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#ASEAN

56 stories tagged

Malaysia Responds: PM Anwar Leads ASEAN Solidarity for Timor-Leste

In the wake of the passing of a former Timor-Leste Prime Minister, Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim leads the nation's immediate and heartfelt expression of ASEAN solidarity.

22 Jun 2026 · 2 min read

Japan Commits to Deeper Regional Ties on Energy and Cybercrime With ASEAN, China, South Korea

Japan has committed to strengthening cooperation with ASEAN, China, and South Korea on energy security and combating online scams, positioning the regional bloc as crucial to global stability.

By Aisyah Razak · 23 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia's Plan for National Petroleum Reserve Gains Support Amid Shipping Route Vulnerabilities

Malaysia's proposal to establish a national petroleum reserve has drawn analyst backing as recurring geopolitical tensions threaten global shipping routes. The move aims to strengthen energy resilience against supply disruptions and regional instability.

By Aisyah Razak · 23 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand Push Regional Cooperation at ASEAN Ministerial Forum in Manila

Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand have underscored the importance of strengthening ties with ASEAN, emphasizing collective responses to global instability, technological change and economic pressures during post-ministerial conferences in Manila.

By Aisyah Razak · 23 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Energy Security and West Asia Crisis Dominate ASEAN Talks with Global Partners

ASEAN foreign ministers concluded talks with 11 dialogue partners in Manila, prioritising energy security and regional stability as the West Asia crisis threatens supply chains and economic growth across Southeast Asia.

By Aisyah Razak · 23 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Sweden, Poland, Romania and Lithuania Join ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation

Four European nations have been admitted to ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, reflecting growing international backing for the bloc's peace and stability principles. They will formally sign accession instruments during TAC's 50th anniversary celebration.

By Aisyah Razak · 21 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

China Summons Philippine Envoy After South China Sea Confrontation

China summoned the Philippine ambassador on Tuesday following a confrontation at a disputed South China Sea shoal. The incident drew condemnation from the United States and allied nations, amid ongoing territorial tensions in the strategically vital waterway.

By Aisyah Razak · 21 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

South China Sea tensions threaten to derail ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila

A confrontation between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea has escalated regional tensions ahead of an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila, with the United States warning of threats to regional sovereignty.

By Aisyah Razak · 21 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Malaysia Cannot Sustain Deeper Fuel Subsidies, Says Anwar as RM40bil Annual Bill Strains Budget

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended Malaysia's fuel pricing strategy, noting that the government already allocates approximately RM40 billion yearly to subsidies and cannot reduce prices further without undermining national finances.

By Rajesh Kumar · 20 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

Singapore's Wong Extends Formal Welcome to New British PM Burnham

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has formally congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming British Prime Minister, highlighting the two nations' Strategic Partnership and upcoming leadership opportunities within ASEAN and the G20.

By Aisyah Razak · 20 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

ASEAN Set To Chart Course Forward On Myanmar Crisis At Manila Talks

The Philippines will host Southeast Asian foreign ministers next week to determine the regional bloc's next move on Myanmar's political crisis, following initial in-person talks in Thailand after a two-year absence.

By Aisyah Razak · 17 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam Concludes Three-Day State Visit to Malaysia

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam concluded his first state visit to Malaysia since taking office, departing from Kuala Lumpur after three days of high-level engagements including audiences with the King and Prime Minister.

By Aisyah Razak · 15 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia To Deepen Engagement With Thai Peace Dialogue Leadership

Malaysia's Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled has committed to strengthening collaboration with Thanut Suvarnananda, Thailand's newly appointed peace dialogue chief, to advance peace initiatives in southern Thailand.

By Aisyah Razak · 14 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia and Thailand Deepen Defence Ties Amid Regional Security Push

Malaysia's Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin met Thailand's newly appointed Defence Minister Lieutenant General Adul Boonthumjaroen to reaffirm defence cooperation and regional security commitments.

By Aisyah Razak · 14 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Singapore President Thalif Holds Substantive Talks with PM Anwar During KL State Visit

Singapore's President Thalif Shahbaz held substantive talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a state visit to Kuala Lumpur, signalling continued high-level engagement between the two neighbouring nations on key diplomatic and economic issues.

By Aisyah Razak · 13 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Vietnam Commits to Strengthening ASEAN Support for Myanmar's Stability and Recovery

Vietnam has reaffirmed its commitment to working with ASEAN to support Myanmar's development and stability, emphasizing the importance of the Five-Point Consensus as the bloc's framework for assisting the country through dialogue and concrete measures.

By Aisyah Razak · 13 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Singapore President Tharman to Visit Malaysia in July

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will make his first state visit to Malaysia as president, travelling from July 13 to 15. The visit reciprocates Sultan Ibrahim's trip to Singapore earlier this year.

By Aisyah Razak · 12 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

Philippines Pushes for Pragmatic Approach to ASEAN's Myanmar Peace Plan

The Philippines has reaffirmed ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus as the cornerstone for resolving Myanmar's crisis while advocating for more flexible, practical implementation adapted to changing circumstances on the ground.

By Aisyah Razak · 11 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

Philippines to Host Informal ASEAN-Myanmar Talks in Bangkok

The Philippines, chairing ASEAN, will host an informal meeting between Myanmar's foreign minister and ASEAN counterparts in Bangkok on July 12, marking the bloc's first direct engagement with Naypyidaw since the 2021 coup.

By Aisyah Razak · 10 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Thailand to Host Urgent ASEAN Talks on Myanmar Crisis

Thailand is hosting two informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meetings focused on Myanmar, as the regional bloc intensifies diplomatic efforts to address the escalating crisis and advance implementation of its Five-Point Consensus framework.

By Aisyah Razak · 10 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Thailand's First Lady Experiences Putrajaya's Charm During Official Malaysian Visit

Thailand's Prime Minister's wife Thananon Charnvirakul enjoyed a scenic cruise on Tasik Putrajaya, hosted by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. The visit reinforces Malaysia-Thailand cooperation.

By Aisyah Razak · 9 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Indonesia and Singapore Pledge Unified Front on Strait of Malacca Security

Indonesia and Singapore have reaffirmed their joint commitment to protecting the Strait of Malacca, vowing continued cooperation with Malaysia and Thailand to ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation in this vital waterway.

By Aisyah Razak · 6 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Myanmar and Laos Seal Deepened Partnership During Historic State Visit

Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing has concluded a three-day state visit to Laos, during which the two nations signed fresh bilateral agreements and pledged to expand cooperation across defence, trade, investment and tourism.

By Aisyah Razak · 6 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Malaysia and Laos Mark 60 Years of Ties with Renewed Push on Trade and Investment

Malaysia and Laos have marked 60 years of diplomatic relations, pledging to expand trade, investment and connectivity. The milestone comes as bilateral economic ties strengthen, with Malaysia emerging as a major investor in the Southeast Asian nation.

By Aisyah Razak · 5 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Singapore's PM Wong to deepen ties with Indonesia at Jakarta leaders' retreat

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will visit Jakarta on July 6 for the annual Leaders' Retreat with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, focusing on deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors including the green economy and digital connectivity.

By Aisyah Razak · 5 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Myanmar's Cold Shoulder to Asean: What the Junta's Refusal to Allow Suu Kyi Visits Really Means

Myanmar's junta has repeatedly rebuffed Asean's requests to meet Aung San Suu Kyi, signalling it views the regional bloc as powerless. The stance reveals deep tensions over the Five-Point Consensus peace plan.

By Aisyah Razak · 5 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Thai PM Anutin set for Malaysia visit to deepen security and trade ties

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit Malaysia on July 9-10 to meet PM Anwar Ibrahim, with discussions expected to centre on cross-border security challenges and strengthening economic partnerships between the two nations.

By Rajesh Kumar · 3 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Emerging Powers Must Chart Independent Course As Global Order Shifts, Experts Warn

Experts at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur urged emerging middle powers—including Malaysia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Türkiye, and Mexico—to pursue independent strategic interests as the post-war global order undergoes fundamental transformation.

By Aisyah Razak · 3 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia Guarantees Open South China Sea Access to Belgium, Reaffirms ASEAN Neutrality

Malaysia has reassured Belgium that the South China Sea will remain open for international maritime traffic, with Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof emphasising ASEAN's dedication to maintaining peace and neutrality in one of the world's busiest shipping corridors.

By Aisyah Razak · 2 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Thailand Busts Major Heroin Smuggling Ring with 24kg Seizure Bound for Australia and Taiwan

Thai narcotics officials have intercepted over 24 kilogrammes of heroin hidden in five parcels disguised as handicrafts and clothing, dismantling a cross-border trafficking network with suspected operations extending to Australia.

By Aisyah Razak · 2 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Malaysia Committed to Strengthening ASEAN Unity Amid Regional Challenges, Says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged Malaysia's continued dedication to bolstering ASEAN as a cohesive, inclusive bloc capable of addressing regional aspirations and navigating mounting geopolitical pressures.

By Aisyah Razak · 2 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Sustainable Finance Shifts Into High Gear Across Southeast Asia as Green Investment Demand Surges

Sustainable finance is rapidly becoming mainstream across Southeast Asia's banking sector, driven by surging demand for electric vehicles and green homes. Maybank has committed RM300 billion to sustainable finance initiatives across ASEAN through 2030.

By Aisyah Razak · 1 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Malaysia and Indonesia Deepen Legislative and Governance Ties

Malaysia and Indonesia are moving to deepen cooperation in legislation, governance, and strategic matters, with PM Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian Coordinating Minister Prof Dr Yusril Ihza Mahendra discussing strengthened ties during a bilateral meeting in Putrajaya.

By Aisyah Razak · 29 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Mekong nations mobilise against transboundary haze as El Niño and heat surge threaten region

Southeast Asian governments are coordinating urgent measures to prevent transboundary haze as rising temperatures and El Niño conditions increase forest fire risks across the Mekong region, threatening agriculture and public health.

By Aisyah Razak · 29 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia-Singapore Relations Strengthen Despite Global Headwinds, Outgoing High Commissioner Says

Malaysia's outgoing High Commissioner to Singapore credits five years of close cooperation for strengthening bilateral ties, citing successful navigation of COVID-19 and geopolitical challenges ahead of his posting to London.

By Aisyah Razak · 27 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Japan Signals Deeper Security Alliance With Malaysia as Regional Tensions Mount

Japan has pledged to strengthen security cooperation with Malaysia, citing the region's complex geopolitical environment. The commitment follows PM Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to Tokyo and builds on their 2023 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

By Aisyah Razak · 25 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia and Indonesia Set to Deepen Halal Industry Ties Through New Council Framework

Malaysia and Indonesia are moving to deepen strategic cooperation in the halal sector through establishment of bilateral and multilateral councils aimed at harmonising standards and boosting trade competitiveness.

By Lim Wei Jie · 25 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Laos and Russia deepen strategic ties with nuclear energy pact and cultural exchanges

Laos and Russia have reinforced their strategic partnership through high-level talks, with Prime Minister Sonexay completing his maiden official visit to Moscow and signing a landmark agreement on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation.

By Rajesh Kumar · 23 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Concludes Malaysia Visit, Heads to China

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman departed Malaysia today after a two-day official visit, with both nations signing agreements on trade, culture and counter-terrorism cooperation.

By Aisyah Razak · 22 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Bangladesh Pursues Deeper ASEAN Ties and RCEP Membership

Bangladesh has signalled its ambition to deepen regional integration by pursuing ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner status and RCEP membership. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman praised Malaysia's support during talks in Putrajaya.

By Lim Wei Jie · 22 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Putin assures long-term energy supply to Malaysia, says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Russia has assured Malaysia of stable, long-term energy supplies through strategic partnerships aimed at securing the nation's energy future.

By Aisyah Razak · 21 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Marcos Charts Course for Deeper ASEAN-Russia Ties in Technology and Energy

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has identified significant opportunities for expanded ASEAN-Russia cooperation in emerging sectors including artificial intelligence, data centres, and power generation, marking a shift towards technology-driven partnership.

By Rajesh Kumar · 21 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia and Thailand in Intensive Negotiations Over Shrimp Import Controls

Malaysia and Thailand are engaged in intensive negotiations regarding the temporary suspension of shrimp imports, with both countries working to reach a mutually acceptable resolution that protects their respective economic and biosecurity interests.

By Lim Wei Jie · 20 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

HAWANA Affirms Its Importance as Media Practitioners Gather in Penang

Malaysia's National Journalists' Day summit brought together 1,000 media practitioners from across Southeast Asia to reflect on industry challenges and celebrate journalism's contributions to society.

By Rajesh Kumar · 20 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Cambodia pushes Thailand to accelerate border demarcation work

Cambodian PM Hun Manet has urged Thailand to appoint a Joint Boundary Commission chief and accelerate border survey work during talks with Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul on the sidelines of an Asean-Russia engagement in Kazan.

By Rajesh Kumar · 20 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Malaysia Can Navigate Between Great Powers Without Picking Sides, Anwar Says

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that Malaysia maintains strategic autonomy and is not compelled to align exclusively with the United States, China, or India, emphasising the nation's ability to engage all parties constructively.

By Aisyah Razak · 20 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Anwar's Kazan Summit Secures Long-Term Russian Energy Supplies for Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's working visit to Kazan has resulted in Russia agreeing to guarantee long-term supplies of petrol, oil and gas to Malaysia, with negotiations entering final stages ahead of formal agreement signing.

By Aisyah Razak · 19 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

PM Anwar's Busy Final Day in Turkmenistan: Strategic Talks and Key Agreements

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim concludes his Turkmenistan visit with ceremonial meetings, bilateral talks, and the signing of multiple strategic agreements covering aviation, transport, and scientific cooperation.

By Aisyah Razak · 19 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

ASEAN and SCO Must Join Forces on Organised Crime and Energy, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged ASEAN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to combine efforts in tackling transnational crime and advancing energy cooperation, leveraging existing frameworks to address shared security and economic challenges.

By Aisyah Razak · 18 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Marcos heads to Russia for historic Asean summit as Philippines deepens Moscow ties

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr flew to Russia late Tuesday to lead his nation's participation in the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan and hold bilateral talks with President Putin on energy and food security.

By Rajesh Kumar · 17 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Anwar Sees Asean-Russia Trade Roadmap as Foundation for Deeper Economic Partnership

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the completion of Asean-Russia's decade-long trade roadmap, calling it a catalyst for strengthened bilateral relations while emphasising the need for conducive policy environments to realise potential gains.

By Aisyah Razak · 17 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

PM Anwar in Kazan for Strategic Asean-Russia Dialogue on Bilateral Cooperation

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is in Kazan for a two-day visit focused on deepening ASEAN-Russia cooperation, addressing shared interests in regional peace and economic ties amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

By Aisyah Razak · 17 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia-Timor-Leste Relations Flourish as Ramos-Horta Visits

Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta has praised Malaysia's diplomatic partnership and role in the region, noting Kuala Lumpur's longstanding support since before the Southeast Asian nation's independence.

By Aisyah Razak · 16 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Timor-Leste President Concludes Five-day Malaysia Visit, Pledges Deepened Cooperation

Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta departed Malaysia after a five-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation. He praised Malaysia's support for Timor-Leste's ASEAN entry and invited investors to explore infrastructure opportunities.

By Aisyah Razak · 16 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

PM Anwar To Leverage Russia Visit for Long-Term Energy Security Guarantees

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is travelling to Russia to meet Vladimir Putin and secure Malaysia's long-term oil and diesel supplies. The visit aims to safeguard the nation's energy security amid regional disruptions.

By Lim Wei Jie · 16 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Malaysia's Balancing Act: Anwar Assures Strong Ties with Powers Won't Dilute Principles

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reassured Malaysians that cultivating stronger relationships with major powers like China and the United States will not erode the nation's commitment to its core international principles and independent foreign policy positions.

By Aisyah Razak · 16 Jun 2026 · 3 min read