Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, On 28 May 2025, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The meeting, hosted by Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together senior diplomats from all ten ASEAN member states to discuss pressing regional issues, enhance cooperation, and strengthen ASEAN’s collective voice on the global stage.
The Secretary-General’s participation underscored the ASEAN Secretariat’s commitment to supporting the organization’s objectives, including fostering peace, security, economic integration, and sustainable development across Southeast Asia. During the meeting, ministers discussed topics such as regional stability, maritime security, trade facilitation, climate change, and the role of ASEAN in international diplomacy.
This gathering in Kuala Lumpur provided an opportunity for ASEAN leaders to coordinate policy approaches ahead of the upcoming high-level meetings later in 2025, including the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meetings and East Asia Summit preparatory sessions. Malaysia, serving as ASEAN Chair for 2025, emphasized inclusivity and sustainability as guiding principles for the year’s agenda, ensuring that ASEAN remains a central player in regional affairs.
Dr. Kao highlighted the importance of dialogue, multilateral cooperation and consensus-building in addressing both traditional and emerging challenges, including cybersecurity, economic integration, and environmental resilience. His presence reinforced ASEAN’s role as a facilitator of regional unity and a bridge between member states and international partners.
By hosting the AMM in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia continued to demonstrate its capacity to lead complex multilateral engagements while showcasing the country’s commitment to regional diplomacy and international collaboration. The meeting also offered a platform for ministers to engage in bilateral discussions on the sidelines, further enhancing diplomatic ties and cooperation within the bloc.
Sources:
- ASEAN Secretariat, Secretary-General of ASEAN Participates in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur (28 May 2025) Link
