BANGKOK, July 16 — Thailand today hailed Malaysia’s performance as current Asean chair over its successful hosting of a constructive 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur.
Asean Affairs Department director-general Bolbongse Vangphaen said Malaysia effectively managed the series of meetings, which focused on highly positive and forward-looking agendas.
“I believe this meeting has essentially fulfilled its objective of promoting constructive and positive engagement among all major powers, while also advancing practical cooperation within the Asean region,” he said during a press briefing here today.
Bolbongse emphasised that the meeting was especially timely amid significant geopolitical and geo-economic uncertainties.
He noted that Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism and an international order based on international law, which would contribute to regional peace, stability, and resilience.
“Asean, of course, seeks to maintain its strategic autonomy while simultaneously strengthening its external relations,” Bolbongse added.
He explained that a key issue raised by nearly all countries at the AMM was the growing threat of cybercrime and online scams.
“This is an issue that affects everyone in the region — it poses both economic and human security threats.
“Thailand has made it a national priority to address and combat these transboundary crimes, and the issue has received strong support from all participating countries,” he said.
The AMM was held July 8 to 11 under Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, held under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
The series featured more than 20 ministerial-level meetings, involving Asean dialogue and sectoral dialogue partners.
— Bernama
