Timor-Leste, Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone among issues discussed at Asean SOM
KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to strengthen and revitalise collaboration with non-Asean partners were among the key matters discussed at the Asean Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM), which began today ahead of the 46th Asean Summit.
Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin said this includes discussions on the Asean Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (ANWFZ) and initiatives under the Asean Regional Forum (ARF).
"In addition, we are finalising several key agenda items to be presented for consideration at the ministerial and leaders' levels.
"The focus at the senior officials' level also includes planning for the upcoming Asean Summit during Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean in 2025," he said during a doorstep interview following the meeting today.
The SOM officially commenced at 8.30am, bringing together Asean SOM Leaders and Timor-Leste's SOM representatives to align positions on key regional issues ahead of the sessions involving Asean Heads of State and Government.
Commenting further, Amran said the meeting also deliberated on Timor-Leste, which remains a central issue in Asean's expansion and engagement discussions.
"The Foreign Minister (Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan) will hold a curtain raiser or press briefing tomorrow, during which more detailed information will be shared," he said.
Amran added that preparations for the East Asia Summit (EAS) were also reviewed at the senior officials' level.
"In June, we will host senior officials' meetings for Asean, Asean Plus Three (APT), comprising China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, as well as ARF and EAS-related meetings.
"As such, a wide range of issues are being prioritised today to ensure that when the ministerial and leaders' meetings take place, Asean will be collectively prepared to chart the direction and mechanisms necessary for its ongoing initiatives."
This year's Asean Summit, themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability", is expected to be particularly significant, as it will include the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, reflecting Asean's growing engagement with key international partners.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
41 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysian evacuees from Iran arrive safely at KLIA
SEPANG: Twenty-four people, including 17 Malaysians, have safely arrived in the country following an evacuation operation coordinated by the government from Iran. The group, which also included six Iranian dependents of Malaysian citizens and a Singaporean, arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 11.03pm on Sunday aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH781. The evacuees were greeted by their loved ones at the arrival hall, with smiles and sighs of relief as families reunited after their arduous journey across borders and multiple countries. Accompanying the group was Malaysian Ambassador to Iran, Khairi Omar, who was received at the airport by the Foreign Ministry's deputy secretary-general (bilateral affairs), Datuk Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani. Wisma Putra, in a statement, said the evacuation involved a 1,120km overland journey from Tehran to the Iran–Turkmenistan border, which was completed on Saturday. "From there, the evacuees boarded a Turkmenistan Airlines flight the following day, transiting in Bangkok before flying into Malaysia. "The operation was spearheaded by the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran and supported by the Malaysian embassies in Ashgabat and Bangkok, which facilitated the subsequent flight arrangements," it said. Wisma Putra, on behalf of the government, also expressed its deepest appreciation and gratitude to the governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Turkmenistan and Thailand for their close cooperation, which enabled the smooth and safe repatriation of the evacuees. "In a show of regional solidarity, Malaysia also extended assistance to a Singaporean during the operation, while the Malaysian Embassy in Ashgabat had earlier helped arrange travel for Brunei citizens returning from Turkmenistan," it said. On Saturday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan ordered the temporary closure of the Malaysian Embassy in Iran, directing embassy staff in the country to return home immediately. Mohamad said many other foreign missions had done the same following recent developments in the Middle East involving Israel. The United States had earlier announced its entry into the Iran-Israel conflict, stating that it had carried out attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites, including the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow. Now entering its second week, the conflict was sparked by Israel's 'preemptive' airstrikes on several strategic sites in Iran, including nuclear facilities, missile bases and military command centres, followed by retaliation from the Gulf state.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
PM: Embrace diversity as a strength, not a source of division
KUCHING: Racial diversity should be embraced as a strength to enhance national unity, rather than as a battleground for rivalry or a means to showcase superiority and ego, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He said that in many other countries, such diversity has led to racial and religious hostility, eventually burdening the nation and negatively affecting the people. "Unity within our multiracial society is increasingly essential to ensure that Malaysia remains strong amid the current uncertain global geopolitical landscape. "Never underestimate the potential problems if you are disunited. "The geopolitical conditions are so challenging and alarming. "The future is never certain. But what we can ensure is a united Malaysia," he said. Anwar was speaking at the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Sunday night, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour at the event. Anwar said as prime minister, he feels proud in showcasing the country's cultural and racial diversity, especially as Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship this year and when receiving foreign dignitaries and corporate leaders. He said this was exemplified during a recent meeting with ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer Ryan Lance, where he wore a traditional Iban outfit gifted to him earlier by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. "So I told him (Ryan) about Sarawak, about the beauty of the culture, that's what we have to do. "And I take great pride as a Malaysian to speak to one of the great multi-billion dollar companies, probably one of the biggest oil companies in the world and number one in the United States," he said. Meanwhile, Anwar also announced that he will meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto this Friday to discuss a proposal for Sarawak to be positioned as a hub for the Asean Power Grid (APG). He said Sarawak, with its strengths in hydroelectric, gas and hydrogen energy, has the potential to spearhead the APG, not only by linking to Sabah and Indonesia's Kalimantan, but also extending to the southern Philippines.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
Embrace Diversity As A Strength, Not A Source Of Division
KUCHING, June 22 (Bernama) -- Racial diversity should be embraced as a strength to enhance national unity, rather than as a battleground for rivalry or a means to showcase superiority and ego, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He said that in many other countries, such diversity has led to racial and religious hostility, eventually burdening the nation and negatively affecting the people. 'Unity within our multiracial society is increasingly essential to ensure that Malaysia remains strong amid the current uncertain global geopolitical landscape. 'Never underestimate the potential problems if you are disunited. The geopolitical conditions are so challenging and alarming. The future is never certain. But what we can ensure is a united Malaysia,' he said. Anwar was speaking at the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour at the event. Anwar said as prime minister, he feels proud in showcasing the country's cultural and racial diversity, especially as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship this year and when receiving foreign dignitaries and corporate leaders. He said this was exemplified during a recent meeting with ConocoPhillips Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Lance, where he wore a traditional Iban outfit gifted to him earlier by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. 'So I told him (Ryan) about Sarawak, about the beauty of the culture, that's what we have to do. And I take great pride as a Malaysian to speak to one of the great multi-billion dollar companies, probably one of the biggest oil companies in the world and number one in the United States,' he said.
