Kuala lumpur: ASEAN member states must stay united and intensify efforts to build a future-proof Southeast Asia amid growing geopolitical uncertainties, economic fragmentation, and global disruptions. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan emphasized the importance of strategic autonomy and collective action in navigating emerging threats such as climate change, technological disruption, and rising polarization during his opening remarks at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad stressed the significance of ASEAN’s foundation, which was laid 58 years ago with the Bangkok Declaration-a visionary move during a time defined by nuclear tensions and proxy wars. He highlighted that Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 would focus on inclusivity and sustainability, aligning with the recently adopted ASEAN Community Vision 2045 aimed at shaping a resilient, innovative, and people-centered region.

The 58th AMM and related meetings, organized under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025 with the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, include 24 ministerial-level meetings involving ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners. The four-day high-level events have attracted approximately 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) participants, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and senior ASEAN Secretariat officials.