ASEAN, a Key Platform for U.S. Diplomacy and Trade, Says Embassy Spokesperson
KUALA LUMPUR|| July 5: The upcoming 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related events, scheduled to begin on Tuesday (July 8) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), present a critical opportunity for the United States to strengthen diplomatic and trade engagement across Southeast Asia, said a spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia.
James Butler Dewey, spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy, lauded Malaysia’s leadership as this year’s ASEAN Chair, commending the country’s thorough preparations, professionalism, and hospitality ahead of the high-level multilateral meetings.
“We’re very excited about Malaysia’s chair year. This is a valuable forum for the United States to meet with friends, allies, and key trading partners in the region,” Dewey told Bernama following a walkabout session at the KLCC today.
The session brought together officials from various foreign missions in a pre-summit inspection and networking exercise, offering firsthand insight into the facilities and arrangements for the AMM, which runs from July 8 to 11.
Dewey, who recently began his diplomatic posting in Malaysia, said the timing of his arrival—coinciding with the country’s ASEAN Chairmanship—provided a unique vantage point to witness Malaysia’s regional leadership in action.
He praised the collaborative efforts of Malaysian agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra), the Ministry of Communications, and the Department of Information, highlighting the meticulous coordination and support provided to participating delegations.
“Everyone has been so kind and helpful. We truly appreciate the thoughtful arrangements—and yes, the food has been excellent too! It might sound minor, but during international conferences, that kind of hospitality really stands out,” he said with a smile.
Dewey also described the KLCC and its scenic surroundings as a “world-class” setting for such a prominent regional event.
“Walking through the gardens and seeing the Petronas Towers—it’s a spectacular venue. The location of this multilateral forum couldn’t be more iconic, he continued.
The walkabout covered key venues such as plenary halls, the International Media Centre, and hospitality areas, and also served as a casual networking platform for diplomats and officials from ASEAN and partner nations.
Malaysia is hosting the AMM for the fifth time, having previously held the ASEAN Chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. This year’s meetings will bring together an estimated 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers and senior representatives from ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, Dialogue Partners, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
The AMM is expected to focus on regional security, trade integration, digital cooperation, and strengthening ASEAN centrality amid intensifying global challenges.
— Bernama