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Gaza conflict remains key focus at Asean foreign ministers' meeting

Gaza conflict remains key focus at Asean foreign ministers' meeting

New Straits Times15 hours ago
KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing oppression of Palestinians will remain a key issue for Asean, especially in light of the potential 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, said Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin.
Speaking at a curtain-raiser press conference ahead of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related events, Amran said the Asean foreign ministers would continue to monitor developments closely.
"This issue remains a priority for Asean. We will continue to observe the situation in the coming days.
"Any positive progress, particularly regarding a ceasefire, will certainly be a topic of discussion.
"The foreign ministers will work towards forming a common position in response to the latest developments," he said.
On Wednesday, former US president Donald Trump reportedly said that Israel had agreed to the "necessary conditions" to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
He added that Qatar and Egypt, the mediators in the ceasefire talks, would deliver the "final proposal" to Hamas.
Hamas later said it had responded "in a positive spirit" to the US-brokered proposal and was prepared to enter into talks to implement the deal, which includes the release of hostages and negotiations to end the conflict.
It was also reported that Trump would host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday to press for an end to the war in Gaza.
Trump has pledged to take a tougher stance on Netanyahu as he aims to capitalise on the momentum from the Iran-Israel truce to help broker peace in Gaza.
The 58th AMM and related meetings, held under Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed Inclusivity and Sustainability, will feature 24 ministerial-level meetings, including engagements with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.
In conjunction with the meetings, Malaysia will also host the Fourth
Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV).
Co-chaired with Japan and Palestine, the conference will discuss initiatives to support Gaza's reconstruction and the broader development of Palestine.
The high-level meetings, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11, are expected to gather about 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from Asean member states, Timor Leste, Asean Dialogue Partners, Asean Regional Forum (ARF) participants, Sectoral Dialogue Partners and senior officials from the Asean Secretariat.
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