Kuala Lumpur: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, expressed the nation's profound honour in hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, emphasizing the gatherings as a reflection of regional commitment to peace, prosperity, and partnership both within ASEAN and beyond. In his remarks at a Royal Luncheon held at Istana Negara in conjunction with the summits, Sultan Ibrahim noted the timeliness of the summits amid global complexities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Ibrahim expressed hope that ASEAN and its partners would continue to uphold unity and mutual respect to build an inclusive and resilient future. He extended a warm welcome to all ASEAN leaders and leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China, highlighting Malaysia's dedication to fostering deeper regional and inter-regional ties.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was present at the Royal Luncheon, which was attended by ASEAN leaders, including Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao also attended.
Dignitaries from the GCC included Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and Omani Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, along with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Farhan Al Saud and United Arab Emirates Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. China was represented by Premier Li Qiang.
The 46th ASEAN Summit, which commenced at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, continues with the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. These dialogues bring together leaders from member states to discuss regional developments and future directions.
The summit is held under the ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. This year marks the fifth time Malaysia has chaired ASEAN, with previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.