Putrajaya: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said ASEAN achieved the goals set for the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, crediting the outcome to the strong spirit of unity and the unwavering support of all regional leaders.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar reflected on the engagements throughout the summit, noting that Malaysia's chairmanship had enabled deeper discussions with ASEAN's external partners, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China. He highlighted that the engagements with the GCC were especially meaningful, representing the first substantive dialogue following an introductory meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2023.
Anwar explained that while the initial meeting in Riyadh was more of a formality to introduce the programme, the recent summit featured a series of structured sessions and discussions, culminating in a detailed joint statement. At a media conference at the summit's conclusion, he noted that ASEAN's dialogue with China was enhanced by the presence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, allowing both sides to focus on specific areas of cooperation.
He expressed appreciation for all ministries and agencies involved in organising the summit, the first under his administration. Under Malaysia's chairmanship, the summit emphasized narrowing development gaps, safeguarding vulnerable communities, and reinforcing ASEAN's centrality within the evolving regional architecture.
Malaysia's leadership during the summit garnered praise for articulating clear priorities, such as food and energy security, climate resilience, sustainable development, and enhanced connectivity within the region and with external partners. The Prime Minister stated that the summit's outcomes reflect ASEAN's renewed commitment to remain united and proactive amid rising global uncertainties.
While acknowledging that not all issues can be resolved immediately, Anwar stressed the real and meaningful positive engagement among member states, reflecting a new spirit within ASEAN. He emphasized that regional decisions must not come at the expense of any other nation, as ASEAN seeks to uphold the collective interests of its more than 650 million people.
Looking forward, Anwar said that ministries and relevant agencies from all ASEAN member states will be mobilised to ensure effective implementation of agreed-upon programmes, targeting tangible progress by October. Reflecting on ASEAN's unity, he noted the unprecedented level of commitment demonstrated by leaders over the past three years, remarking on the clear determination to act.
This year marks Malaysia's fifth term as ASEAN Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the regional summit, two high-level engagements - the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit - were also convened as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation.