VIENTIANE, July 28 – Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair next year, will hold regional meetings in all the states and not just in Kuala Lumpur.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that as the host, Malaysia will organise about 300 meetings at the officials and ministerial levels as well as two summits involving the heads of state.
“We have reviewed and agreed to hold meetings at the ministerial and officials level throughout the states.
“I hope all the places and states we have identified will make the best preparations to welcome guests, as this will boost the country’s image,” he told the Malaysian media.
He said the first meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers for the retreat session will be held on Jan 18-19 in Langkawi Island, Kedah.
Mohamad said Malaysia is ready to chair ASEAN by outlining three main pillars, namely security and politics, economy and socio-culture.
Mohamad has been in Vientiane since last Tuesday to attend the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings chaired by Laos.
