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ASEAN set to meet amid security tensions
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Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo (from left), Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Thailand's Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi, Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Ambassador Johariah Wahab of Brunei Darussalam, Laotian Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir, East Timor's Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn pose for a group photo during the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with the US at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Jakarta on July 14, 2023. (Reuters/Dita Alangkara/Pool)
T
he Indonesian diplomatic corps is readying itself for a week of ministerial-level meetings on ASEAN in Vientiane next week, amid simmering tensions in the region and several unresolved negotiations critical to Southeast Asia’s security.
In-depth talks on the Myanmar crisis, the Code of Conduct (COC) on the disputed South China Sea, and keeping the region free from nuclear weapons are expected during the 57th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM).
The event, which is being held some three months before the end of Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship, will begin on Wednesday and put the talks regarding the Leaders’ Summit in October at the forefront of discussions.
Foreign Ministry director-general for ASEAN cooperation Sidharto Suryodipuro said on Friday that Minister Retno LP Marsudi would fly to Vientiane on Tuesday and engage in 19 meetings throughout the week.
The string of meetings includes a Wednesday talk with the troika alliance dedicated to advancing a peaceful resolution in Myanmar, with Laos and Malaysia’s presence this year, as well as a series of bilateral talks with ASEAN's major partners like the United States and China.
Read also: ASEAN centrality in regional security faces growing uncertainties
“Among [Retno’s] primary messages will be pushing and reminding major powers of their interests in ASEAN and the region,” Sidharto said.
