KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with Canada was held from 10.15am to 11.15am on 10 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. Co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR Thongsavanh Phomvihane, in his capacity as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Anita Anand, the meeting brought together the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member States. Taking place in parallel with the Post-Ministerial Conference with Australia, the session underscored ASEAN’s ongoing effort to engage meaningfully with like-minded partners at a pivotal moment for regional cooperation.

The meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of the growing ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and explore new avenues for deepening collaboration in support of ASEAN’s priorities. Ministers welcomed the positive momentum in negotiations toward the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA), recognising its potential to enhance cooperation in key emerging sectors, including digital trade, artificial intelligence, green technology, and clean energy. The combined weight of ACAFTA and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy was seen as a powerful enabler for sustainable growth, regulatory alignment, and inclusive economic resilience.

Canada’s longstanding support for ASEAN’s sustainability agenda was also acknowledged, particularly in the areas of climate change, innovation, and disaster management. Ministers highlighted the importance of investing in future generations, noting the success of Canada’s Scholarship and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme.

Discussions also touched on Canada’s technical strengths in energy transition and quantum technologies. Ministers expressed interest in deepening cooperation through the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC), and looked ahead to the adoption of the ASEAN- Canada Plan of Action (2026–2030) as a timely opportunity to set a more ambitious course for future collaboration.

On regional and international issues, Malaysia voiced deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire. Malaysia emphasised the importance of upholding a fair, rules-based international order grounded in international law and UN resolutions. Malaysia called on all parties to exercise restraint and underscored the need for a balanced and constructive approach in pursuit of lasting peace in the Middle East.

Overall, ASEAN expressed appreciation for Canada’s enduring partnership and constructive engagement over the years. The meeting reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to advancing a forward-looking, inclusive agenda focused on peace, sustainability, and shared prosperity. As the region faces increasingly complex challenges, ASEAN and Canada remain united in their pursuit of resilient, rules-based cooperation grounded in mutual respect and common purpose.

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SOURCE: Communication & Public Diplomacy Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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