Southeast Asian foreign ministers are gathering for their first meeting this year under the regional bloc’s new chair, Malaysia, seeking a breakthrough over Myanmar’s drawn-out civil war and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The foreign minister highlights the importance of inclusivity and sustainability, hinting at Timor-Leste’s accession to the regional bloc.

LANGKAWI, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on Sunday reaffirmed that ASEAN will continue to drive its own path forward amid intensifying superpower competition in the region. With a highly geo-strategic position, cultural versatility, and economic weight, he said Southeast Asia holds massive potential.

At a Malaysia conference, ministers of ASEAN nations pledged to step up the fight against illegal online gambling and cyber-crime.

The first ASEAN ministerial level meeting held under the chairmanship of Malaysia concluded on Sunday (Jan 19), with the Southeast Asian grouping pledging to deepen collaboration and strengthen unity amid a shift in global order.

While committed to regional issues, Malaysia is tempering expectations for immediate solutions, acknowledging the complexity of both crises.

Malaysia has appointed a new ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar to try and implement the regional bloc’s stalled peace plan for the war-torn country.

Malaysia has placed its MADANI principles at the heart of its ASEAN chairmanship for 2025, with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability as the region navigates a volatile global landscape. Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia’s leadership will aim to set a new standard for global governance,

Illegal online gambling has flourished in Southeast Asia, often targeting the Chinese mainland, where gambling is banned. ASEAN representatives reaffirmed their determination to crack down on related transnational crimes, including human trafficking, money laundering, and online scams.

The regional bloc told a junta representative at a meeting that a poll is “not a priority at the moment," Malaysia’s foreign minister said.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations appoints Malaysian diplomat Othman Hashim special envoy to Myanmar - Anadolu Ajansı

Southeast Asian nations told Myanmar's military government on Sunday its plan to hold an election amid an escalating civil war should not be its priority, urging the junta to start dialogue and end hostilities immediately.