MANILA: Brunei Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah has called on Asean to strengthen the rules-based international order and take greater collective action against climate change and other regional challenges.
Addressing the plenary session of the 59th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila on Tuesday, he stressed that Asean's needs and interests must remain at the centre of the bloc’s engagement with external partners.
He also encouraged countries that support the principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia to accede to the treaty, saying this would help reinforce regional peace, stability and cooperation.
On climate change, the prince highlighted the role of the Asean Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam in coordinating future regional initiatives. He called for stronger cooperation among Asean members to address the growing effects of climate change.
He earlier attended the opening ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center, which was officiated by Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma Theresa Lazaro.
He later joined the plenary and retreat sessions, where Asean foreign ministers discussed efforts to strengthen the Asean Community and manage the bloc’s relations with external partners.
During the retreat, the ministers exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East and its impact on Southeast Asian economies and communities.
The prince emphasised the need to maintain open channels of communication. He urged all parties to exercise restraint and resolve their differences peacefully and in accordance with international law.
At an extended informal consultation, the prince joined other Asean foreign ministers in discussing the political situation in Myanmar and efforts to advance the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus.
He expressed appreciation to Thailand for hosting a recent informal meeting in Bangkok and reaffirmed the importance of an inclusive reconciliation process involving all key political stakeholders in Myanmar.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Prince Andul Mateen held separate talks with Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavan Phomvihane.
During his meeting with Dr Kao, he expressed appreciation for the Asean Secretariat’s continued support for regional community-building and the implementation of the Asean Community Vision 2045.
In his meeting with Thongsavan, both sides welcomed the steady progress of the Brunei Darussalam–Laos Strategic Partnership, particularly in trade, defence, education and people-to-people exchanges.
The prince and his wife later attended a gala dinner hosted by Lazaro at the Museo del Galeón.
The dinner was also attended by other Asean foreign ministers, representatives of dialogue partners and other external partners.
