The minister also stated that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is also increasingly recognised as a peaceful region with a strong and growing economy.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan (right) with Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Amran Mohamed Zin at a press conference held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on July 11. (Photo: Bernama)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) 🐼- The successful organisation of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58) and Related Meetings proves that the bloc is respected and continues to enjoy the trust of major global powers, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has said.
The minister also stated that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is also increasingly recognised as a peaceful region with a strong and growing economy.
From five member countries at the beginning, ASEAN now has 10, and 11 in October with the admission of Timor-Leste, Mohamad Hasan said at a press conference held at the end of the meetings on July 11.
The official noted that more and more countries are applying to become ASEAN’s sectoral and dialogue partners. In addition, many countries are lining up and waiting to sign the TAC (Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia), which is the first step for them to become partners of ASEAN.
Mohamad said that although ASEAN currently has a moratorium on accepting new dialogue partners, the grouping would not be overly rigid on the matter.
Regarding the Myanmar issue, according to Mohamad, ASEAN's current priority is to ensure the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus which called for an immediate end to violence; the delivery of humanitarian assistance; and inclusive political dialogue involving all stakeholders; appointment of an ASEAN special envoy; and full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.
Referring to the issue of Palestine, the diplomat expressed his pleasure that ASEAN not only reached consensus on a joint statement but also adopted an action plan to implement the proposals put forward by member states during the special session on Palestine. He stressed that the priority now is to ensure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as otherwise, humanitarian or reconstruction efforts will be limited./.
AMM-58 is the largest gathering of ASEAN foreign ministers and senior diplomats from around the world to discuss pressing global and regional issues, promote cooperation, and advance the security and sustainability agenda in ASEAN.
In a post on X, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita who co-chaired the meeting, noted that the ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026-2030 aims to expand cooperation further and give impetus to the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Deputy PM and FM Bui Thanh Son, on behalf of ASEAN countries, commended the strong and substantive growth in the ASEAN-New Zealand partnership over the past 50 years and supported elevating it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this year.
On August 11, major RoK outlets, including Yonhap News Agency, KBS, The Korea Herald, and The Korea Times, provided prominent coverage of the talks held the same day between General Secretary Lam and President Lee Jae Myung, during which both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in economy, security, technology, and culture.
The Singaporean government needs to enable people, workers and businesses to make full use of these tools, and enhance their competitive advantage. It “will walk this journey” with Singaporeans as it has done for the past six decades, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm both ASEAN member states' and partners’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and narrowing development gaps.
Thailand emits roughly 350 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, with the energy and industrial sectors accounting for more than 75% of this amount. Though this volume represents just 1% of global emissions, the Thai Government is eager to achieve carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption, by 2050.
The Malaysian government is undertaking a structured assessment to examine the role of nuclear power as a potential option for clean, stable, and competitive electricity within Malaysia’s future energy mix.
It aims to identify and honour digital technology initiatives, products, and solutions with practical applications; promote creativity in technology development; anticipate trends and development potential in digital technology; and recognise the role of digital technology in economic growth and enhancing quality of life for citizens in ASEAN countries.
Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Simon D.I. Soekamo, the rotating Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the bloc's spirit of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirmed ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue.
Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
