TURKEY JUNE 19: The Antalya Diplomacy Forum with the topic “Regional Cooperation in Asia” is very timely as the rise of Asia is one of the defining characteristics of the 21st century and Asia is considered the fastest growing economic region which will account for nearly two thirds of global growth.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said, as the sole ASEAN Foreign Minister represented in this forum, it is in the interest of Malaysia and ASEAN to shape the economic and security architecture to ensure such dynamics will continue to bring about peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Asia region.
“This forum is crucial to address this – 34 Foreign Ministers, eight (8) Heads of States; if a forum like this can’t unite us, what chance do other platforms have to achieve what we are trying do to today,” Hishammuddin said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum held here today.
The Foreign Minister said, he will emphasize on four matters which relates to regional cooperation in Asia.
Regarding the Myanmar political conflicts, Hishammuddin said, ASEAN Leaders had reached a breakthrough with “Five Point Consensus” to assist Myanmar to return to normalcy.
However he added, the progress from the “Five Point Consensus” has been painfully slow. He and the ASEAN colleagues have been working actively 24/7 to implement the consensus and find a way forward.
On the South China Sea issue, many have viewed it purely based on lines and dots that intersect and diverge on a map. In the world of international relations, all elements need to be analysed through a geopolitical lens-taking into account power, geography, and diversity.
Geopolitical balance in our region especially between the United States and China is dynamic and no country remains unaffected.
Regarding Palestine, Hishammuddin highlighted that Malaysia is heartened to see the collective voices of Muslim nations emerge louder and stronger as a result of recent attacks.
“There is a new phenomenon about greater awareness and public opinion, even in the United States of America and Europe from the recent crisis. It is no longer a trend, and we need to revive the spirit and passion of this Palestinian cause.
“This is important as the global collective voice before this has contributed to the ceasefire, and caused the UN Security Council to eventually reach a consensus on the matter.
“While focusing on humanitarian and reconstruction efforts which Malaysia along with our partners regionally and globally are actively engaging in, we must continue to fight for the rights of Palestinians which are still being oppressed, evicted from their homes and still being killed,” he reiterated.
Hishammuddin also touched on the Regional Economic Integration. He said the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) are truly major steps forward.
“RCEP reduces economic frictions among countries that account for about 30 per cent of the world’s population. Members such as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and all 10 Southeast Asian countries stand to benefit.
“RCEP combined with CPTPP will deepen economic integration within East Asia and enhance the region’s prominence as a trading centre.
“Members will link their strengths in technology, manufacturing, agriculture and natural resources, Our economies will become more efficient individually and as a bloc, more competitive globally. East Asia will also become more attractive to investors and trade partners from Europe and Latin America.
“This is how we can effectively emerge stronger from the pandemic, united in our resolve for the economic benefit of our people,” he said.
He added, the only real truism is that nations need each other to achieve substantive, enduring results that benefit not just one country, but the global population. This Antalya Diplomacy Forum can emerge as a way forward for us to achieve this aim. – Malaysia World News
