Kuala Lumpur: Efforts to strengthen and revitalize cooperation with non-ASEAN partners were among matters discussed at today's ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM), which is taking place ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit. Foreign Ministry Secretary General Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin said discussions also focused on issues related to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), as well as enhancing cooperation through the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the discussions at the senior officials level are aimed at finalizing issues that will be considered at the ministerial-level meetings tomorrow morning and at the level of heads of state and government during the 46th ASEAN Summit. The agenda also includes activities planned for the coming months until December 2025, coinciding with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
The SOM Meeting, which commenced at 8:30 am, brings together senior ASEAN officials, SOM representatives from Timor-Leste, and ASEAN Secretariat staff. The objective is to align positions on key regional issues ahead of the ASEAN Leaders' sessions. A significant topic of discussion was Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership, which remains a focal point in conversations about ASEAN expansion and engagement.
Amran mentioned that Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will hold a press conference tomorrow to provide detailed information. Preparations for the East Asia Summit (EAS) were also part of the discussions at the senior officials level. In June, Malaysia will host meetings of ASEAN senior officials, ASEAN Plus Three-comprising China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea-as well as meetings of the ARF and EAS.
With Malaysia chairing ASEAN this year under the theme 'Inclusion and Sustainability,' the country is hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit on May 26 and 27. This marks the fifth occasion Malaysia has chaired the regional bloc, following its leadership in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. The summit will feature significant interregional platforms: the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the first ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, highlighting ASEAN's growing engagement with key international partners.
The ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings are anticipated to address urgent regional and global issues, with the situation in Myanmar remaining a critical concern for ASEAN member states.