(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUALA LUMPUR, July (KUNA) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) warned on Wednesday of the disintegration of the global order as geopolitical tensions escalate, citing ongoing conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine, and Myanmar, as well as rising competition among major powers and the impact on markets, supply chains, and food security.
The warning came during the opening session of ASEAN's 58th Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country holds the ASEAN chair this year, delivered a keynote address calling for a united front against what he described as the moral collapse of the international system.
He said that the global order is fragmenting, with conflict, coercion, and mistrust dominating international relations, and highlighted Gaza as an example, where he said an entire population continues to suffer.
He emphasized ASEAN's responsibility to uphold international norms, stating that foreign policy realism must align with shared values, he said that realism and values are not opposing forces and that the world needs both.
On the economic front, Anwar warned of a fundamental shift in global trade and investment patterns, where tariffs, export restrictions, and investment barriers have become tools of geopolitical rivalry.
He stressed the need for policy alignment across ASEAN institutions under the ASEAN Vision 2045 framework.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohammad Hasan reaffirmed the country's strong support for Palestine, announcing that the meeting includes the 4th Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), with participation from ASEAN and international partners.
Minister Mohammad Hasan also warned that trade protectionism and global conflicts are disproportionately affecting the Global South, urging deeper economic integration and diversification.
Founded in 1967, ASEAN comprises ten member states: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, and Timor-Leste is expected to join as the 11th member in October. (end)
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