The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held on January 19 in Langkawi, Malaysia

This marked the first ministerial-level meeting hosted by Malaysia as the ASEAN Chair for 2025. The day before, senior officials convened at the Langkawi International Convention Center to prepare for the Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

The meeting was attended by foreign ministers and senior officials from ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and representatives from Myanmar. Vietnam's delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. Malaysia outlined its priorities and goals centered on "inclusivity and sustainable development," emphasizing its leadership role in strengthening the ASEAN Community through the three pillars of political-security, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation. The country aims to promote integration, comprehensive and sustainable development, while enhancing regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Discussions also focused on ASEAN's strategic direction, efforts to consolidate the ASEAN Community, and external relations. The ministers reviewed follow-up actions on decisions made during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits held in Vientiane, Laos, in October 2024. Additionally, they exchanged views on current regional and international issues, including the Myanmar crisis, geopolitical tensions, and other challenges affecting peace and stability in the region.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan highlighted that the outcomes of the meeting would be submitted to the ASEAN Summits scheduled for May and October this year. He emphasized that the results of the January 19 meeting would shape Malaysia's priority agenda as the 2025 ASEAN Chair. Malaysia also proposed hosting an ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit, aiming to expand ASEAN's economic ties beyond the region and create new opportunities for cooperation and prosperity.

Furthermore, Malaysia stressed the importance of inclusive participation from all relevant stakeholders, including youth and the private sector, in ASEAN's initiatives. The meeting was attended by over 200 delegates.