INTERNATIONAL: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation released its outcomes of Monday’s 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Tuesday. While a range of issues were discussed, ministers agreed that Southeast Asia should remain free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers stated that they recognized the importance of continued engagement and cooperation with United Nations agencies, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to ensure that the region remained a nuclear weapon-free zone.

The meeting also discussed the importance of ending the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the post-pandemic economic recovery. The ongoing crisis in Myanmar was also discussed with ASEAN Foreign Ministers agreeing that their 5-point action plan should be implemented immediately.