Malaysia Continues to Serve as Bridge-Builder in ASEAN Region
Malaysia’s Commitment to ASEAN Centrality
PUTRAJAYA, April 13 (Bernama) — As the chair of ASEAN, Malaysia is committed to reinforcing the bloc’s centrality in regional affairs. This commitment was reaffirmed by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin during his speech at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025 (ADF 2025) held in Antalya, Türkiye, recently.
Fostering Dialogue and Collaboration
Malaysia’s role as a bridge-builder within the region is crucial in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding among member states. This reflects the country’s long-standing commitment to facilitating dialogue and cooperation in the region.
Neutrality and Non-Alignment
In his remarks, Mohamad emphasized Malaysia’s dedication to upholding the principles of neutrality and non-alignment. This approach ensures that ASEAN remains the primary driving force in regional affairs, free from external influences.
Constructive Engagement with Global Powers
Malaysia is committed to engaging constructively with major global powers, advocating for a balanced and principled foreign policy approach in the face of increasing geopolitical tensions. This approach aims to promote unity within ASEAN and enhance the bloc’s resilience, relevance, and responsiveness to regional and global challenges.
Balancing Global Interests
The deputy minister highlighted Malaysia’s balanced and principled foreign policy approach in engaging major global powers, particularly in the face of rising geopolitical tensions. This approach seeks to promote stability and cooperation in the region, while also protecting Malaysia’s national interests.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
During the ADF 2025, Mohamad held bilateral meetings with several foreign ministers, including Cambodia’s Secretary of State of the Foreign Ministry, Min Khuon Phon Rattanak; Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka. He also paid a courtesy call on Yemen’s Foreign Minister Dr Shaya Mohsin Mohamed Zindani.
Key Focus Areas
The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations, Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, and key regional and international issues, including the situation in the Middle East.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malaysia’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and neutrality is crucial in maintaining the bloc’s relevance and effectiveness in regional and global affairs. As a bridge-builder, Malaysia continues to play a vital role in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding among member states.
FAQs
- What is Malaysia’s role as chair of ASEAN?
Malaysia serves as a bridge-builder in the region, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding among member states. - What is Malaysia’s approach to engaging with major global powers?
Malaysia advocates for a balanced and principaled foreign policy approach, promoting unity within ASEAN and enhancing the bloc’s resilience, relevance, and responsiveness to regional and global challenges. - What are the key focus areas of Malaysia’s foreign policy?
The key areas include strengthening bilateral relations, ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, and regional and international issues, including the situation in the Middle East.