Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, is set to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia, on January 20 and 21, 2025. The high-level meeting brings together foreign ministers from across Southeast Asia to address pressing regional and global issues, reaffirm the bloc’s unity, and discuss priorities for 2025 under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship.
The retreat, held at the picturesque island of Langkawi, comes at a crucial time as the region grapples with challenges ranging from economic recovery post-pandemic to geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea.
Dr. Balakrishnan, a key advocate for multilateralism, is expected to underscore Singapore’s commitment to ASEAN’s centrality and the importance of fostering regional cooperation amid global uncertainties.
In a statement, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the significance of the retreat, noting that it will serve as a platform for ASEAN leaders to outline strategies for greater economic integration and address shared challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and food security.
Malaysia, as the ASEAN chair for 2025, has emphasized the theme of “Resilience and Unity,” aiming to strengthen the bloc’s collective voice on the international stage.
ASEAN’s 2025 agenda includes advancing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), addressing the Myanmar crisis, and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific. As one of ASEAN’s founding members, Singapore is anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping these discussions.
Dr. Balakrishnan is also expected to advocate for greater collaboration on issues such as cross-border trade, climate resilience, and innovation-driven growth.
This retreat marks the first major ASEAN meeting of 2025 and sets the tone for a year of high-level diplomacy. Analysts have underscored its importance, noting that the bloc’s ability to remain united in addressing regional issues will be critical to its global relevance.
Dr. Balakrishnan’s participation reflects Singapore’s enduring commitment to ASEAN’s vision of fostering peace, progress, and prosperity in Southeast Asia. The retreat is expected to conclude with a joint statement outlining the bloc’s priorities and affirming its commitment to regional stability.
