KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn has reaffirmed that the regional bloc remains steadfast in its unity, centrality, and solidarity despite rising external pressures and persistent internal challenges, including the South China Sea dispute and the ongoing Myanmar crisis.
Speaking to the media ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kao stressed that ASEAN’s strength lies in its collective resolve and collaborative spirit. He said this was evident when ASEAN foreign ministers, during four separate meetings held yesterday, jointly reiterated the bloc’s commitment to unity and centrality in regional affairs.
“The message is very clear. ASEAN foreign ministers have not just emphasised unity, but also reaffirmed how ASEAN will continue working together during these very challenging times,” said Kao.
Leading the ASEAN Secretariat delegation to the 46th summit, Kao is also participating in the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. He noted that ASEAN has consistently presented a united front on key regional and global issues in both internal deliberations and engagements with external partners.
On Malaysia’s recent decision to send a delegation to Myanmar to resume engagement with stakeholders, Kao commended the nation’s proactive role as this year’s ASEAN chair and the ongoing efforts by the special envoy on Myanmar.
“We’ve seen that under Malaysia’s chairmanship this year, the country has been very proactive and consistent in leading ASEAN, especially in efforts to engage Myanmar,” he said.
Citing Malaysia’s swift response to the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, Kao highlighted how Malaysia, in coordination with Thailand, initiated a special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting to coordinate the regional response and humanitarian assistance.
“The meeting was convened promptly to coordinate a common ASEAN response. Following that, we’ve seen the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar both collectively and individually by member states,” he added.
Kao also reaffirmed ASEAN’s firm stance on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, stressing the need for a long-term ceasefire, the cessation of violence, inclusive political dialogue, and scaled-up humanitarian aid for the people of Myanmar.
When asked whether ASEAN would urge Myanmar’s military junta to engage directly with the national unity government and other stakeholders, Kao reiterated the bloc’s commitment to inclusive political dialogue.
“We want to see an inclusive political dialogue that involves all key stakeholders. What I’ve observed is that Malaysia has been quite forthcoming in exercising leadership, with the support of ASEAN member states,” he said.
Despite growing concerns over external influence and internal discord, Kao concluded by asserting that ASEAN remains consistent, cohesive, and committed to preserving regional peace, security, and stability.
