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#ASEAN

43 stories tagged

The Real Relationship Behind Malaysia's Condolences to Timor-Leste

Behind the formal language of PM Anwar Ibrahim's condolences to Timor-Leste is a genuine and deeply nurtured Malaysia-Timor-Leste relationship within the ASEAN family.

22 Jun 2026 · 2 min read

Energy Security and West Asia Crisis Dominate ASEAN's Dialogue with Global Powers

ASEAN foreign ministers focused on energy security and the West Asia crisis during talks with key global partners in Manila, with the US pledging US$1.5 billion in strategic investment.

By Khairul Anuar · 23 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Myanmar military chief to visit Bangkok for talks with Thai PM

Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing will meet Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok on August 6-7, marking efforts to re-engage the junta within ASEAN frameworks despite divisions among regional members.

By Khairul Anuar · 23 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Southeast Asia in Flux: Ocean Protection, Leadership Shifts and Regional Security Dominate Agenda

Southeast Asian governments are prioritising marine conservation, energy security and leadership transitions. Indonesia partners with OceanX on marine parks protection while ASEAN focuses on Middle East tensions and food security amid regional change.

By Khairul Anuar · 23 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

South China Sea tensions threaten to derail ASEAN unity as regional powers gather in Manila

Escalating South China Sea tensions between Manila and Beijing are casting a shadow over an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila, with the United States warning of threats to regional sovereignty and economic stability.

By Khairul Anuar · 22 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

ASEAN Diplomats Convene as Middle East Tensions, Myanmar Crisis and South China Sea Disputes Dominate Regional Agenda

ASEAN foreign ministers are converging in Manila for three days of high-level talks amid mounting geopolitical pressures. The meeting will address Middle East tensions, Myanmar's civil war, and South China Sea disputes, with attendance from major powers including the US, China, Russia and the EU.

By Khairul Anuar · 20 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Thai PM's Musical Diplomacy Strikes a Chord Across Asia

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has become a fixture of regional diplomacy through impromptu musical performances, most recently singing a Teresa Teng classic during a state lunch in Beijing with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

By Khairul Anuar · 20 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Thai-Cambodia Border Accord Holds Strong Under Philippine ASEAN Stewardship

Thailand and Cambodia are maintaining their commitment to resolve longstanding border tensions through dialogue, with the Philippines as ASEAN chair reporting no escalation since their May agreement.

By Khairul Anuar · 17 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

Malaysia Pushes to Resolve Thailand Trade Barriers on Shrimp and Livestock

The Malaysian government is actively negotiating with Thailand to lift long-standing restrictions on shrimp exports and secure market access for livestock products, with discussions held at the National Food Security Council meeting.

By Khairul Anuar · 16 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Cambodia, Thailand Leaders Head to Shanghai AI Conference as Border Dispute Lingers

Cambodia's Hun Manet and Thailand's Anutin Chanvirakul will attend the World AI Conference 2026 in Shanghai this month, raising hopes China may intervene in their unresolved border conflict that has stalled since December.

By Khairul Anuar · 16 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

WTO Must Evolve to Address Modern Trade Challenges, Says Johari

Malaysia's Investment Minister Johari Abdul Ghani has urged the World Trade Organization to fundamentally reform itself to remain relevant amid shifting geopolitical priorities and strategic competition in the global economy.

By Khairul Anuar · 16 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Philippine Foreign Affairs Chief To Helm ASEAN Humanitarian Drive In Myanmar

The Philippines' Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, acting as ASEAN chair's special envoy, will lead a humanitarian mission to Myanmar before year-end 2026. The initiative follows high-level regional talks aimed at addressing the crisis.

By Khairul Anuar · 15 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Vietnam Pledges Closer ASEAN Cooperation to Help Myanmar Navigate Political Recovery

Vietnam has committed to working with ASEAN to support Myanmar's political and economic recovery, endorsing the Five-Point Consensus framework as essential to the bloc's engagement strategy with the crisis-hit nation.

By Khairul Anuar · 13 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Singapore President Thalatha Balakrishnan Meets PM Anwar in Kuala Lumpur

Singapore's President Thalatha Balakrishnan held substantive discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a state visit to Kuala Lumpur, signalling continued commitment to strengthening ties between the two neighbouring nations.

By Khairul Anuar · 13 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

ASEAN Reaffirms Myanmar Peace Framework Despite Parliamentary Rejection

ASEAN has doubled down on the Five-Point Consensus as its core strategy for Myanmar, with foreign ministers meeting in Bangkok to emphasise humanitarian aid, violence reduction, and political dialogue amid Naypyidaw's formal rejection of the plan.

By Khairul Anuar · 12 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Make First State Visit to Malaysia

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will undertake a three-day state visit to Malaysia from July 13 to 15, marking his first trip since taking office. The visit reciprocates His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's state visit to Singapore in May 2024.

By Khairul Anuar · 12 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

Thailand To Host Informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings On Myanmar

Thailand is convening two informal ASEAN foreign ministers meetings focused on Myanmar, led by the Philippines as ASEAN Chair. The discussions aim to advance implementation of the Five-Point Consensus and encourage positive developments.

By Khairul Anuar · 10 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Thai PM's Wife Tours Putrajaya on Lake Cruise as Bangkok Deepens Malaysia Ties

The wife of Thailand's Prime Minister joined Malaysia's First Lady for a scenic cruise of Putrajaya Lake, marking the beginning of a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the nations.

By Khairul Anuar · 9 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Thailand's PM Anutin Arrives in Malaysia for Two-Day Official Visit

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in agriculture and border infrastructure projects.

By Khairul Anuar · 9 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia Must Build Sovereign Cloud Infrastructure to Protect Data Amid US Tech Dominance, Says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the need for Malaysia to develop its own sovereign cloud system to protect sensitive national data and citizen information, while maintaining openness to global digital investments.

By Khairul Anuar · 2 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia and Indonesia Pledge Deeper Ties on Law, Governance and Strategic Issues

Malaysia and Indonesia have committed to broadening cooperation across legislation, governance, and mutual strategic interests, with PM Anwar Ibrahim emphasizing the importance of strengthening fraternal bonds between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

By Khairul Anuar · 29 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

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

Malaysia's departing High Commissioner to Singapore credits five years of close cooperation for deepening bilateral ties, citing recovery in trade and investment post-pandemic as the two neighbours navigate geopolitical challenges together.

By Khairul Anuar · 27 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

ASEAN Seeks Fresh Strategies to Revive Myanmar Peace Framework

ASEAN is rethinking its approach to the Myanmar crisis, with Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan indicating regional leaders want foreign ministers to develop joint strategies with Myanmar's government on implementing the Five-Point Consensus.

By Khairul Anuar · 25 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Laos and Russia cement strategic ties as nuclear energy partnership takes shape

Laos and Russia have reaffirmed their strategic partnership during talks at the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan, with both nations agreeing to expand cooperation in energy, trade, and education.

By Rajesh Kumar · 23 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Concludes Malaysia Visit, Heads to China

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman concluded a two-day official visit to Malaysia, meeting with PM Anwar Ibrahim to discuss strengthened economic ties, trade agreements, and regional security issues before departing for China.

By Khairul Anuar · 22 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Bangladesh Pushes for Deeper ASEAN Integration, Eyes RCEP Membership

Bangladesh is pursuing formal dialogue partnership status within ASEAN and expressing strong interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, signalling its commitment to deeper regional integration.

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

PM Anwar Extends Condolences Following Death of Former Timor-Leste President Francisco Guterres

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed Malaysia's condolences following the death of Francisco Guterres, the former president of Timor-Leste, who passed away in Kuala Lumpur at age 71.

By Khairul Anuar · 22 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Penang Hosts HAWANA 2026 as Media Celebrates Integrity and Regional Cooperation

Penang Governor Tun Ramli has commended the Communications Ministry for hosting HAWANA 2026 in Penang, highlighting the importance of recognising media contributions and strengthening regional cooperation among journalists across ASEAN.

By Rajesh Kumar · 20 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Penang Governor Honours Journalists at HAWANA 2026 Dinner, Celebrating Media's Role in Nation Building

Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib hosted nearly 350 journalists and media leaders from Malaysia and ASEAN countries at a dinner recognizing their vital contributions to nation-building ahead of HAWANA 2026's main event.

By Khairul Anuar · 20 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia Seeks Deeper Media Ties with Timor-Leste Through Training and News Agency Partnership

Malaysia's Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has proposed strengthening media partnerships with Timor-Leste, including journalist training initiatives and expanded cooperation between national news agencies, during a bilateral meeting at the HAWANA 2026 conference.

By Khairul Anuar · 20 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia charts independent course as Anwar rejects forced alignment with major powers

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to maintaining independent foreign policy, rejecting pressure to choose between the United States, China, and India amid intensifying geopolitical competition.

By Khairul Anuar · 20 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia's Balanced Diplomacy Attracts Investor Confidence, Anwar Says

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim contends that Malaysia's non-aligned approach to international relations, combined with willingness to partner with diverse economies, enhances business confidence and supports the nation's economic expansion.

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

Brunei Sultan calls for deepened Asean-Russia ties amid global uncertainties

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has called for strengthened Asean-Russia cooperation to tackle global challenges including political tensions, economic fragmentation and climate change, as the bloc pursues its Vision 2045 agenda.

By Rajesh Kumar · 19 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

ASEAN and SCO Must Unite on Crime and Energy, Anwar Tells Kazan Summit

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged ASEAN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to combine efforts against cross-border organised crime and advance joint energy initiatives, citing existing frameworks as a foundation.

By Khairul Anuar · 18 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia Must Fast-Track Visa-Free Travel and Direct Flights with Russia, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged the acceleration of visa-free travel arrangements and direct flight services between Malaysia and Russia, citing the need to close a substantial gap in tourist arrivals from Moscow.

By Khairul Anuar · 18 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Anwar Calls For Deeper ASEAN-Russia Ties As Strategic Partnership Enters New Phase

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for ASEAN and Russia to deepen strategic cooperation across trade, technology, and energy sectors at a commemorative summit in Kazan marking 35 years of bilateral relations.

By Khairul Anuar · 18 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Russia and Malaysia Well Positioned to Deepen Strategic Ties, Putin Says

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, expressing confidence in deepening bilateral ties ahead of the countries' 60th diplomatic anniversary next year.

By Khairul Anuar · 17 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Anwar Ibrahim highlights Russian culture's role in strengthening bilateral ties

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed the importance of cultural exchanges in deepening Malaysia-Russia relations, revealing his personal appreciation for Russian music and literary traditions.

By Rajesh Kumar · 17 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Malaysia and Tatarstan Poised to Deepen Ties Across Trade, Energy and Innovation

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has identified significant opportunities for Malaysia to strengthen ties with Russia's Tatarstan republic, particularly in energy, trade and the halal sector, during bilateral talks in Kazan ahead of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit.

By Khairul Anuar · 17 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

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