Kuala Lumpur (TDI): In a key diplomatic engagement, the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy made his first appearance at the ASEAN Regional Forum, underscoring the UK’s growing commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. This visit marks a renewed effort by Britain to deepen its presence and cooperation with Southeast Asia.
Speaking at the highest-level gathering in the region, Lammy emphasized the importance of maintaining a ‘free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.’ His comments align with London’s broader Indo-Pacific policy announced in recent years to strengthen ties with partners across Asia.
The Foreign Secretary met with Foreign Ministers and officials from the 27-member forum, which includes ASEAN nations as well as the United States, China, Russia, Japan, and Australia. Discussions across the topics of regional security challenges, maritime cooperation, economic resilience, and climate change.
Lammy reiterated Britain’s intention to work more closely with ASEAN to promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.
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The UK became an ASEAN Dialogue Partner in 2021, a status that allows it to participate more actively in the region’s political and security discussions.
Primarily since then, it has sought to build stronger diplomatic, economic, and defense relationships with Southeast Asian nations. This visit is part of that broader strategy and this reinforces the UK’s role as a reliable partner in the region.
Also, this diplomatic move accompanied by a high-profile Singapore Tour marks a sharper Britain pivot toward the Indo-Pacific less than a year into Lammy’s tenure.
The ARF meeting concluded with a joint statement that reaffirmed members’ commitment to dialogue, multilateralism, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Moreover, the Foreign Secretary’s participation indicates that Britain’s Indo-Pacific ambitions are not merely rhetorical, but well grounded in diplomacy and engagement.
