By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock
VIENTIANE, July 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's participation in the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings taking place in Laos is crucial as Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship next year, said Malaysia's Ambassador to Laos, Edi Irwan Mahmud.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is leading Malaysia's delegation to the AMM and related meetings in Vientiane from July 24 to 27.
Edi Irwan emphasised that Malaysia should draw inspiration from Laos' commitment and ability to manage economic constraints while serving as ASEAN Chair this year.
"Despite economic constraints, Vientiane, with the support of member states and dialogue partners, has managed to be a competent chair so far," he told Malaysian media covering the AMM and related meetings in Vientiane.
Mohamad on Wednesday is scheduled to attend the South East Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone Commission (SEANWFZ), summit meeting with representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the Post ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Conference (PMC) with 11 Dialogue Partner Countries.
He will also participate in an informal consultation with past, current, and incoming ASEAN Chairs regarding the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on Wednesday.
Edi Irwan said Malaysia's participation in the 57th AMM and related meetings in Laos reflects its commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia, especially given the region's current security and socio-economic uncertainties.
He noted that Laos has done its best to fulfil its role as ASEAN Chair for 2024 and is well-prepared given its experience as ASEAN Chair three times before.
Apart from 2024, Laos previously chaired ASEAN in 2016 and 2004.
"Over the past seven months as ASEAN Chair, Laos has played a significant role despite its economic constraints. With the support of ASEAN governments and dialogue partners, it has achieved notable progress," Edi Irwan added.
Mohamad and his wife, Datin Seri Raja Salbiah Tengku Nujumudin, will also meet with the Malaysian diaspora at a gathering on Wednesday afternoon.
-- BERNAMA
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