The minister also stated that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is also increasingly recognised as a peaceful region with a strong and growing economy.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan (right) with Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Amran Mohamed Zin at a press conference held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on July 11. (Photo: Bernama)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - The succe♏ssful organisation of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58) and Related Meetings proves that the bloc is respected and continues to enjoy the trust of major global powers, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has said.
The minister also stated that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is also increasingly recognised as a peaceful region with a strong and growing economy.
From five member countries at the beginning, ASEAN now has 10, and 11 in October with the admission of Timor-Leste, Mohamad Hasan said at a press conference held at the end of the meetings on July 11.
The official noted that more and more countries are applying to become ASEAN’s sectoral and dialogue partners. In addition, many countries are lining up and waiting to sign the TAC (Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia), which is the first step for them to become partners of ASEAN.
Mohamad said that although ASEAN currently has a moratorium on accepting new dialogue partners, the grouping would not be overly rigid on the matter.
Regarding the Myanmar issue, according to Mohamad, ASEAN's current priority is to ensure the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus which called for an immediate end to violence; the delivery of humanitarian assistance; and inclusive political dialogue involving all stakeholders; appointment of an ASEAN special envoy; and full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.
Referring to the issue of Palestine, the diplomat expressed his pleasure that ASEAN not only reached consensus on a joint statement but also adopted an action plan to implement the proposals put forward by member states during the special session on Palestine. He stressed that the priority now is to ensure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as otherwise, humanitarian or reconstruction efforts will be limited./.
AMM-58 is the largest gathering of ASEAN foreign ministers and senior diplomats from around the world to discuss pressing global and regional issues, promote cooperation, and advance the security and sustainability agenda in ASEAN.
In a post on X, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita who co-chaired the meeting, noted that the ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026-2030 aims to expand cooperation further and give impetus to the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Deputy PM and FM Bui Thanh Son, on behalf of ASEAN countries, commended the strong and substantive growth in the ASEAN-New Zealand partnership over the past 50 years and supported elevating it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this year.
At an event updating SERT’s activities, Singaporean Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng announced Singaporean government’s Business Adaptation Grant which will be capped at 100,000 SGD (78,000 USD) per company and will have a co-funding element.
The public is urged to follow five key precautions, including avoiding close contact with individuals who have skin rashes or blisters, being cautious when engaging in sexual activity with unfamiliar individuals and seeking medical testing if returning from Central or East Africa or the Middle East.
Describing the CRL as Singapore’s next “outer ring” MRT line, Siow emphasised that it will provide commuters with more route options and resilience in case of service disruptions or maintenance.
According to the ASEAN Chairman’s Statement issued after the 15th EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ministers underlined the forum’s role in promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia, in line with the ASEAN Charter and key regional declarations including the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
The meeting also urged the NWS to fulfil their obligations in advancing nuclear disarmament under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Thanavath Phonvichai, President of UTCC, noted that there remains a window of opportunity for Thailand to negotiate a more favourable tariff rate, potentially lowering it to 20%, before the duties are set to take effect on August 1. However, he stressed that a final agreement with the US is far from certain.
Singapore’s enduring success is attributed to its strategic location, robust international outlook, and a well-established ecosystem of professional maritime services.
Inflationary pressure in the country is currently being influenced by global uncertainties, including US tariff policy developments and rising geopolitical tensions. These risks could heighten volatility in global financial markets and commodity prices.
Son announced an additional humanitarian aid package worth 350,000 USD for the Palestinian people, which will be channeled through relevant international organisations, aimed at easing hardships faced by the Palestinian people and supporting their reconstruction process.
ASEAN’s stance is to continue pursuing constructive engagement and negotiation with the US, he said, adding member states could hold bilateral negotiations at the same time.
In a letter dated July 7 and addressed to President Prabowo Subianto, US President Donald Trump confirmed the decision to keep the 32% tariff in place, despite ongoing talks.
In the new development phase, the Mekong-Korea Cooperation should focus on innovation as the key driving force, placing people at the centre of development while ensuring water-food-energy security and developing cultural industries, said Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.
There are "high odds" that a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could happen, though no specific date or time has been discussed, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Deputy PM and FM Bui Thanh Son reaffirmed ASEAN's stances on the East Sea, Myanmar, the Middle East, and the Korean Peninsula. On the East Sea issue, Vietnam maintains its steadfast position of peacefully resolving disputes based on international law, particularly 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The event was part of activities by the ASEAN Committee in Santiago (ACS), with participation from the embassies of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
By the 2030, the Government aims for 80% of households to live within a 10-minute walk of an MRT station, strengthening Singapore’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
The US accounts for 18% of Thailand's exports. If the 36% rate is implemented, exports to the US could fall to 10% of the total, weakening bilateral trade relations over the long term.
Within the framework of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-58) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn held bilateral meetings with ASEAN leaders on July 9.
The Southeast Asian country has offered to cut import duties on most US goods to zero, expand access for US agricultural and industrial products, and increase purchases of energy and Boeing jets. It also pledged to reduce its 46 billion USD trade surplus with the US by 70% within five years.
