The ASEAN foreign ministers' retreat: Positive impact on State's growth, says CM
Published on: Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: The Asean Foreign Ministers' Retreat being held here, the first in the series of Asean meetings under Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship this year, is expected to have a positive impact on the State's development and economic growth.Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the State Government views such an auspicious event with great optimism that it will benefit the development growth of the State.He said the State Government felt privileged and honoured to host the first Ministerial-level Asean Meeting for the year in the State capital prior to various upcoming meetings.
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"The government organising the Asean meetings across the country is to allow each state to feel that it, too, is part of the larger project of Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean for this year. It also intends to foster a sense of belonging to Asean and at the same time to feel that the chairmanship is being shared amongst all states."Malaysia's overarching theme of its chairmanship is to foster a 'People-centred Asean' and in line with this, and at every opportunity, Malaysia intends to involve the various segments of society in preparing for the various meetings."This will include tapping stakeholders in various expertise, welcoming their ideas and inputs, and inviting every strata of the community to help organise, lead and ultimately celebrate in the formation of the Asean Community by year end, which is to create a truly one Asean for all," he said.Musa said this at the welcoming dinner for the Ministers at Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort, Tuesday.
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Also present were Secretary-General of Asean, Le Luong Minh, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, Asean Foreign Ministers and other officials.Musa said Sabah's economic development has seen rapid growth in recent years and this is proof that the State is on the right track through a development agenda and other timely initiatives.
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Among other objectives of such vital meetings, he said is to introduce the delegates to the many wonders Malaysia has to offer as each city has its own attractions to welcome, impress and create wonderful memories for them to remember and appreciate."By end of this year, we hope the delegates will come to know and love Malaysia for all the beauty and different attractions this country has to offer – from sandy beaches, abundant coral life and wonderful diving sites; to the majesty of millennia-old rainforests and the diverse wildlife that it holds to, to Mount Kinabalu here and the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur."Not forgetting the different cultures from various ethnic groups, religions and festivities celebrated throughout the year in Malaysia and last and not the least is tasting the variety of cuisine and gastronomic offerings," he said.As for Sabah, Musa promoted several unique eco-treasures and the beauty of its natural environment here to the Asean delegates like the State's natural wonders especially Mount Kinabalu, Maliau Basin which is also known as 'The Lost World and the world renowned Sipadan island.He also pointed out that the State government has one of the best forest management and conservation policies in Malaysia with the highest percentage of totally protected areas (TPA) of forest in the nation.Asean members are urged to move the Asean agenda forward towards establishing an Asean Community, which is its mission, by end of this year.Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman is optimistic that decades of regional integration efforts will finally culminate in the establishment of an Asean Community by year-end."Malaysia is deeply honoured to take the helm of the Asean Chairmanship this year and we are mindful of the challenges ahead of us in the coming months, which will see key Asean aspirations come to fruition. Never one to rest on our laurels, Asean will set our sights on yet bigger aspirations for the years to come."In this regard, 2015 will no doubt be a historic and deeply meaningful year for all of us. Hence, I am looking forward to having a full and frank exchange of views on how we can move the Asean agenda forward in the months ahead."Hence, with this huge task ahead of us, we must continue to work together, as we always have, in the spirit of friendship and togetherness, as one community," he said.Anifah said this in his speech at the welcoming dinner of the Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting and Retreat at Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort here on Tuesday.Also present were Musa, Sec-Gen Le Luong Minh, Asean Foreign Ministers, and other officials.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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