Call for Asean unity: Mohamad (second from left) speaking during the Plenary Session of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean foreign, trade and economy ministers will be consolidating their approach towards improving intra-Asean trade, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said they will partake in a forum to discuss and agree on an action plan to move forward, to be held before the 47th Asean Summit in October.
“This will ensure our objective to improve intra-Asean trade materialises. If there are trade barriers that we have to take apart, we will do that.
“We need to move effectively as the world has changed. The best way is through Asean,” he told reporters on the sidelines of 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting plenary session.
Mohamad said the meeting also discussed Asean’s relations with external parties.
“We need a more open Asean to ensure we do not depend too much on just one party. Asean must be seen as a bloc that is open and welcomes more partners when it comes to trade and more,” he said.
In his opening remarks at the plenary session, Mohamad said with the world getting more fragmented, Asean must continue to forge its unity and centrality.
The region, he said, must continue to leverage its governing power to promote dialogue, diplomacy and security to create space for cooperation.
“A meaningful dialogue and peaceful resolution are needed now more than ever. All over the world, we are witnessing the breakdown of humanity, moral and legal norms that once defined the global system.
“Multilateralism is under attack, unilateralism and nationalism are on the rise. In this fragmented world, Asean’s unity and centrality is our capital,” he said.
He said the external pressures on Asean’s unity will grow and the call for its members to take sides will get louder.
For this, he called on member states to stand firm amid the uncertainties and unprecedented global challenges.
“Asean must be the beacon of hope, be the voice of reason, and continue to be the platform for cooperation and progress.
“We must continue to champion the principles of justice, fairness, equality and humanity,” he added.
Mohamad also said that despite Asean’s efforts in addressing the crisis in Myanmar, there is no meaningful progress, pointing out that the delay in peace in the country will prolong the people’s sufferings and threatened the region’s security.
“Asean will continue to support the path towards a Myanmar-led peaceful resolution to the crisis in the country,” he added.
Mohamad also highlighted the impending threats of climate change that have started taking a toll on the region.
“As we work towards a more inclusive, sustainable and future-oriented Asean community, the most urgent imperative is the need for us to address the existential hazards of climate change,” he said.
