Kuala Lumpur: ASEAN member states agreed to strengthen the regional bloc's centrality by promoting strategic trust among nations through dialogues, diplomacy, and goodwill.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the chairman's statement issued following the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit emphasized the importance of enhancing the bloc's external relations and expanding its mutually beneficial partnerships in the region and beyond. It stated the reaffirmation of ASEAN's centrality and unity in shaping a peaceful, stable, and inclusive regional architecture.

The statement highlighted the need to strengthen strategic trust and mutual confidence among ASEAN member states and external partners through dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international laws. It also underscored the importance of deepening ASEAN's external engagements through mutually beneficial partnerships.

ASEAN leaders also noted the significance of deeper economic integration and intra-ASEAN trade and investment flows, focusing on inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. They agreed to advance cooperation in areas such as green finance, sustainable investment, digital transformation, and supply chain connectivity to ensure ASEAN's competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Held under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' this year's summit marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing ASEAN, following its leadership in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two major engagements - the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit - will be held to further strengthen ASEAN's strategic inter-regional partnerships.