The minister also stated that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is also increasingly recognized as a peaceful region with a strong and growing economy.

From five member countries at the beginning, ASEAN now has 10, and 11 in October with the admission of Timor-Leste, Mohamad Hasan said at a press conference held at the end of the meetings on July 11.

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Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan (right) with Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Amran Mohamed Zin at a press conference held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center on July 11 (Photo: Bernama)

The official noted that more and more countries are applying to become ASEAN’s sectoral and dialogue partners. In addition, many countries are lining up and waiting to sign the TAC (Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia), which is the first step for them to become partners of ASEAN.

Mohamad said that although ASEAN currently has a moratorium on accepting new dialogue partners, the grouping would not be overly rigid on the matter.

Regarding the Myanmar issue, according to Mohamad, ASEAN's current priority is to ensure the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus which called for an immediate end to violence; the delivery of humanitarian assistance; and inclusive political dialogue involving all stakeholders; appointment of an ASEAN special envoy; and full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.

Referring to the issue of Palestine, the diplomat expressed his pleasure that ASEAN not only reached consensus on a joint statement but also adopted an action plan to implement the proposals put forward by member states during the special session on Palestine. He stressed that the priority now is to ensure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as otherwise, humanitarian or reconstruction efforts will be limited.

Source: VNA