ASEAN Foreign Ministers at AMM-48 retreat session. Photo: VNAThe 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 48) kicked off in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia on August 4 with participating representatives from 29 countries and ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh.
The Vietnamese delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the host country’s Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said the formation of the ASEAN Community at the end of this year will bring about new opportunities for people from the group’s member countries and the world in general.
With the continued maintenance of peace, stability and harmony in the region, the community will enable ASEAN to realise its dream and free from threats or dangers, he said.
The association will become stronger and more open while hosting a freer market, ensuring healthcare access to all people and especially women and children, increasing education opportunities and developing a sustainable environment, according to Anifah.
Regarding the East Sea issue, the Malaysian FM said ASEAN can and should play a vital part in effecting an amicable settlement, adding that the association should deal with the issues in a peaceful and cooperative manner.
“We have made a positive start. But we need to do more. Let this be the day we say we do more.”
In his speech, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said AMM 48 is one of the critically important events throughout the year as Malaysia holds the role of ASEAN Chair.
The ASEAN Community will be established at the end of this year, a giant steps towards a people-centred community, he noted, adding that the formation of the community will be a chance to turn the 10-member association into a new increasingly developing region.
Following the opening ceremony, ASEAN FMs sat for plenary and retreat sessions, during which they focused on reviewing progress of the ASEAN Community roadmap, strengthening external relations and the central role of the grouping and discussing regional and international issues of shared concern.-VNA
