Timor-Leste, Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone among issues discussed at Asean SOM
KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to strengthen and revitalise collaboration with non-Asean partners were among the key matters discussed at the Asean Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM), which began today ahead of the 46th Asean Summit.
Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin said this includes discussions on the Asean Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (ANWFZ) and initiatives under the Asean Regional Forum (ARF).
"In addition, we are finalising several key agenda items to be presented for consideration at the ministerial and leaders' levels.
"The focus at the senior officials' level also includes planning for the upcoming Asean Summit during Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean in 2025," he said during a doorstep interview following the meeting today.
The SOM officially commenced at 8.30am, bringing together Asean SOM Leaders and Timor-Leste's SOM representatives to align positions on key regional issues ahead of the sessions involving Asean Heads of State and Government.
Commenting further, Amran said the meeting also deliberated on Timor-Leste, which remains a central issue in Asean's expansion and engagement discussions.
"The Foreign Minister (Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan) will hold a curtain raiser or press briefing tomorrow, during which more detailed information will be shared," he said.
Amran added that preparations for the East Asia Summit (EAS) were also reviewed at the senior officials' level.
"In June, we will host senior officials' meetings for Asean, Asean Plus Three (APT), comprising China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, as well as ARF and EAS-related meetings.
"As such, a wide range of issues are being prioritised today to ensure that when the ministerial and leaders' meetings take place, Asean will be collectively prepared to chart the direction and mechanisms necessary for its ongoing initiatives."
This year's Asean Summit, themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability", is expected to be particularly significant, as it will include the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, reflecting Asean's growing engagement with key international partners.
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