully committed to its role as a coastal state, affirming its national commitment to harness nuclear energy in a responsible manner.

“In this regard, we are actively formulating new regulations to tighten enforcement against illegal ship-to-ship (STS) transfers within our waters. These changes are expected to take effect by the end of this month,” he added.

Earlier, Mohamad held the ASEAN Post-ministerial Conference with the US, which was part of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (58th AMM) agenda held in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 till 11.

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KUALA LUMPUR — Describing ASEAN and Turkiye as “natural partners” in championing multilateralism, peace, justice and humanity, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stressed the need for both to speak with one voice on pressing international crises especially the grave situation in Gaza.

“As principled and responsible members of the international community, we should lend our collective voices towards advocating a peaceful and just resolution to conflicts around the world, including the dire situation in Gaza,” he said in his remarks at the Trilateral Meeting Between Malaysia, Turkiye and the ASEAN Secretariat, here Friday.

The meeting was held in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, hosted by Malaysia under its ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025.

ASEAN currently comprises 10 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Mohamad said ASEAN and Turkiye must call for Israel to be held accountable for its unrelenting violations of international law. 

“Impunity has emboldened it to attack other countries, and it will continue to destabilise the region and beyond if left unchecked,” he said.

On the trilateral relationship between Malaysia, Turkiye and ASEAN, Mohamad said since the establishment of the ASEAN–Turkiye Sectoral Dialogue Partnership in 2017, the partnership had grown steadily, grounded in shared goals of peace, economic resilience and people-to-people connectivity.

He said the Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) 2024–2028 had provided a forward-looking framework to deepen collaboration in several key areas including political-security cooperation, trade and digital economy, education, disaster management and sustainable development.

In further consolidating the partnership, he said Malaysia welcomed the expansion of defence industry cooperation as well as technology transfers.

Mohamad said economic relations were set to grow even further, with collaborations through the Turkiye-ASEAN Business and Investment Forum, and its support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) development and innovation partnerships.

“Turkiye’s experience in the realm of e-governance can be a great source of expertise in advancing digital integration, diversifying supply chains, and building collective resilience, and help us navigate current geo-economic challenges,” he said.

On the socio-cultural front, he said initiatives such as the Turkiye Scholarships–ASEAN Joint Scholarship Programme, training for ASEAN diplomats, and proposed cooperation in technical and vocational education and digital skills development would reinforce people-to-people links and nurture lasting cross-cultural ties. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — ASEAN is considering upgrading its relationship with Türkiye from a sectoral dialogue partner to a full dialogue partner in the near future, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (picture).

He said that as a sectoral dialogue partner, Türkiye has played a constructive role in various areas including technology, security, defence, and agriculture, as well as offering scholarships to students from ASEAN member states.

“So we are considering how to bring Türkiye in as a full dialogue partner of ASEAN in the near future, God willing,” he told reporters after chairing the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Türkiye and the ASEAN Secretariat, here, on Friday.

The 30-minute meeting was also attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

It was held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58) and related meetings. 

Meanwhile, Mohamad said that many countries have expressed their interest in becoming sectoral or full dialogue partners of ASEAN.

“Many countries have applied and are waiting to become sectoral or full dialogue partners of ASEAN.

“But we have imposed a moratorium because there are simply too many applications,” he said.

He added that ASEAN currently has 11 dialogue partners, and any additions must be carefully considered to avoid overburdening the existing structure.

The 58th AMM and related meetings are being held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’. The event comprises 24 ministerial-level meetings, including engagements with ASEAN dialogue and sectoral partners, and spans four days beginning Tuesday. — BERNAMA

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