ASEAN BOOSTS PREPAREDNESS, INCLUSIVITY AS REGIONAL CIRCLE EXPANDS - FM MOHAMAD
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- ASEAN is firmly preparing for the future reflecting the regional bloc’s commitment to greater inclusivity and long-term resilience, particularly through the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that despite the current unpredictable global climate, ASEAN must not be deterred from preparing for the future.
“Together we have dared to envision what ASEAN could become by 2045. That kind of long-term vision does not only take strategy, it takes hardship where the only thing that is predictable is unpredictability.
“And yes, I've heard people say, ‘why plan for 20 years from now, when even planning the next two weeks is difficult in the current global climate?’ But just because we can't forecast the weather, it doesn't mean we stop carrying an umbrella.
“Planning is not about certainty, it is about preparedness and ASEAN is preparing for the future,” he said in his speech at the gala dinner held in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here Thursday.
Mohamad also acknowledged that Timor-Leste’s accession as ASEAN’s 11th member is drawing closer, noting that the bloc’s circle is expanding and its outlook growing brighter.
“Indeed, our circle is expanding as ASEAN makes friends well beyond our region,” he said.
The gala dinner, which began at 8 pm, featured a performance by Artistana from Istana Budaya, followed by celebrated Malaysian singer Dayang Nurfaizah, a choir, and an orchestral performance.
A memorable ‘durian diplomacy’ moment occurred when Malaysia’s famously pungent fruit was served.
“This durian is the king of fruits. Either you like it or you hate it. We are going to have it outside,” Mohamad quipped.
-- BERNAMA
