KUALA LUMPUR: Continuity is essential to ensure sustainable progress to maintain peace and prosperity in the region, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
"Malaysia has continued that important journey by adding our own building blocks to a structure that belongs to all of us.
"However, we cannot do miracles. One year is not enough to accomplish everything.
"What matters is continuity, to carry on the unfinished and unending mission of building a sustainable legacy for the Asean community," he said during the handing over ceremony of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus chairmanship to the Philippines on Saturday (Nov 1).
Mohamed Khaled said that since Malaysia assumed the Chairmanship, 25 significant initiatives have been signed and adopted.
"We have brought together around 603 delegates from 19 nations, a powerful gathering of diverse ideas, cultures, and perspectives.
"From working-level discussions to senior officials’ meetings, and to this week’s ministerial engagements, our cooperation has been deep, meaningful, and inspiring," he added.
He said the ADMM and ADMM-Plus are enduring symbols of collective commitment to “Asean First,” to unity, centrality, and solidarity.
Malaysia gives its full and unwavering support to the next chair of ADMM and ADMM-Plus.
"We have every confidence that the Philippines will continue to lead with the same spirit of dedication, integrity, and unity.
"Let us support the Philippines’ ADMM Chairmanship, as one ASEAN, united in purpose and in vision," he said.
The Philippines' Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr, who received the chairmanship, thanked Mohamed Khaled for Malaysia’s chairmanship this year.
"There will be tough shoes to fill. I believe all of us here have gained valuable insights from our ADMM and ADMM-Plus engagements this year.
"For the Philippine delegation, these have also informed us of our preparations and we have learned valuable lessons as the next chair of Asean,” he said.
He also reiterated his nation’s appreciation for Malaysia’s role in brokering the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.
