Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, is set to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat at the Langkawi International Convention Centre from January 18 to January 19. Invited by his Malaysian counterpart, Mohamad Hasan, Dr. Balakrishnan will join a significant gathering marking the first high-level meeting hosted by Malaysia as the 2025 ASEAN Chair. The retreat, themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability," aims to address pressing regional and international issues while setting priorities for the year.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers will engage in discussions on current developments affecting the region, including the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and broader geopolitical tensions that challenge regional peace and stability. This assembly will also provide an opportunity for ministers to evaluate ASEAN's cooperation with external partners and reflect on the bloc's strategic direction.
"Also attending is the ASEAN Secretary-General, and a representative from Myanmar," – Wisma Putra
In addition to the core ASEAN members, the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste will participate as an ASEAN observer, underscoring the bloc's expanding inclusivity. The retreat will serve as a platform for exchanging views on ASEAN's external relations and formulating a collective response to challenges facing the region.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its commitment to collaborate with Malaysia and other ASEAN nations in advancing the initiatives outlined in Malaysia's agenda for this year.
"Singapore will work with ASEAN Chair Malaysia and our other ASEAN colleagues to help deliver on Malaysia’s substantive agenda this year," – Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
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