Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hassan strongly condemned Israel's "suffocating siege" on Gaza during his opening address at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Sunday, describing the humanitarian crisis as "a blatant violation of international humanitarian law reflecting accountability failures and double standards."

Key Statements on Gaza:

• Accused Israeli occupation forces of causing mass starvation and deaths

• Urged ASEAN to adopt unified position reflecting "justice, humanity, and rule of law"

• Warned against silence on international injustices

Economic & Strategic Priorities:

1. Trade Disruptions

   • Called for coordinated ASEAN response to U.S. tariffs

   • Warned of global economic slowdown from U.S.-China trade war

2. Emerging Challenges

   • Climate change impacts threatening coastal states

   • AI outpacing government regulations

   • Need for deeper economic integration to absorb external shocks

3. ASEAN Centrality

   • Stressed maintaining ASEAN as Southeast Asia's unified voice

   • Warned internal divisions would invite external pressures

ASEAN 2045 Vision:

• Endorsed 20-year roadmap for innovative, economically integrated community

• Malaysia's chairmanship theme: "Inclusivity and Sustainability"

• Emphasized intergenerational equity in development policies

Regional Responses Highlighted:

• Rapid ASEAN aid to Myanmar-Thailand earthquake zones

• Call for extended Myanmar ceasefire to facilitate disaster recovery

Upcoming Milestones:

• Monday's adoption of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future framework

• GCC-ASEAN Summit (Kuwait's Crown Prince leading Gulf delegation)

• First trilateral summit with China