MALAYSIA CONVENES 17TH ARF EEPS MEETING TO ADVANCE PREVENTIVE DIPLOMACY

PUTRAJAYA, April 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is hosting the 17th Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum Experts and Eminent Persons (ARF EEPs) from April 7 to 8, aimed at finding actionable insights to strengthen regional peace and security through preventive diplomacy.

In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Ministry said the meeting serves as a key platform under the ARF framework for policy experts and thought leaders to share insights and generate practical recommendations to enhance regional stability.

It said considerable attention will be given to the regional impact of the latest United States (US) tariffs, echoing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for a coordinated and measured response, which is crucial for advancing regional stability.

“The ministry views this engagement as a strategic opportunity to harness expert perspectives in support of ASEAN’s growing preventive diplomacy agenda,” the statement read.

Held in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the ministry said the meeting is also being used to gather actionable insights to inform policy formulation and guide regional cooperation.

Discussions will include a review of the ARF Work Plan on Preventive Diplomacy, assessments of regional security dynamics, and a dedicated session on “Beyond 30: Revitalising the ARF”, reflecting Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 vision of building a resilient and inclusive community.

Outcomes of the meeting will also be used to help in shaping Malaysia’s priorities within the ASEAN political-security pillar and to contribute meaningfully to broader ARF deliberations.

“Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, consensus-building, and constructive dialogue.

“In the face of growing uncertainty, Malaysia believes that dialogue, trust-building, and preventive diplomacy must remain central to ASEAN’s collective response to safeguard peace, foster mutual understanding, and promote shared prosperity,” it added.

The meeting is co-chaired by Malaysia’s ARF EEP, Datuk Prof. Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah, and South Korea’s ARF EEP, Dr Choi Yoon Jung.

This annual meeting brings together thought leaders and senior policy experts from across ARF Participating Countries to generate insights and forward-looking recommendations on regional security cooperation and preventive diplomacy.

-- BERNAMA