LANGKAWI, Malaysia, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will close ranks to ensure that trade and economic cooperation among them proceed unhindered in the face of geopolitical tensions and other disruptions, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said here on Sunday.

Southeast Asian foreign ministers convened in Malaysia to address Myanmar's civil war and South China Sea tensions. Despite internal challenges, ASEAN fosters unity and economic integration amid global uncertainties.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since 2021 when its military overthrew the government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Southeast Asian foreign ministers gathered Sunday for their first meeting this year under the regional bloc's new chair, Malaysia, seeking a breakthrough over Myanmar’s drawn-out civil war and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

LANGKAWI, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- ASEAN Foreign Ministers welcomed the progress made in the negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and emphasised the importance of sustaining momentum to expedite the process.

Southeast Asian nations told Myanmar's military government on Sunday its plan to hold an election amid an escalating civil war should not be its priority, urging the junta to start dialogue and end hostilities immediately.

The implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on the situation in Myanmar provides a pathway to achieving an inclusive and durable peaceful resolution in Myanmar that will contribute to peace, security and stability in the region, Mohamad said at a press briefing following an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting.

Retreat under Malaysia’s chairmanship concluded here today with an advice to Myanmar, a progress evaluation of the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea, and a resolve to strengthen ASEAN unity and resilience.

Retreat under Malaysia’s chairmanship concluded here today with an advice to Myanmar, a progress evaluation of the

Thailand and Malaysia emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing pressing regional and global issues, including human trafficking and Asean solidarity.

LANGKAWI - Asean needs to double down on regional integration to enhance the grouping’s competitiveness, especially at a time when changes to geopolitical structures and economic policy are taking place worldwide, said Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

ASEAN has urged Myanmar's military government to prioritize ceasing hostilities and initiating dialogue over organizing elections amid ongoing civil war. Malaysia's foreign minister emphasized the need for unrestricted humanitarian access and stressed adherence to ASEAN's peace plan.