Overview
Over the past week, we held 21 meetings involving ASEAN and its External Partners, and the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV).
Separately, I had 15 bilateral meetings with my counterparts from Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, Palestine, the Philippines, Switzerland, Turkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay.
During all these Meetings, we discussed strengthening bilateral relations and international issues of common concern.
SITUATION IN MYANMAR
During the discussions on Myanmar, ASEAN Ministers urgently called on all parties in Myanmar, in particular the SAC, to cease hostilities and violence, observe and respect ceasefires as well as ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, this is in line with the decision of the 46th ASEAN Summit in May.
The Ministers continued to express support for the efforts of the Special Envoy of ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, Tan Sri Othman Hashim, in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the crisis. We also emphasised the importance of continuity in ASEAN’s approach to address the crisis.
Malaysia expressed concern that the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on the ground is still lacking.
We called on all stakeholders to undertake concrete action in this regard.
Out of the five points, three points fall on the stakeholders to implement. They are:
● Cessation of hostilities and violence;
● Inclusive dialogue involving all parties concerned; and
● Humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar.
Malaysia has consistently called on the SAC, as the de-facto party in power, to show leadership and sincerity in committing towards peace and create a conducive environment for inclusive political dialogue.
On the planned elections, Malaysia’s position remains clear and consistent. I have said before that peace is the priority. This means pursuing inclusive dialogue.
I have also said before that elections must be inclusive, free, fair and transparent.
During the AMM Retreat, I stressed to the Myanmar delegation that elections have to be inclusive - everybody, all political parties, all stakeholders have to be able to participate. There is no point in having an election if it is non-inclusive.
I also stated that peace and cessation of hostilities must be a priority before elections. Any elections held without prior inclusive dialogue and political agreement with all Myanmar stakeholders are likely to worsen the conflict and will not be seen as credible or legitimate.
SOUTH CHINA SEA
Malaysia underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to preserve the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and trade.
Malaysia’s position has always been consistent and clear: all disputes relating to the South China Sea must be resolved in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
We emphasised the need for the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC).
Malaysia is encouraged by the progress in the negotiation of the draft Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and will continue supporting efforts towards its early conclusion.
SOUTHEAST ASIA NUCLEAR WEAPON FREE ZONE (SEANWFZ) TREATY
ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed concern over the global security environment characterised by the development of new nuclear weapons, advancements of nuclear weapons systems and rise in nuclear weapon rhetoric.
This makes it more imperative for the Nuclear Weapon States to sign and ratify the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty.
We welcomed China's readiness to sign and ratify the SEANWFZ Protocol without reservations and the renewed interest by some Nuclear Weapon States to sign and ratify the Protocol.
ASEAN is resuming substantive discussions with the countries concerned on outstanding issues concerning the Protocol.
There are more positive developments. Timor-Leste is scheduled to accede to the SEANWFZ Treaty in October this year at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
This will expand the geographical scope of the Treaty and strengthen security in Southeast Asia.
GAZA
ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed deep concern over the continued tensions in the Middle East.
On Gaza, there were calls for immediate and permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and accountability for violations of international law.
Malaysia condemned Israel’s open genocide in Gaza, including mass starvation of children and babies, which is incomprehensible.
Malaysia called for Israel to be held accountable for the countless violations of international law.
On Israel’s aggression against Iran, the Ministers welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel and urged that it be maintained.
Malaysia called for the international community to consistently uphold the integrity of international laws or risk losing credibility.
TREATY OF AMITY AND COOPERATION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA (TAC)
The Ministers reaffirmed the role of the TAC as a key instrument governing inter-state relations in Southeast Asia and in promoting regional peace and stability.
On 9 July 2025, Algeria and Uruguay officially acceded to the TAC, marking their formal commitment to the principles of peaceful cooperation and regional harmony enshrined in the Treaty. As of now, 57 countries have become parties to the TAC.
TIMOR-LESTE’S ADMISSION INTO ASEAN
Following the decision of the 46th ASEAN Summit to admit Timor Leste as the 11th Member of ASEAN by the 47th ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers took note that work on the procedural steps are underway.
The AMM also adopted the Guidelines to Facilitate Timor-Leste’s Accession to ASEAN Legal Instruments under the purview of the AMM.
The AMM encouraged Timor-Leste to take action to accede to the relevant legal instruments as soon as possible.
GEOPOLITICAL AND GEOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS
ASEAN Foreign Ministers urged major powers to manage their differences in a constructive and responsible manner, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
To ensure that the region remains peaceful, stable, and prosperous, we underscored the importance of dialogue and cooperation through ASEAN platforms, with focus on commonalities rather than differences.
The AMM heard a briefing by the ASEAN Geoeconomic Task Force on the subject ASEAN Economic Outlook in a Fragmented Global Economy.
DECISIONS & OUTCOME DOCUMENTS
Greater AMM-AEM Coordination
As proposed by Prime Minister Anwar in his Opening Address during the Opening Ceremony of these meetings on 9 July, the AMM agreed to strengthen coordination between the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Economic Ministers, including following up on the recommendations presented by the AGTF.
TAC
With regard to applications to acede to the TAC, the AMM reached decisions on the following:
• approved the applications of Cyprus, Italy and Sweden; and
• agreed for the ASEAN Secretariat to prepare assessments for the applications of Belgium, Croatia, and Lithuania for the consideration of ASEAN Member States.
Main Outcome Documents of the AMM and ASEAN+1 PMCs with Dialogue Partners
The outcome Joint Communiqué of the 58th AMM has been issued.
The AMM adopted the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Decision on Enhancing ASEAN Relations with External Parties, as a strategic effort to expand and strengthen ASEAN’s global outreach, aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
With India and the ROK, we adopted new Plans of Action (2026-2030) for India and the ROK, respectively. These POAs will guide both Dialogue Partners in further strengthening their partnerships with ASEAN over the next five years.
We agreed on the 2026-2030 ASEAN-China Plan of Action which will chart the way for greater and more robust cooperation between ASEAN and China in the next five years.
With New Zealand, we endorsed the draft ASEAN- New Zealand Leaders’ Joint Vision Statement on the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations. This draft document is scheduled to be adopted by the Leaders at the ASEAN-New Zealand 50 Years Commemorative Summit in October.
With Australia, we adopted the Joint Statement on Australia and ASEAN’s Shared Future, which marks the first joint statement between ASEAN and a Dialogue Partner on the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
CEAPAD IV
After concluding the 58th AMM and series of Meetings with ASEAN Dialogue Partners, I co- chaired the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development, CEAPAD IV together with my counterparts Excellency Takeshi Iwaya, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and Excellency Dr. Estephan Salameh, the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Palestine, who attended the Conference as a Special Guest.
We reaffirmed our strong support to Palestinians’ right to self-determination, amid the dire humanitarian and human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory particularly Gaza with the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Action Plan 2025.
Through the Kuala Lumpur Action Plan, collective regional assistance will be galvanised to urgently address Palestinians’ needs.
This Action Plan will guide members of the CEAPAD in assisting Palestine in areas, among others, humanitarian aid, reconstruction and state-building through capacity-building and technical cooperation.
I reaffirmed Malaysia’s long-standing principled position on Palestinians’ right to self-determination through the swift establishment of a sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
I called upon the remaining 46 States that have yet to recognise the State of Palestine to do so without any preconditions, and to support Palestine’s admission as a full member of the United Nations without any further delay.
Malaysia is committed to assist Palestine through targeted assistance, focusing on humanitarian aid, reconstruction and State-building as well as youth development. Malaysia’s technical assistance and capacity building for Palestine will primarily be undertaken through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).
At the Meeting today, I announced Malaysia’s contribution of USD1 million to be channeled to UNRWA and Palestinian Red Crescent.
This is in addition to the USD16 million that had already been channeled for the Palestinian people since September 2023.
Conclusion
As Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia will continue to play an active role in fostering ASEAN’s consensus on issues of common concern.
The presence of ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners and External Partners at this year’s meetings underscores ASEAN’s standing as a convening power capable of bringing major regional and global players to the same table.
ASEAN remains firm in its pursuit of the two-decade ASEAN Community Vision 2045, endorsed by Leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit, which aspires to build a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people- centred region.
Throughout Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year, we will maintain this positive momentum and ensure that ASEAN’s voice continues to be heard prominently on the international stage leveraging on ASEAN’s growing importance and our strong convening power.
Malaysia will also continue working closely with fellow ASEAN Member States to position ASEAN as a key bloc within the global political and economic architecture, leveraging the strengths of each of its Members.
--BERNAMA