Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially opened the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, marking a decade since the establishment of the ASEAN Community. The event is set against a backdrop of significant geopolitical transitions and challenges within the global trading system.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of a forward-looking 20-year Vision while acknowledging the current strain on multilateralism due to unilateral tariffs and rising protectionism. He highlighted ASEAN's resilience and the collective resolve of its member states in addressing these challenges, particularly through the establishment of the ASEAN Geo-economics Task Force.
The Prime Minister also addressed the situation in Myanmar, noting the positive steps taken with the formation of the Informal Advisory Group for Malaysia as the ASEAN Chair for 2025. This group, led by former Thai Prime Minister Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, aims to resolve the Myanmar crisis. This effort is supported by continued meetings and the involvement of regional leaders such as the Sultan of Brunei and former Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed the importance of maintaining an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order, which is currently under challenge. He expressed confidence in ASEAN's ability to navigate these headwinds through the principles of centrality and strategic clarity.
Highlighting the significance of ASEAN's partnerships, he announced the first-ever ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, which aims to reshape the regional partnership matrix to align with today's multipolar reality. This collaboration is seen as a testament to the power of regional cohesiveness and its potential positive impact on global affairs.
The Prime Minister concluded his remarks by underscoring Malaysia's commitment to the theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' during its Chairmanship, advocating for equitable, sustainable growth and resilience as the foundation of ASEAN's future agenda. With these principles, Malaysia aims to advance a shared vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future for the region and its people.