“One of the biggest concerns is that ASEAN’s foreign policy should not be allowed to be continually guided and influenced by the … tectonic movements of Trump’s outpourings,” said Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia’s Dr Faiz.
“So, the first thing that has to be done (when) ASEAN foreign ministers get together (should be to) take a common position, for example, in relation to tariffs.”
This week’s agenda also includes a ministerial meeting of the Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD).
The conference is led by Malaysia and Japan to accelerate efforts for the reconstruction of war-torn Gaza.
Additionally, there is the ASEAN Regional Forum, one of Asia’s largest multilateral political and security platforms, which will feature 27 participants, including the 10 ASEAN members and key global partners such as the US, Russia and China.
Observers said the forum will likely feature strong rhetoric and calls for regional solidarity even as underlying divisions remain.
“They may express their solidarity, and they may use aspirational language that Asia should unite, the intra-regional trade in ASEAN should be further enhanced to insulate ourselves from the turbulence of whatever Washington DC is doing right now,” said Professor Phar Kim Beng, who specialises in ASEAN studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia.
The bloc’s foreign ministers are also expected to hold separate sessions with ASEAN’s key dialogue partners.
The meetings will take place in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur from Jul 8 to 11, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
