Latest news with #InclusiveandSustainableAseanFuture
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia, Asean missions celebrate Asean Day 2025 in The Hague
THE HAGUE, Netherlands: The aroma of nasi lemak and fresh teh tarik filled the air, while captivating cultural performances set the tone for a vibrant Asean Day 2025 celebration here. The colourful showcase of South-East Asia's rich heritage came to life as the Embassy of Malaysia, together with the embassies of Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, marked the occasion on Friday with a renewed call for unity. Guests enjoyed a lively morning of cultural exchange, warm camaraderie, and the unmistakable flavours of Asean hospitality, with Malaysian favourites – nasi lemak, teh tarik and the specially prepared serawa durian – proving crowd-pleasers that drew praise from attendees. In a statement, the Embassy of Malaysia in The Hague said diplomats, government officials, and members of the public gathered to celebrate the region's diversity under this year's theme: "Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean Future." Ambassador of Malaysia and Chair of the Asean Committee in The Hague (ACTH) Datuk Roseli Abdul in his welcoming remarks highlighted Asean's remarkable achievements over the decades and called for renewed efforts to build a resilient, innovative and people-centred Asean community. The event was graced by the presence of Asean Ambassadors from Brussels, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste from London, representatives from the Dutch government and international organisations, as well as members of the media. Gerrie Willems, representing the Netherlands Foreign Ministry, reaffirmed the close ties between Asean and the Netherlands. She expressed optimism that both sides would continue to explore new opportunities and strengthen cooperation based on mutual respect and shared values. The Asean Day 2025 celebration was hailed as a resounding success, underscoring the shared commitment of Asean Member States to deepen friendship, cooperation, and cultural understanding in the Netherlands and beyond. The event was supported by the Agriculture Counsellor Office, Matrade and Tourism Malaysia in The Hague. – Bernama
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Asean reaffirms neutrality, sustainability, and unity amid global uncertainty
JAKARTA (Bernama-Xinhua): Member states of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) are striving to uphold neutrality, promote diplomacy, and accelerate sustainability efforts amid intensifying global tensions and environmental challenges, Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said on Friday. Speaking at the 58th Asean Day Celebration, held under the theme "Toward an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean Future" at the Asean Secretariat Office in Jakarta, Kao emphasised that Asean's principled neutrality and commitment to dialogue can serve as a stabilising force in a volatile world. "In uncertain times, we must remain a steady and stabilising force, offering space for honest dialogue, practical cooperation, and principled neutrality, where differences can be bridged and solutions be found," he said. "Even amid tensions close to home, we are guided by the belief that diplomacy and dialogue pave the way to a lasting peace," Kao noted. He said that beyond geopolitics, the region faces urgent environmental challenges. Climate change, natural disasters, and resource scarcity are already profoundly affecting Asean countries. In response, Asean is advancing several major initiatives, including long-standing cooperation on transboundary haze, the establishment of the Asean Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam, efforts to build a regional power grid known as the Asean Power Grid, and accelerating a renewable energy transition. "These reflect a growing resolve to confront the climate crisis together. Sustainability also encompasses economic resilience, diversifying supply chains, enhancing food and energy security, and building smart, green infrastructure that will support future generations," he said. "Asean cannot afford to treat sustainability as an abstract ideal or a future concern. It must be a concrete, urgent strategy embedded in everything we do," he added. Representing President Prabowo Subianto at the celebration, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono reiterated Indonesia's commitment to strengthening Asean as a peaceful, resilient, innovative, and people-oriented region. He said that unity is key to Asean's strength amid current geopolitical rivalries, stressing that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. - Xinhua
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Asean reaffirms neutrality, sustainability, unity amid global uncertainty
JAKARTA: Member states of Asean are striving to uphold neutrality, promote diplomacy, and accelerate sustainability efforts amid intensifying global tensions and environmental challenges, Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn (pic) said on Friday (Aug 8). Speaking at the 58th Asean Day Celebration, held under the theme "Toward an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean Future" at the Asean Secretariat Office in Jakarta, Kao emphasised that Asean's principled neutrality and commitment to dialogue can serve as a stabilising force in a volatile world. "In uncertain times, we must remain a steady and stabilising force, offering space for honest dialogue, practical cooperation and principled neutrality, where differences can be bridged and solutions be found," he said. "Even amid tensions close to home, we are guided by the belief that diplomacy and dialogue pave the way to a lasting peace," Kao noted. He said that beyond geopolitics, the region faces urgent environmental challenges. Climate change, natural disasters, and resource scarcity are already profoundly affecting Asean countries. In response, Asean is advancing several major initiatives, including long-standing cooperation on transboundary haze, the establishment of the Asean Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam, efforts to build a regional power grid known as the Asean Power Grid, and accelerating a renewable energy transition. "These reflect a growing resolve to confront the climate crisis together. Sustainability also encompasses economic resilience, diversifying supply chains, enhancing food and energy security, and building smart, green infrastructure that will support future generations," he said. "Asean can not afford to treat sustainability as an abstract ideal or a future concern. It must be a concrete, urgent strategy embedded in everything we do," he added. Representing President Prabowo Subianto at the celebration, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono reiterated Indonesia's commitment to strengthen Asean as a peaceful, resilient, innovative, and people-oriented region. He said that unity is key to Asean's strength amid current geopolitical rivalries, stressing that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. - Xinhua
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia ramps up preparations for 47th Asean Summit
CYBERJAYA: Preparations are underway for the 47th Asean Summit in October, with Malaysia working closely with regional counterparts to ensure continuity and progress on key issues. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said ongoing cooperation with leaders from Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia aims to maintain a unified and inclusive approach. 'We want continuity so the next chair knows what needs to be done and nothing is left disconnected,' he said after attending the 58th Asean Day celebration yesterday. Mohamad also confirmed plans to visit Myanmar on Sept 19 ahead of the summit. 'We will continue to follow through on what has been promised, including extending and expanding the ceasefire,' he said. The visit will also allow him to observe how the new administration is functioning following the lifting of the state of emergency and the establishment of the State Security and Peace Council. 'Although the highest authority remains the National Defence and Security Council, I want to observe the situation closely. Myanmar has clearly stated it will hold elections, which is why the national state of emergency was not extended, as required by their constitution,' he said. Mohamad noted that 63 towns remain under local states of emergency enforced by the council and stressed the need for clarity on whether the upcoming elections will be comprehensive. 'So, I want to get a clear picture to present to the Asean leadership in October,' he said. The 58th anniversary of Asean, themed 'Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean Future', was celebrated yesterday. Mohamad reflected on the region's historic journey and current challenges, noting that the 1960s marked a defining moment when Southeast Asia's five founding nations – Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – came together amid global superpower tensions to form Asean as a bold experiment in peace and multilateralism. 'Over the past 58 years, Asean has grown into a unique organisation, setting new standards in global governance through diversity and consensus,' he said. Mohamad reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to Asean's vision of an inclusive and sustainable Southeast Asia as outlined in the Asean Community Vision 2045, which aims to build a resilient and people-centred region over the next two decades. He also underlined Asean's proactive role in managing regional crises, particularly in Myanmar, through principled crisis management and efforts to uphold the credibility of the Five-Point Consensus. 'As Asean chair, Malaysia successfully facilitated a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand in Putrajaya, demonstrating the bloc's ability to act decisively. Bringing the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia together to agree on a ceasefire shows Asean's strength and value as a platform, just as our founding fathers envisioned,' he said. Mohamad called for continued unity and commitment, stressing that Asean's ideals are not passive but require ongoing dedication. 'As we move forward, let us embody the spirit of our founders, to speak as one, united in purpose,' he said while wishing all a happy Asean Day.
