Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan Kicks Off UNGA 81 Engagements with Commonwealth Secretary-General

NEW YORK, Sept 24 – Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan officially commenced his bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) on Wednesday with a courtesy call from Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey.

According to a statement released on Mohamad’s official social media platforms, the bilateral discussions focused on strategic directions for the Commonwealth to address evolving global challenges, alongside operational preparations for the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2026) in Antigua and Barbuda.

Mohamad and Botchwey examined core issues confronting the 56-nation bloc, specifically democratic principles, human rights protections, and the rule of law.

“In this regard, Malaysia continues to be entrusted as a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to uphold the values and principles of the Commonwealth. Malaysia has been a member of CMAG since 2018,” the statement noted.

The leaders also reviewed preparations for CHOGM 2026, scheduled from Nov 1 to 4. Mohamad will represent Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the biennial summit, which will place heavy emphasis on expanding multilateral trade and investment frameworks.

Malaysia welcomed the Commonwealth’s expanding international reach, notably the inclusion of Bahrain, Brazil, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have been invited to participate in CHOGM 2026 for the first time.

Following the opening meeting, Mohamad’s Thursday itinerary in New York features a comprehensive schedule of high-level ministerial meetings at UN Headquarters:

• Peacebuilding Commission (PBC): Attending the Ministerial-Level Meeting at the Trusteeship Council Chamber, where Malaysia holds the 34th speaking slot.
• Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): Participating in the Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Ministers, scheduled to speak between Kyrgyzstan and Sierra Leone.
• UNRWA Ministerial Meeting: Joining the Ministerial Meeting in Support of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East at the ECOSOC Chamber.
• Sea-Level Rise High-Level Meeting: Addressing existential threats posed by rising ocean levels, with Malaysia listed 61st in the speaking order.
• Bilateral & Diplomatic Exchanges: Conducting a pull-aside meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and receiving a courtesy call from International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.

Mohamad is stationed in New York from Sept 23 to 27 leading Malaysia’s diplomatic mission at UNGA 81.

–NMT