KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- In the midst of the Post-Ministerial Conferences, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan chaired the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland, and the ASEAN Secretariat from 12.45pm to 1.15pm on 10 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. Switzerland was represented by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. Also present was the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. 

The 58th AMM features several strategic trilateral meetings—each involving the current ASEAN Chair, the ASEAN Secretariat, and a Dialogue Partner or key external stakeholder. These engagements reflect ASEAN’s evolving diplomatic landscape, moving beyond traditional ASEAN-Plus-One formats to more focused discussions. Such settings enable deeper, more targeted cooperation in areas of shared interest, allowing ASEAN to respond more effectively to emerging challenges and opportunities. 

Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, welcomed Switzerland’s steadfast commitment to ASEAN since becoming a Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2016. Both sides acknowledged the steady expansion of cooperation in areas such as peacebuilding, mine action, and the promotion of human rights. Switzerland’s technical expertise was also recognised, particularly in sustainable finance, digital innovation, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The meeting also took note of ongoing collaboration in disaster management through the AHA Centre and skills development via the ASEAN-Swiss Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative (ASTI). There was mutual interest in scaling up cooperation in future-oriented sectors, including the digital economy, artificial intelligence, green finance, and youth empowerment.

ASEAN reaffirmed its support for enhancing practical cooperation with Switzerland under the ASEAN-Switzerland Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) and encouraged continued engagement with the ASEAN Secretariat to ensure the delivery of impactful and coordinated initiatives.

These trilateral meetings underscore ASEAN’s commitment to deepening strategic partnerships through practical, inclusive, and forward-looking dialogue. By leveraging each partner’s unique strengths, ASEAN aims to build resilient regional cooperation that is responsive to the needs of its communities and aligned with the broader ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

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

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