Kuala Lumpur: Secretary-General of the United Nations praised the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a pivotal force in fostering global multipolarity and reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to its strategic partnership with the bloc at the Fifteenth ASEAN Summit.
According to EMM, the Secretary-General underscored ASEAN's longstanding tradition of cooperation, which has been strengthened further with Timor-Leste's recent accession. He emphasized the importance of ASEAN as a strategic partner in addressing regional and global challenges, such as the tensions in the South China Sea, where he called for the prevention of incidents and the maintenance of freedom of navigation in line with international law.
Turning to Myanmar, the Secretary-General expressed grave concerns over the ongoing conflict, highlighting the humanitarian crisis that has left thousands dead and millions displaced. He condemned the violence and urged for an inclusive political process, advocating for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, including elected leaders, and stressing the importance of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus and the UN Security Council resolution 2669 (2022).
The Secretary-General also addressed broader global issues, advocating for reforms in the international financial architecture to ensure greater representation of developing countries, including ASEAN members. He called for urgent action to tackle climate change, emphasizing the necessity for deeper emissions cuts and a transition to renewable energy sources to combat the impacts of climate change threatening the region.
On the subject of digital transformation, the Secretary-General highlighted recent UN initiatives aimed at fostering AI governance and addressing transnational organized crime, particularly in cyberspace. He reiterated the UN's commitment to supporting ASEAN's efforts in these areas.
In closing, the Secretary-General expressed his pride in the partnership between the United Nations and ASEAN, reaffirming the belief that cooperation remains the most potent force for peace and progress in South-East Asia and beyond.