“ASEAN has shown its ability to perform decisively under Malaysia’s current chairmanship,” Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan affirmed.

The official cited, as the most recent example, the intervention of Malaysia to resolve the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, whose representatives met in this capital and agreed to a ceasefire.

He emphasized, “When tensions burst between our neighbors, Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, convened both parties and helped negotiate a ceasefire, which is being actively implemented, monitored, and supported by our Association.”

In Mohamad’s opinion, more than a diplomatic exercise, this effort showed ASEAN’s capacity for action and its value as a platform.

Malaysia previously presided over the regional group in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. This year marks its fifth time this nation assumes the ASEAN chairmanship, and proposes focusing on Inclusion and Sustainability.

At an event attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other key figures in his cabinet, Mohamad recalled ASEAN’s origins and the value of the unity that has strengthened over the years, leading to the greater progress of its members.

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