The ASEAN Foreign Ministers‘ Retreat (AMM Retreat) is currently taking place in Langkawi, Malaysia, on January 18-19, 2025.
The retreat is being held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre, marking the first major meeting under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025.
This event sets the stage for what is expected to be a busy year for ASEAN under Malaysia’s leadership.
Foreign Ministers and representatives from all 10 ASEAN member states are present, along with Timor-Leste attending as an observer. Over 200 delegates are expected, highlighting the significance of this gathering.
The retreat is themed around “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” reflecting Malaysia’s priorities for its ASEAN Chairmanship.
Discussions will focus on setting the strategic direction for ASEAN, strengthening the ASEAN Community, and addressing external relations.
Key issues on the agenda include the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, tensions in the South China Sea, cross-border online scams, and human trafficking.
On the sidelines, Malaysia’s foreign minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from Thailand and Brunei, among others, to discuss strengthening ASEAN and bilateral relations.
Preparatory meetings, like the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), have laid the groundwork for the retreat.
The SOM was chaired by Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, who also hosted a welcome dinner for the delegates.
Langkawi is decorated with ASEAN logos and banners, welcoming the delegates and creating a festive atmosphere for the retreat.
The retreat is also seen as a boost for Langkawi’s tourism, with local tourism players lauding the event for potentially increasing visitor numbers.
This retreat not only sets the tone for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship but also addresses critical regional issues, aiming for collaborative and progressive outcomes for ASEAN in 2025.
Asean under pressure to take tougher stance against online scam, illegal gambling and human trafficking. Malaysia FM Mohd Hasan is expected to discuss at length with his thai counterpart H.E Maris Sangiampongsa at bilateral meeting held on sidelines of ASEAN FM retreat in Lkawi. pic.twitter.com/v9NUKO2KLT
— Melissa Goh (@MelGohCNA) January 18, 2025
