The ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, recently embarked on a significant three-day working visit to Malaysia, aimed at strengthening collaboration between Malaysia and the ASEAN Secretariat. This visit comes as Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN Chair in 2025, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and dialogue.

Key Takeaways

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn's visit underscores Malaysia's commitment to ASEAN's goals.
The meeting with Malaysia's Foreign Minister focused on priorities for the 2025 Chairmanship.
Emphasis on regional peace, economic integration, and sustainable growth.
Support for Timor-Leste's membership in ASEAN was reaffirmed.

Strengthening Malaysia-ASEAN Ties

During his visit, Dr. Kao met with Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who hosted a working lunch to discuss the upcoming chairmanship. The discussions centered around Malaysia's main priorities, which include:

Maintaining Regional Peace and Stability
Enhancing Economic Integration
Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

The Foreign Minister reiterated Malaysia's commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region through continuous dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing the principle of ASEAN Centrality.

Commitment to ASEAN Centrality

The concept of ASEAN Centrality is crucial for maintaining the organization's relevance and effectiveness in addressing regional challenges. Malaysia's commitment to this principle was evident in the discussions, as the Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the support received from the ASEAN Secretariat.

Support for Timor-Leste's Membership

A significant point of discussion was the establishment of a Timor-Leste Unit at the ASEAN Secretariat. The Foreign Minister called for the expedited operationalization of this unit, which is essential for facilitating Timor-Leste's membership into ASEAN. This move reflects Malaysia's dedication to inclusivity within the organization.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Malaysia gears up for its chairmanship in 2025, the collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat is vital for ensuring the success of upcoming ASEAN meetings. The Foreign Minister expressed confidence that the support from the Secretariat would play a significant role in achieving Malaysia's objectives during its chairmanship.

In conclusion, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn's visit to Malaysia marks a pivotal moment in strengthening ASEAN's collaborative efforts and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as Malaysia prepares to take on the chairmanship in 2025.