Latest news with #32ndASEANRegionalForum
BusinessToday
2 days ago
- Politics
- BusinessToday
ASEAN Regional Forum Reinforces Security Cooperation Amid Global Tensions
Foreign Ministers from across the Asia-Pacific reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability at the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held in Kuala Lumpur on July 11, amid mounting global challenges ranging from geopolitical tensions to humanitarian crises. Chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the meeting underscored the ARF's role as the region's primary platform for constructive political-security dialogue, calling for deeper cooperation, preventive diplomacy and a renewed focus on ASEAN Centrality, in line with the chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. Ministers addressed a wide range of security concerns, including North Korea's missile provocations, maritime disputes in the South China Sea and ongoing violence in Myanmar. The ARF also urged the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and emphasised the importance of peaceful dialogue and compliance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions. The meeting also highlighted growing threats from cybercrime, terrorism, climate change and transnational crime, calling for cross-sectoral coordination and enhanced capacity-building across ARF platforms. Maritime issues such as piracy and marine pollution were flagged as persistent concerns, with ministers welcoming ongoing cooperation under ASEAN-led frameworks. On Myanmar, the ARF reiterated support for the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, called for an immediate cessation of violence and commended the efforts of the ASEAN Chair's Special Envoy in promoting inclusive dialogue. Ministers also expressed alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising tensions in the Middle East, urging adherence to international law and renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace. Looking ahead, the ARF agreed to develop a new post-2025 Plan of Action aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and supported updating the ARF Vision Statement to ensure continued relevance in an evolving security landscape. The meeting concluded with support for the Philippines as the next ARF Chair in 2026, and acknowledgment of the ASEAN Secretariat's work in fostering transparency through the Annual Security Outlook and inter-sessional initiatives. Related
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
MoS Margherita holds talks with New Zealand FM at East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], July 13 (ANI): Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, on Sunday met Winston Peters, Foreign Minister of New Zealand on the sidelines of the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia. Margherita noted that India and New Zealand share vibrant relationship. In a post on X, he said, 'Pleased to meet H.E. Winston Peters, Foreign Minister of New Zealand on the sidelines of the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia. Fondly recalled my last meeting with H.E. Peters during my visit to Auckland in May. India and New Zealand share a vibrant multifaceted bilateral relationship.' Earlier, the duo had a bilateral meeting during which the two leaders discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties between India and New Zealand. Margherita paid an official visit to New Zealand and Fiji from May 8-12. Earlier on Saturday, Margherita addressed the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the ARF process. He emphasized on Pakistan's role in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In a post on X, he said, 'Addressed the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the ARF process, the vibrancy of India's Act East Policy, and our vision for the wider Indo-Pacific. Articulated India's perspectives on navigating the evolving geopolitical landscape, including regional and global challenges. On terrorism, reiterated India's zero-tolerance approach and our right to defend our citizens against acts of terror. Underscored the pressing need for the international community to reject double standards, and to isolate and hold accountable those countries that shelter terrorists, provide them safe havens, or enable cross-border terrorism. Emphasized that the Pahalgam terror attack has undeniable linkages to Pakistan, and exposed Pakistan's pretence of calling for a so-called neutral investigation as a mere charade, given its lack of intent and sincerity to dismantle its terror infrastructure.' (ANI)
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Dar launches broadside at India
Listen to article Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said Pakistan was committed to the ceasefire with India, urging the international community to facilitate a resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute. In an address at the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Kuala Lumpur, Dar strongly criticised India for creating regional tensions, particularly the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. His speech highlighted unresolved disputes, cross-border hostilities, and India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that regional peace remains in jeopardy without international attention and mediation. Dar described South Asia as a region plagued by enduring security challenges, noting that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute lies "at the heart of regional instability". He reaffirmed Pakistan's call for a peaceful resolution in line with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Referring to an attack in Pahalgam on April 22, he said India had blamed Pakistan without any shred of evidence. He said Pakistan had proposed an impartial inquiry on April 26, but India "opted for aggression" instead, launching an unprovoked strike on May 7, resulting in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The deputy prime minister defended Pakistan's military response on May 7 and 10 as a calibrated and restrained exercise of its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, targeting only military assets. He said Pakistan's response aimed to uphold sovereignty and deter further aggression, rejecting what he called India's "so-called new normal" rooted in unilateralism and impunity. He further criticized India's unilateral move to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to millions dependent on the Indus River system. "The treaty contains no provision for unilateral action," he stressed, urging the international community to take notice of what he termed a dangerous precedent. Reiterating Pakistan's commitment to the ceasefire with India, he expressed appreciation for international partners who facilitated it and welcomed their offer to help resolve the Kashmir dispute. "Over one-fifth of humanity resides in South Asia. Another cycle of conflict would be catastrophic for the region," he warned. Beyond regional tensions, the deputy prime minister also addressed global concerns, including terrorism, rising Islamophobia, the Israel-Palestine crisis, Afghanistan, climate change, and maritime security. He said Pakistan had lost over 80,000 lives and suffered economic losses of over $150 billion in the fight against terrorism, adopting a comprehensive approach that includes counter-radicalization, education reforms, and intelligence coordination. However, he warned that terrorism's root causes such as poverty, injustice, occupation, and the denial of self-determination must also be addressed. Dar expressed concern over the instrumentalisation of counterterrorism rhetoric to stigmatise Muslim communities and denounced rising Islamophobic policies. "Such narratives erode fundamental rights and exacerbate radicalization." Turning to Afghanistan, he highlighted Pakistan's recent efforts to strengthen dialogue, including his April visit to Kabul and a trilateral meeting with China and Afghanistan in May. He urged the Afghan interim government to prevent the use of its territory for terrorism against Pakistan. On the Middle East, the minister welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel and reiterated Pakistan's support for Iran's sovereignty and right to self-defence. He strongly condemned Israel's ongoing aggression in Palestinian territories, calling for immediate international action to end the occupation and establish a sovereign Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Reaffirming Pakistan's diplomatic stance on broader Asia-Pacific matters, the foreign minister voiced strong support for peace in the South China Sea and emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through diplomacy. He reiterated Pakistan's backing of the One China Policy and recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate authority over Taiwan. Calling climate change an existential threat, the minister noted Pakistan's vulnerability to disasters like floods and droughts. He urged developed nations to fulfill their commitments on climate finance and technology sharing, stating that "climate justice demands global solidarity. Meanwhile, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan at a weekly briefing reacted sharply to remarks by Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who claimed India had targeted 13 military bases of Pakistan and nine targets set out were successful. "The remarks of the Indian NSA are replete with distortions and misrepresentations. They not only reflect a deliberate attempt to mislead public, but also violate the norms of responsible statecraft. Boasting of military aggression against a sovereign nation is a grave breach of the United Nations Charter and established principles of international law," the spokesperson said. "Rather than resorting to fictitious narratives, India should accept the downing of six fighter jets and severe damages to other military targets," he added. "Besides, it is a matter of public knowledge that the so-called terrorist targets attacked by India resulted actually in the death of civilians, including women and children. Glorification of conflict benefits no one. The path of a lasting peace lies in dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to international law," according to the spokesperson.
Malaysia Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
Bangladesh to cooperate with Malaysia on investigation of its nationals on terror activity
Dhaka [Bangladesh], July 11 (ANI): Bangladesh has agreed to work with Malaysia to investigate allegations of terror activity against Bangladeshi nationals arrested in Malaysia. The agreement was made during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. The Foreign Adviser expressed his concerns with the arrests of Bangladeshi nationals over allegations of terrorism. He reiterated the firm stand of the Government against terrorism and sought Malaysia's cooperation in its own investigation into the allegations through exchange of information and findings. The Malaysian Foreign Minister assured to facilitate access and cooperation with the Bangladesh authorities, the statement said. Earlier, the Foreign Advisor met with the UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, where the two leaders held discussions on diverse bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues. Both sides discussed, among others, the ongoing reforms in Bangladesh, the Rohingya crisis, and post-LDC graduation support, among other topics, it said. The Foreign Adviser also called on Winston Peters, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Hon Vijitha Herath, the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, and Park Yoonjoo, the Vice Minister and Head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea, where a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues were discussed. Bangladesh became a member of ARF in 2006, a forum established in the early nineties to promote confidence and trust among its 27 members, which include countries in the broader Asia-Pacific region. At present, Bangladesh is co-chairing two of the ARF priority areas, 'Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime' and 'Disaster Relief.' The next session of the ARF Ministerial Meeting is scheduled to take place in Manila in 2026. In the afternoon, the Foreign Adviser delivered the national statement at the Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum, where he called for greater attention to the Rohingya crisis and consideration of its national and regional security implications. The Foreign Adviser also urged the ASEAN members to positively consider Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner, the statement said. The Foreign Adviser was accompanied Md Shameem Ahsan, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia, Md Forhadul Islam, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials of the Bangladesh Government. (ANI)
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
FM Ishaq Dar engages with key global leaders at ASEAN Forum
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday called on various international dignitaries including Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkiye Hakan Fidan and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on the sidelines of 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting. During the meeting with the Malaysian PM, he conveyed warm wishes from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Malaysia. PM Ibrahim reciprocated the warm sentiments and said that he looked forward to the visit of PM Shehbaz in October this year. Appreciating Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN Chair for 2025, DPM Dar thanked Premier Ibrahim for the warm hospitality and impressive arrangements at the 32nd ARF Ministerial Meeting. He also appreciated the practical steps taken by the Malaysian side for promotion of trade and investment between the countries following the visit of PM Ibrahim to Pakistan in October 2024. The Malaysian PM, in a social media post, said several memorandum of understandings (MoUs) are expected to be signed, reflecting the growing depth of our bilateral ties, during PM Shehbaz's visit. 'Malaysia-Pakistan trade rose by over 25% last year to USD1.76 billion. We reaffirmed our commitment to finalising the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA), and discussed expanding halal meat exports with a focus on price competitiveness. We also explored new areas of cooperation in agriculture, including rice trade,' he said. PM Ibrahim said the conversation with FM Dar touched on regional and global issues, including ASEAN-Pakistan relations and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. 'Malaysia maintains its support for peaceful resolution [of Kashmir conflict] through dialogue, in line with UN Security Council resolutions,' he said. He also welcomed the prospect of deeper engagement between Pakistan and ASEAN moving forward. During meeting with Lammy, Dar said they reviewed 'the positive momentum in Pakistan–UK relations and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening this partnership'. He said he was pleased to meet the UK foreign secretary. They also discussed recent regional and global developments, he added. 'I appreciated the UK's constructive engagement during India-Pak conflict in April-May 2025,' the foreign minister said pointing towards the UK's role in defusing tension between the nuclear-armed neighbours in May. Meanwhile, Dar also had a warm exchange with Fidan on deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Turkiye. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the bilateral cooperation, he said. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas had an informal interaction with the foreign minister during a Gala Dinner hosted by the Malaysian FM. 'They had a candid exchange on a range of issues of mutual interest,' Pakistan Embassy Belgium wrote in a post on X.
