Kuala lumpur: The 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related gatherings, commencing this Tuesday, present a significant opportunity for the United States to enhance its diplomatic and trade relations with regional partners.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, US Embassy spokesperson James Butler Dewey expressed strong confidence in Malaysia’s preparations and leadership as this year’s ASEAN Chair. Dewey highlighted the high level of coordination and professionalism demonstrated by Malaysia in hosting the multilateral event.
Dewey stated that the US Embassy is enthusiastic about Malaysia’s role in leading the multilateral effort. He emphasized the importance of the ASEAN forum as a valuable venue for the US to engage with friends and allies, as well as nations vital to the US as trading partners. He shared these insights with Bernama following a walkabout session at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
The walkabout session, held ahead of the AMM and related meetings scheduled from July 8 to 11, brought together embassy officials at the KLCC. Dewey, who recently began his diplomatic posting in Malaysia, noted that his arrival coincided with the ASEAN Chairmanship activities, allowing him to observe Malaysia’s pivotal role in regional discussions.
Dewey commended Malaysian agencies, including the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra), Ministry of Communications, and the Department of Information, for their exceptional support and hospitality during the preparations. He appreciated the meticulous attention to ensuring all needs were met, along with the exemplary hospitality and the quality of food provided.
Additionally, Dewey praised the KLCC setting and its surroundings as an ideal location for the regional gathering. He remarked on the excitement of hosting a multilateral forum in such a notable place, with views of the Petronas Towers adding to the ambiance.
The walkabout covered key areas such as the International Media Centre, plenary halls, and hospitality spaces, serving as a casual networking opportunity for participating missions. Malaysia is hosting the AMM as part of its fifth ASEAN Chairmanship, with previous tenures in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
The high-level meetings will convene approximately 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) participating countries, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and senior officials from the ASEAN Secretariat.