CONTACTS WITH MEMBER COUNTRIES OF ASEAN

Encik Zulkifli bin Mohammed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what is the range of regular official contacts so far established with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia; (b) whether existing contacts are adequate and are working satisfactorily; and (c) what steps are being contemplated to sustain and increase such contacts.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr S. Dhanabalan): Mr Speaker, Sir, ASEAN has regular meetings, both at the ministerial and official levels. Besides the annual ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, the Foreign Ministers and officials also have occasions to meet informally. These provide opportunities to discuss both bilateral and ASEAN matters. Ministers and officials from the economic, environment, energy, labour and agricultural ministries also meet separately at the ASEAN level.

With regard to Malaysia and Indonesia, there has been and will continue to be greater exchange of visits between Ministers, MPs and senior civil servants. These visits have provided an opportunity for leaders and officials to get to know their counterparts better. The existing contacts with the ASEAN countries, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, are satisfactory and will be strengthened.