Latest news with #Asean-ChinaSeniorOfficials'Meeting
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo confident Asean-China talks to strengthen cooperation over South China Sea
Abang Johari (ninth left) joins hands with other guests for the photocall to express solidarity. At seventh and eighth left are Dr Sim and Amran. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 14): Ongoing engagement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and China will further strengthen cooperation in addressing matters related to the South China Sea, said the Premier. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the 24th Asean-China Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which has been taking place here since Aug 11, provides an important platform for constructive dialogue and closer collaboration between the two sides. 'I believe this conference will result in stronger cooperation between Asean and China, particularly in discussions concerning laws governing the South China Sea. 'I would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for choosing Kuching as the venue, given that we are facing the South China Sea,' he told reporters after attending the State Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the meeting last night. On past incidents involving the presence of foreign vessels in Malaysian waters, Abang Johari said Sarawak does not regard them as acts of intrusion, but rather as activities that had taken place in the South China Sea. 'I believe there must be a resolution in light of possible weaknesses that may have taken place. 'Just now (Ministry of Foreign Affairs secretary-general) Datuk Seri Amran (Mohamed Zin) had mentioned the importance of compliance with international law, and if the discussions are within that framework, it will certainly be a win-win situation for both parties,' he said. In his speech, Abang Johari said Sarawak is deeply honoured to host the meeting in Kuching. 'The Sarawak government is proud to be part of Malaysia's Chairmanship of Asean in 2025, and will always be firmly committed to advancing our whole-of-nation efforts. 'It is our firm belief that this meeting signifies our collective efforts to realise our shared commitment to peace, stability, and constructive cooperation in the South China Sea. 'This region is our shared home, and together, we have the responsibility to ensure it remains a sea of peace and prosperity,' he said. He said history has recorded the significant era of non-alignment policy after the Bandung Conference in 1955 where the emerging leaders of Asia at that time laid the foundation that eventually led to the concept of the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (Zopfan). 'I believe the spirit of Zopfan is still prevailing and present in Asean,' he said. Among those present at the dinner were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. Abang Johari asean China lead South China Sea
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo confident Asean-China talks will strengthen cooperation over South China Sea
Abang Johari (ninth left) joins hands with other guests for the photocall to express solidarity. At seventh and eighth left are Dr Sim and Amran. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 14): Ongoing engagement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and China will further strengthen cooperation in addressing matters related to the South China Sea, said the Premier. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the 24th Asean-China Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which has been taking place here since Aug 11, provides an important platform for constructive dialogue and closer collaboration between the two sides. 'I believe this conference will result in stronger cooperation between Asean and China, particularly in discussions concerning laws governing the South China Sea. 'I would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for choosing Kuching as the venue, given that we are facing the South China Sea,' he told reporters after attending the State Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the meeting last night. On past incidents involving the presence of foreign vessels in Malaysian waters, Abang Johari said Sarawak does not regard them as acts of intrusion, but rather as activities that had taken place in the South China Sea. 'I believe there must be a resolution in light of possible weaknesses that may have taken place. 'Just now (Ministry of Foreign Affairs secretary-general) Datuk Seri Amran (Mohamed Zin) had mentioned the importance of compliance with international law, and if the discussions are within that framework, it will certainly be a win-win situation for both parties,' he said. In his speech, Abang Johari said Sarawak is deeply honoured to host the meeting in Kuching. 'The Sarawak government is proud to be part of Malaysia's Chairmanship of Asean in 2025, and will always be firmly committed to advancing our whole-of-nation efforts. 'It is our firm belief that this meeting signifies our collective efforts to realise our shared commitment to peace, stability, and constructive cooperation in the South China Sea. 'This region is our shared home, and together, we have the responsibility to ensure it remains a sea of peace and prosperity,' he said. He said history has recorded the significant era of non-alignment policy after the Bandung Conference in 1955 where the emerging leaders of Asia at that time laid the foundation that eventually led to the concept of the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (Zopfan). 'I believe the spirit of Zopfan is still prevailing and present in Asean,' he said. Among those present at the dinner were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. Abang Johari asean China lead South China Sea
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean-China SOM talks aim to fast-track South China Sea COC negotiations
KUCHING: The Asean-China Senior Officials' Meeting on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), scheduled here tomorrow, will also serve as a key platform to accelerate negotiations towards finalising a Code of Conduct (COC) for the disputed waters. Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin said the main focus of the meeting is to ensure all parties continue to respect the principles agreed under the DOC, which form the foundation of good relations in the region. "In addition, the meeting will intensify negotiations to finalise the South China Sea Code of Conduct with a target of completion by or before July 2026. "We need to step up negotiations more aggressively and proactively so that the COC draft can be finalised according to schedule," he said after paying a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi here today. He said the gathering, which brings together senior officials from Asean member states and China, is also part of efforts to strengthen regional ties and cooperation. "The discussions will focus on measures to ensure peace, security and prosperity in Southeast Asia. "The South China Sea has increasingly become the focus of international attention, not only for Asean and China but also for countries outside the region. "Therefore, close cooperation is essential to maintain stability," Amran added. In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Ministry said the meeting aims to further enhance the implementation of the DOC, signed on Nov 4, 2002 by Asean member states and China.
