Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Within the framework of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-58) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn held bilateral meetings with ASEAN leaders on July 9.
During a meeting with the Chair of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, they discussed ways to advance ASEAN Community-building efforts, in line with the Chair’s key priorities and deliverables.
Dr. Kao reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s commitment to supporting the Chair and all ASEAN member states in achieving the shared goals and objectives outlined in the newly adopted ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, with the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.
In Dr. Kao's bilateral meeting with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, the two sides exchanged views on issues of importance to ASEAN and discussed ways to advance ASEAN Community-building efforts, including the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans as well as the preparations for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.
Meanwhile, the discussion between the ASEAN chief and Timor-Leste Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas focused on Timor-Leste’s progress toward full ASEAN membership, following the ASEAN Leaders’ decision at the 46th ASEAN Summit to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the grouping at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for October 2025.
Each meeting lasted about 20 minutes and covered many regional and bilateral issues of mutual concern./.
