Manage variations responsibly, ASEAN overseas ministers inform international powers | USAEMALL.com

ASEAN SUPPORTS “ALL EFFORTS TOWARDS PEACE”

Key meetings that took place on Friday, the final day, included the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Both meetings included the 10 ASEAN members and key partners such as the US, Russia and China.

In his East Asia Summit opening remarks, Mohamad made a call for “decisive actions to end all conflicts” guided by the principles of justice, fairness, equality and humanity.

He said ASEAN welcomes and supports all efforts towards peace, including in Ukraine and the Middle East, based on international law.

The “unjust and illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territory”, which he called the “longest conflict of modern history”, must be brought to an end, he told representatives of the 18 members of the East Asia Summit.

“Eighty years of impunity have emboldened Israel to the extent of openly committing genocide, including through mass starvation that includes babies and children. This is unacceptable. It must not be allowed to continue. It must stop,” he said.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono also highlighted the conflict in Gaza, saying the “ongoing genocide” there was a clear reminder of what happens when fundamental principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are ignored. 

As geopolitical tensions intensify, there is a need to reinforce the foundation of peace in the Indo-Pacific. This, he said, meant a steadfast commitment to the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law. 

At the ASEAN Regional Forum, an Asia-Pacific-wide security dialogue with 27 participating countries, Mohamad cited maritime tensions, cyber threats and climate change as the region’s most pressing challenges. 

The forum “must be better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively”, he said. 

“Beyond dialogue, it should play a stronger role in early warning and response, especially in humanitarian crises, health emergencies, and conflict prevention,” he added.

“Malaysia calls for stronger cooperation through joint projects in key areas, such as, maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster preparedness, and better coordination with other ASEAN-led platforms.”