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Key Points

The 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting took place in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on strategic cooperation. Ministers reaffirmed the EAS as a key forum for regional dialogue ahead of its 20th anniversary. India highlighted the importance of a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The event included representatives from 18 nations, with Timor-Leste participating as an observer.

Key Points: 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meet in Kuala Lumpur

  • Ministers reviewed EAS cooperation ahead of its 20th anniversary
  • Focused on Indo-Pacific stability and regional challenges
  • India emphasized a free and rules-based regional order
  • Timor-Leste attended as observer alongside 18 member nations
2 min read

15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meet held in Malaysia

EAS ministers discuss strategic cooperation and Indo-Pacific stability as the forum marks its 20th anniversary with ASEAN and global leaders.

"The EAS reaffirmed commitment to strengthening dialogue on strategic, political, and economic issues in the region. – ASEAN"

Kuala Lumpur, July 11

The 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) was held on Friday in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, reviewing the ongoing EAS cooperation and discussing its future direction.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

“The EAS participating countries reaffirmed their commitment towards further strengthening the EAS as the Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on strategic, political, and economic issues of mutual interest and concern in the region, particularly in view of the 20th anniversary of the EAS this year,” ASEAN posted on its official X handle.

“The meeting was attended by the Foreign Ministers or their representatives from EAS participating countries and the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn. Timor-Leste attended as an Observer,” the post added.

The EAS is the premier leaders-led forum in the Asia-Pacific. Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia. It comprises 18 participating countries.

Apart from the 10 ASEAN Member states, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the EAS includes India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Russia.

Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday night at the invitation of the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia, to participate in the ASEAN-India FMM, the 15th East Asia Summit FMM and the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum scheduled from July 10–11, as part of the 58th ASEAN FMM and related events.

Last month, addressing the East Asia Summit Senior Officials' Meeting (EAS SOM) in Malaysia's Penang, P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, underlined the important role of EAS towards promoting a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

Kumaran, who led the Indian delegation at the summit, shared New Delhi's position on regional and international issues as the premier leaders-led mechanism marks its 20th anniversary this year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Interesting to note how EAS has evolved over 20 years. The inclusion of both US and Russia shows how complex the regional dynamics are. India's balanced approach is commendable in this scenario.
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Ananya R
While these summits are important, I wish there was more transparency about what exactly gets discussed behind closed doors. As citizens, we only get diplomatic statements but not the real discussions about regional security concerns.
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Vikram M
ASEAN-India partnership is crucial for our Act East policy. With China's growing influence, we need to strengthen ties with these nations. Hope our ministers discussed concrete infrastructure projects and people-to-people exchanges!
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Karthik V
The mention of "rules-based Indo-Pacific" is significant. India should take leadership in ensuring freedom of navigation in South China Sea. Our trade depends on these sea routes! 🚢
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Priya S
Malaysia hosting this shows their diplomatic importance in the region. As an Indian working in KL, I'm proud to see our representatives here. Hope they also discussed easier visa norms for professionals!
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Michael C
The 20th anniversary milestone is impressive. But with Myanmar still in crisis, I wonder how effective these talks really are in addressing humanitarian issues in the region. Actions speak louder than statements.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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