LANGKAWI: Foreign ministers from across South-East Asia have arrived in Langkawi for the Asean Foreign Ministers’ (AMM) Retreat, which starts today.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan arrived yesterday afternoon, followed by other foreign ministers.
The Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo arrived on Thursday, Bernama reported.
The AMM Retreat, held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre, will mark the first major meeting under Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean in 2025, setting the stage for a busy and significant year ahead.
Foreign ministers and representatives of the 10 Asean member states will attend the two-day retreat.
Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas will attend as an observer.
The ministers are expected to exchange views on Asean’s external relations and recent regional and international developments of common interest and concern.
All Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leaders of Asean and Timor-Leste were expected to attend the welcome dinner hosted by the Foreign Ministry secretary-general and Malaysia’s Asean SOM Leader Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin last night.
The Asean SOM, also scheduled for today, will bring together leaders and representatives of all Asean member states and the Asean Secretariat to discuss various issues.
The Coordinator of the International Media Centre (IMC) Zamshari Shaharan held a media briefing focusing on arrangements for reporters, photographers and cameramen during the AMM Retreat and the facilities available for pressmen.
Over 200 delegates from the 10 Asean member states and observer state Timor-Leste are expected at the retreat.
Malaysia officially assumed the chairmanship of Asean on Jan 1, the fifth time it has led the regional grouping since its establishment in 1967.
Over 300 key meetings and programmes are scheduled to take place across the country throughout the year.
Malaysia previously chaired Asean in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
