ASEAN Secretary-General Embarks on Working Visit to Malaysia
JAKARTA, Dec 1 (Bernama) — ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn will embark on a three-day working visit to Malaysia starting Monday, where he will meet with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss preparations for Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.
Invitation from Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry
The visit, which comes at the invitation of Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, was confirmed by the ASEAN Secretariat on Sunday.
Focus on Key Priorities and Deliverables
According to the Secretariat, Kao’s meetings with Anwar will focus on Malaysia’s key priorities and deliverables as it takes on the ASEAN chairmanship under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
Meetings with Top Malaysian Officials
He will also engage with several top Malaysian officials, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, and Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi.
Ensuring Comprehensive Preparations
The discussions aim to ensure Malaysia’s comprehensive preparations for its leadership role and to provide full support, the Secretariat added.
Handover of ASEAN Chairmanship
This visit follows the Oct 11 handover of the ASEAN chairmanship from Laos to Malaysia at the closing ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane.
Anwar received the ASEAN chairmanship gavel from Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, officially marking Malaysia’s return to the role, set to begin on Jan 1, 2025.
Previous Experience as ASEAN Chair
Malaysia has previously held the ASEAN chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr Kao Kim Hourn’s working visit to Malaysia is a significant event in the lead-up to Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. The discussions between Kao and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will focus on ensuring Malaysia’s comprehensive preparations for its leadership role and providing full support to the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Malaysia take over as ASEAN chair?
A: Malaysia takes over as ASEAN chair on January 1, 2025.
Q: Who will Dr Kao Kim Hourn meet during his working visit?
A: Dr Kao Kim Hourn will meet with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as well as several top Malaysian officials, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and others.
Q: What is the theme of Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025?
A: The theme of Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 is “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.