Latest news with #ASEAN-led
Barnama
3 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN-US Meeting Strengthens Regional Defence Cooperation
By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz SINGAPORE, May 30 (Bernama) -- The multilateral meeting between ASEAN defence ministers, Timor-Leste, and United States Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Friday is expected to further strengthen regional defence cooperation, said Malaysia's Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue here on Friday. bootstrap slideshow 'The meeting served as a platform for ASEAN countries to exchange views on regional security challenges, especially in the Indo-Pacific, and to explore opportunities to strengthen defence cooperation with the United States,' Mohamed Khaled shared in a Facebook post. He also shared Malaysia's perspective as the current ASEAN Chair, highlighting two major regional issues — the Myanmar crisis and the South China Sea situation — during his meeting with Hegseth. 'Solutions to these two critical issues must be led and driven by ASEAN through an ASEAN-led and ASEAN-driven framework,' he said. Mohamed Khaled also stressed the importance of all parties upholding ASEAN's core values and principles to ensure the continued security, sovereignty, and stability of the region. Meanwhile, during the meeting, Hegseth highlighted common security challenges and reaffirmed the US' strong commitment to the region, according to a statement by Singapore's Defence Ministry. He said that the US believed in practical cooperation and strong partnerships underpinned by shared values.
Barnama
4 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN-led Approach Vital To Myanmar's Peace, Says Thai Foreign Minister
He said ASEAN must continue its constructive engagement with Myanmar, noting that efforts spearheaded by Thailand, and Malaysia as ASEAN Chair 2025, have led to significant breakthrough despite the slow pace of mediation process with the junta. KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa emphasised that sustained, inclusive, and ASEAN-led mechanisms are crucial and must remain central in all diplomatic efforts to resolving the quagmire in Myanmar. The minister saw recent crackdowns on online scam syndicates operating in Myanmar and the aftermath of a recent earthquake as starting points to strengthen such negotiations. 'Thailand is trying to change the mindset, from a negative (perception) into positive collaboration,' he told Bernama in a special interview on the sideline of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related summits in the capital. He said Thailand has taken a constructive approach on Myanmar by engaging in meaningful dialogues. Maris highlighted a recent breakthrough in the mediation process that demonstrated ASEAN's resolve under Malaysia's leadership. 'This is the beginning of a platform where Myanmar and neighbouring countries can exchange ideas and work together to tackle such issues,' he said. 'Transnational crime is a major concern for Myanmar's neighbours, and addressing it requires active cooperation from Myanmar. He highlighted the participation of Myanmar Foreign Minister U Than Swe in a virtual emergency meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers, chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, in response to the earthquake. It marked the first time a Myanmar political leader participated in the regional bloc's meeting since the 2021 coup. Following the meeting, Mohamed and Maris jointly led a humanitarian mission to Nay Pyi Taw to assess the post-quake situation, where they also consulted with Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Than Shwe. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also initiated a meeting with Aung Hlaing and held an online dialogue with the National Unity Government Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann during his visit to Bangkok in April, marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between the conflicting parties. 'All these efforts are taken under the name of ASEAN. This is a breakthrough. We should keep this momentum, (open) opportunities for Myanmar to talk to us (ASEAN) constructively in order to bring about a durable solution in an ASEAN way,' Maris said. 'Of course, the problem has long history of difficulties, but I believe that this is the very beginning. It will take time, but we are hopeful that the positive outcome will emerge," he added. A military coup on February 1, 2021 ousted the democratically elected National Unity Government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country, which was already embroiled in decades of turmoil, into deeper unrest. Over 6,000 lives have been reported lost to this ongoing armed conflict. A devastating earthquake on March 28, 2025, aggravated the crisis and prompted the junta to extend ceasefire until May 31 to facilitate relief efforts. For their part, ASEAN leaders have adopted a Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in April 2021 after the military coup to serve as primary framework to resolve the crisis. The consensus calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and for the envoy to be granted access to all stakeholders in Myanmar. Despite its significance, implementation of the consensus has largely stalled due to the junta's continued non-compliance, with the issue remaining a major concern in ASEAN's ongoing engagement with Myanmar. As the result, Myanmar leaders are barred from ASEAN summits and ministerial-levels meetings, with the country represented only by non-political officials. ASEAN leaders have repeatedly urged Myanmar to recommit to the 5PC, reiterating that the framework remains the central reference to restore peace and stability. Mohamad emphasised that full compliance with the 5PC is a prerequisite for holding elections in Myanmar, consistent with ASEAN's position that such discussions can only proceed after the consensus has been implemented. Mohamad said he planned to visit Myanmar to formally present a 'wish list' gathered from various stakeholders to the SAC. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
ASEAN leaders pledge unity to ensure thriving community
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN leaders adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ASEAN Community, pledging to continue working together in maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability, as well as further development and growth in the region. This commitment aims to ensure that the ASEAN Community continues to thrive and remains adaptive and responsive to the impacts and inherent opportunities of existing and future megatrends, according to the declaration, which was adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit yesterday. The declaration, shared with the media today, noted that the leaders also agreed to strengthen efforts in upholding ASEAN centrality, as well as maintaining an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient and rules-based regional architecture that respects international law, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and broaden cooperation with ASEAN's external partners and to explore cooperation with other interested parties. This includes through substantive, practical and tangible cooperation on the four priority areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through ASEAN-led mechanisms. According to the declaration, ASEAN leaders will also strive to ensure the region's continued progress by reinforcing adherence to ASEAN's shared principles and commitments, strengthening institutional mechanisms, enhancing cross-pillar and cross-sectoral coordination, and proactively responding to challenges and opportunities They decided to redouble their efforts to further enhance ASEAN Connectivity, including to advance the ASEAN Power Grid, energy interconnection and multilateral power trade, and narrow development gaps through inclusive, participatory, and equitable access to economic and socio-cultural opportunities. ASEAN leaders also agreed to foster a stronger ASEAN identity and promote greater people-to-people connectivity through education, cultural exchanges and social cooperation. They are committed to further ensuring the quality of life and well-being of ASEAN peoples, leaving no one behind, by strengthening social protection, enhancing health and nutrition, promoting inclusive and sustainable development, and advancing quality education and skills development for a future-ready ASEAN workforce. The leaders also agreed to continue to integrate lessons learned in implementing ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together as ASEAN embarks on the next phase of its journey by realising ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and effectively further advance ASEAN Community-building in the next 20 years. The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of the ASEAN Community was adopted in 2015, elevating the integration process in ASEAN by ensuring lasting peace, security and resilience across the region, pushing for a highly integrated and cohesive economy, and fostering a common identity across the peoples of ASEAN. Malaysia hosted the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on May 26 and 27, under its ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, with the overarching theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. The summit also saw the participation of ASEAN leaders and representatives from key dialogue partners in two high-level meetings -- the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit -- aimed at expanding regional and inter-regional cooperation.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN Leaders Pledge Unity To Ensure Thriving Community
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- ASEAN leaders adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ASEAN Community, pledging to continue working together in maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability, as well as further development and growth in the region. This commitment aims to ensure that the ASEAN Community continues to thrive and remains adaptive and responsive to the impacts and inherent opportunities of existing and future megatrends, according to the declaration, which was adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit yesterday. The declaration, shared with the media today, noted that the leaders also agreed to strengthen efforts in upholding ASEAN centrality, as well as maintaining an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient and rules-based regional architecture that respects international law, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and broaden cooperation with ASEAN's external partners and to explore cooperation with other interested parties. This includes through substantive, practical and tangible cooperation on the four priority areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through ASEAN-led mechanisms. According to the declaration, ASEAN leaders will also strive to ensure the region's continued progress by reinforcing adherence to ASEAN's shared principles and commitments, strengthening institutional mechanisms, enhancing cross-pillar and cross-sectoral coordination, and proactively responding to challenges and opportunities They decided to redouble their efforts to further enhance ASEAN Connectivity, including to advance the ASEAN Power Grid, energy interconnection and multilateral power trade, and narrow development gaps through inclusive, participatory, and equitable access to economic and socio-cultural opportunities. ASEAN leaders also agreed to foster a stronger ASEAN identity and promote greater people-to-people connectivity through education, cultural exchanges and social cooperation. They are committed to further ensuring the quality of life and well-being of ASEAN peoples, leaving no one behind, by strengthening social protection, enhancing health and nutrition, promoting inclusive and sustainable development, and advancing quality education and skills development for a future-ready ASEAN workforce.
Sinar Daily
26-05-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Malaysia should leverage US-China tariff pause to reposition itself
KUALA LUMPUR - The 90-day tariff pause between the United States (US) and China offers Malaysia a critical opportunity to reposition itself economically, according to economists. After their first round of talks in Switzerland over the weekend since US President Donald Trump initiated tariffs on April 2 on every country, the US and China have struck a deal to reduce reciprocal tariffs by 115 percentage points. Under the deal, the US will lower its tariff on Chinese imports from 145 per cent to 30 per cent and China will reduce its tariff on US goods from 125 per cent to 10 per cent. Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak, a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA's department of economics and financial studies, told Bernama that Malaysia must capitalise on this period of relative stability to diversify its trade portfolio and strengthen its economic resilience. He said key strategies include deepening ASEAN-led partnerships through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to reduce reliance on US-China trade. "Malaysia should (also) enhance export competitiveness by attracting firms looking to diversify their supply chains, particularly in high-value sectors such as semiconductors and renewable energy, while also advancing domestic reforms to position itself as a regional production hub through improved business operations, digital infrastructure, and workforce development,' he said. He also stressed the importance of monitoring geopolitical risks and preparing for potential disruptions. He said firms need to develop contingency strategies to address possible US-China decoupling scenarios by exploring new export markets and creating supply chain buffers. "A proactive approach will help Malaysia manage trade uncertainties and seize emerging global opportunities,' he said. Commenting on the broader implications of the deal, Idham said the 90-day suspension offers temporary relief to global trade tensions and could revive activity in sectors like electronics, agriculture, and manufacturing. However, he cautioned that the pause alone does not guarantee stability. Although the 90-day period provides an opportunity for dialogue, it fails to secure lasting peace without meaningful concessions, which could lead to a resumption of the trade war while at the same time expanding limitations on technology and investment. "Malaysia should remain vigilant, as the end of the truce could lead to renewed trade tensions, disrupting regional exports and investment flows,' Mohamad Idham said. Meanwhile, Center for Market Education chief executive officer Dr Carmelo Ferlito said Malaysia should respond to the development by actively pursuing new free trade agreements (FTAS) with global partners. "Malaysia should avoid taking sides in the ongoing trade tensions and instead focus on advocating clear, consumer-benefiting free trade policies that foster innovation. "This situation presents an opportunity for Malaysia to push for new FTAS, not just to lower tariffs, but also to tackle non-tariff barriers - such as regulations and quotas - that can hinder trade. He further emphasised that the 90-day pause represents a highly positive signal. "Trump shook the table and now the players are about to sit down for a new round of cards, trying to define new rules. "Trump was not aiming at tariffs per se but at pushing other countries to negotiate with him to reshape global trade,' he said. Lee Hwok Aun, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute's Malaysia Studies Programme in Singapore, said the 30 per cent tariff on China remains substantial. "It is unclear whether this reprieve will avert a US recession and wider global contagion,' he said, adding that the truce reflects domestic pressures faced by the US and China. "Countries negotiating trade deals, especially Malaysia and its Southeast Asian neighbours caught in the US-China rivalry, should proceed tactfully and bide their time while awaiting greater clarity on the direction and substance of US-China negotiations,' he said. - BERNAMA
