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Asean, Switzerland must champion peace amid rising warlike rhetoric

Asean, Switzerland must champion peace amid rising warlike rhetoric

KUALA LUMPUR: Asean and Switzerland must stand united in championing dialogue and peace, particularly in a world increasingly gripped by belligerent rhetoric, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Delivering his keynote address at the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland, and the Asean Secretariat today, he stressed the importance of upholding international law, including the peaceful and just resolution of conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
"This is especially critical in an era where warlike discourse has come to dominate global narratives," he said.
He further stressed the need for Israel to be held accountable for its relentless atrocities and ongoing violations of international law in Gaza and elsewhere in the region.
"Permitting such inhumanity and impunity to go unpunished raises deeply troubling questions about the credibility of the international community and its institutions," he added.
Mohamad also underlined the respective roles of Asean and Switzerland as crucial platforms for peace-building and global dialogue, particularly amid increasing geopolitical instability.
"Asean, through its annual meetings, serves as a unique forum where nations — including major powers — convene to address shared concerns and promote cooperation for mutual benefit.
"Switzerland, as the host of the World Economic Forum in Davos, holds a pivotal position as a convener of global discussions on economic, social, and environmental challenges.
"Together, we must raise a collective voice in support of dialogue and peace," he said.
The trilateral meeting formed part of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and its associated events, comprising 24 ministerial-level sessions, including those with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.
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