Malaysia's foreign minister meets Commonwealth chief ahead of CHOGM

Beginning his UNGA schedule, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan visited the office of Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey for a courtesy call in New York. The two leaders reviewed the Commonwealth’s strategic direction, especially on democracy, the rule of law and human-rights issues, and prepared for the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting slated for November in Antigua and Barbuda.

Hasan noted Malaysia’s ongoing membership in the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, a role it has held since 2018, and highlighted that CHOGM will focus on expanding trade and investment opportunities. He also welcomed the invitation extended to Bahrain, Brazil, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to attend the summit for the first time. Over the next days, Hasan will join high-level UN sessions, speak at the Peacebuilding Commission, the OIC foreign-minister meeting, and a UNRWA support meeting, meet Norway’s foreign minister Espen Barth Eide, and conclude with a meeting with ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric Egger. He remains in New York from Sept 23-27 leading Malaysia’s UNGA delegation.