Myanmar, South China Sea To Figure In AMM Retreat

By Linda Khoo & Yasmin Ahmad Zukiman

LANGKAWI, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- The ongoing Myanmar crisis and tensions in the South China Sea will feature in the discussions at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' (AMM) Retreat here at the weekend, according to Malaysian Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin.

He also said that other issues to be touched on at the meeting include cross-border online scams and human trafficking.

"Of course, these will be discussed by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and, as in the past, the situation in Myanmar will be addressed by the ASEAN member states, along with concerns over transnational crime, online job scams or scams in general.

"These have become a major concern not only for ASEAN members but also for friends outside of ASEAN," he told a press conference ahead of the AMM at the Langkawi International Convention Centre Friday.

Myanmar's post-coup conflict has stretched into its fourth year, with no resolution in sight.

Myanmar is sending a non-political representative to the AMM.

On the issue of the South China Sea, Amran said that maintaining peace in the disputed waters will contribute not only to regional security but also prosperity.

Conflicting island and maritime claims have led to tensions in the South China Sea.

Earlier, Amran, who is the Malaysia ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) Leader met his counterparts from Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam prior to the meeting on Saturday.

The two-day AMM Retreat will be attended by foreign ministers and representatives of the 10 ASEAN member states.

Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister will attend as an observer.

The AMM Retreat will mark the first major meeting under Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, setting the stage for a busy and significant year ahead.

Malaysia has previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.

-- BERNAMA