Synopsis
During a recent meeting, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized that ASEAN members are committed to maintaining trade and economic collaboration despite geopolitical tensions. The focus is on unity, resilience, and safeguarding interests while preparing for emergencies.Key Takeaways
- ASEAN members prioritize trade cooperation.
- Maintaining regional unity and neutrality is essential.
- Geoeconomic resilience is vital for crisis preparedness.
- Malaysia will chair ASEAN in 2025, focusing on peace and stability.
- ASEAN aims to influence regional direction.
Langkawi, Jan 19 (NationPress) Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to unite in their efforts to ensure that trade and economic collaboration among them proceed smoothly despite ongoing geopolitical challenges and various disruptions, stated Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan during a press briefing on Sunday.
The member nations are in consensus regarding the importance of maintaining the grouping's centrality and neutrality, and they will strive to safeguard their interests amidst conflicts, large-scale displacements, natural calamities, technological advancements, and economic upheavals, Mohamad emphasized following an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"As we navigate the future of the region for the next two decades through the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its strategic initiatives, it is crucial for ASEAN to strengthen its unity, solidarity, and centrality," he remarked.
"ASEAN must also enhance its geoeconomic resilience to ensure preparedness for emergencies and to be equipped for crises," Mohamad added, highlighting the need for continued promotion of intraregional trade and investment to protect against further shocks.
As the chair of the grouping for 2025, Malaysia will focus on upholding regional peace, stability, and prosperity through dialogue and diplomacy, rooted in the principles of ASEAN unity and centrality. He reiterated that the organization is committed to avoiding entanglement in geopolitical disputes while striving to safeguard its own interests.
"We also emphasized that ASEAN must remain at the forefront of regional architecture to continue shaping the direction and future of our region and community," he concluded.
