Malaysia: Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair for 2025, has demonstrated its credibility as host by successfully drawing strong participation from Foreign Ministers of ASEAN member states, dialogue partners, and delegations to the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings beginning Tuesday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin stated that the strong turnout reflects high expectations from member states and dialogue partners towards Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship. He emphasized that the robust participation also indicates growing interest from other countries in the regional grouping’s strategic role on the global geopolitical stage.

Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin noted that this is a significant development, highlighting that participation in the 58th AMM and related meetings is very encouraging despite the crowded calendar of regional and international meetings. He made these remarks at a press conference ahead of the 58th AMM and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), scheduled from July 8 to 11.

The meetings are expected to see attendance from at least 1,500 delegates, including more than 30 Foreign Ministers from ASEAN countries and dialogue partners. Key events to watch include discussions on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had previously announced that China and Russia, two of the five nuclear powers, have agreed to sign the SEANWFZ treaty. This marks a significant commitment toward ensuring Southeast Asia remains a peaceful and nuclear weapon-free region.

Additionally, Malaysia will host the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV), scheduled for July 11. CEAPAD IV, co-chaired by Malaysia, Japan, and Palestine, will focus on capacity-building programmes, reconstruction of critical infrastructure in Palestine, and the provision of comprehensive and effective humanitarian assistance.