Kuala Lumpur: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the need for ASEAN to become a stronger and more united regional bloc in facing the current global uncertainties. He also called on all member states to strengthen regional cooperation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prabowo stated, "ASEAN must be stronger, more solid. The situation is uncertain, so we must work together more effectively," during an interview with a local television station. His remarks came after attending the signing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

This event marks Prabowo's first appearance as head of state at the regional gathering since taking office as President of Indonesia in October last year. The signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration is seen as a significant step in the region's integration journey.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the declaration as a pivotal moment, asserting that ASEAN's future must be based on "the principles of sustainability and inclusivity," with regional integration being genuinely people-centred. The declaration, endorsed during the 46th ASEAN Summit, underscores ASEAN's commitment to building a more resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-oriented regional community by 2045. This new vision will replace the ASEAN 2025 vision, which has been in place since 2015.