ASEAN calls on the US to take a more active role in de-escalating tensions in West Asia to restore peace and boost global economic growth.
MANILA: ASEAN has urged the United States, in its capacity as a major global power, to play a more active role in de-escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia, to restore peace and reignite global economic growth.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said he conveyed this message to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their Post-Ministerial Conference, held on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings here today.
“We also discussed how the US needs to keep engaging with Iran to end tensions. That requires strong resolve and mutual understanding from both sides. Rubio indicated that they, too, share that intention,” he told Bernama.
He said the importance of ASEAN’s relationship with the US as a regional bloc was on the agenda as well.
Mohamad raised the significance of Malaysia’s bilateral ties with the US, which remains the country’s largest trading partner and investor.
“I made it clear that bilateral ties require cooperation and mutual respect for the domestic policies of ASEAN member states, and that they must recognise each country’s unique circumstances,” he said.
During the AMM session with India, Mohamad said discussions touched on efforts to boost trade between India and ASEAN members, as well as addressing barriers restricting ASEAN products’ access to the Indian market.
He noted that certain bureaucratic hurdles in India have made it difficult for products, including those from Malaysia, to enter the country.
“As ASEAN’s collective voice, we want trade to be streamlined, not hindered by protectionist policies on their side,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the AMM session with Canada, Mohamad said the country gave its assurance that it would play its due role in safeguarding security and stability in the Southeast Asian region.
“We welcome any role they can play—but not directly. It must be channeled through ASEAN, as we have our own mechanisms and platforms. We certainly do not want too much external interference,” he said.
The 59th AMM, held under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, is themed “Navigating Our Future, Together”.
Mohamad also held bilateral meetings with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) acting deputy commissioner-general Christian Saunders, as well as Minister of Social Development and Palestine Relief Dr Samah Hamad.
