ASEAN SEC-GEN'S VISIT STRENGTHENS MALAYSIA-ASEAN SECRETARIAT COLLABORATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan hosted ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn to a working lunch here Tuesday in conjunction with the latter’s three-day working visit to Malaysia beginning Monday.

Kao's visit, as Malaysia prepares to assume the role of ASEAN Chair in 2025, is significant in strengthening collaboration between Malaysia and the ASEAN Secretariat and underscores both parties’ commitment to ensuring the success of Malaysia’s Chairmanship next year.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry, Wisma Putra, in a statement said Mohamad outlined Malaysia’s main priorities for the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, focusing on maintaining regional peace and stability, enhancing economic integration, and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

"The foreign minister reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to sustaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the region through continuous dialogue, diplomacy, and goodwill based on the principle of ASEAN Centrality," Wisma Putra said.

Mohamad also expressed deep appreciation for the support extended by the ASEAN Secretariat thus far, particularly through consultations with various Malaysian ministries and agencies under the three ASEAN Community pillars.

"He (Mohamad) welcomed the Secretariat’s continued advice and support towards ensuring the smooth organisation of ASEAN meetings in Malaysia next year," said Wisma Putra.  The foreign minister expressed confidence that the unwavering support of the ASEAN Secretariat would play a significant role in the success of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

Mohamad also reaffirmed Malaysia’s strong support for the establishment of a Timor-Leste Unit at the ASEAN Secretariat, emphasising the importance of the unit in facilitating Timor-Leste’s membership into ASEAN and he called for its expedited operationalisation, the statement said.

-- BERNAMA