ASEAN foreign ministers convene

By Elan Castañares

The 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) commenced in Kuala Lumpur this week, marking a pivotal moment for regional diplomacy amid shifting global dynamics.

Ministers from the 10-member regional bloc, along with dialogue partners and observers, convened under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme: “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

ASEAN charts post-summit progress, regional resilience

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, joined the Foreign Ministers Meeting in both plenary and retreat sessions chaired by Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, The Honourable Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan.

The meeting assessed progress since the 46th ASEAN Summit in May and re-affirmed commitments to building a resilient and united ASEAN Community.

Timor-Leste attended the meeting as an observer, continuing its engagement with the bloc, according to the ASEAN website.

Ministers reviewed external relations and global developments, emphasising ASEAN’s central role in promoting regional stability.

They voiced support for Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship priorities, especially the goals of inclusivity and sustainable development across political, economic and socio-cultural pillars.

Trade weaponisation requires ASEAN unity

In a strong opening address, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for ASEAN unity in the face of increasing “weaponisation” of international trade.

Citing the growing use of tariffs, export bans and investment restrictions as geopolitical tools, Anwar urged intra-regional trade and integration as a strategic countermeasure.

“Tariffs, export restrictions and investment barriers have now become the sharpened instruments of geopolitical rivalry.”

“This is no passing storm. It is the new weather of our time,” Anwar said, according to a report by Reuters.

He advocated for ASEAN-led solutions in areas such as connectivity, education, digital transformation and food security to shield citizens from external pressures and to reinforce the region’s long-term resilience.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan echoed this urgency, particularly highlighting climate change as an “existential hazard” that ASEAN must confront together.

“We must continue to champion the principles of justice, fairness, equality and humanity,”  he said during the plenary.

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ASEAN, UK launch landmark health security partnership

A major highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the ASEAN-United Kingdom Health Security Partnership Programme (HSP), a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening regional health systems. 

According to The Laotian Times, the programme will address pandemic preparedness, climate-related health risks and antimicrobial resistance through a ‘One Health’ approach integrating human, animal and environmental health sectors.

“The ASEAN-UK Health Security Partnership Programme is a timely initiative that complements ASEAN’s collective efforts to strengthen pandemic preparedness and build resilient healthcare systems,” Dr Kao Kim Hourn said.

UK Ambassador to ASEAN Sarah Tiffin emphasised that the programme symbolised Britain’s ongoing commitment as a Dialogue Partner.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that no country is immune to global health threats,” she said.

Philippines begins preparations for ASEAN chairmanship

On the sidelines of the AMM, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro met with Dr Kao to discuss preparations for the country’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

Lazaro stated the Philippines is committed to hosting a “people-oriented, people centered and rules-based ASEAN.”

Preparations are already underway for hosting regional summits and meetings, with world leaders including those from the United States, China and Russia expected to attend.

The current members of the ASEAN are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

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