Kuala lumpur: As ASEAN's Chair for 2025, Malaysia has emerged as a key driver of the regional bloc's collective agenda under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, according to Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia has played a crucial role in advancing ASEAN's efforts to address regional challenges, including the conflict in Myanmar and recent border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Sihasak noted Malaysia's proactive approach under Anwar's chairmanship, describing it as ambitious and instrumental in resolving issues like the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute.
Tensions between the two nations had escalated into a military confrontation in the Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear border areas on July 24. Malaysia's mediation efforts in Putrajaya on July 28 facilitated a ceasefire, preventing a broader conflict and safeguarding thousands of civilians.
On broader regional issues, Sihasak highlighted the importance of confronting the decline of multilateralism and the rise of protectionism amid intensifying competition between major powers such as the United States and China. He emphasized ASEAN's need to diversify strategies, strengthen regional economic integration, and explore new domains like the digital economy.
Sihasak also pointed to the upcoming Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 27 as an opportunity for member states to reaffirm their commitment to open trade and regional connectivity. He underscored the importance of ASEAN's role in ensuring regional peace and security and promoting stability beyond the region through the ASEAN-led architecture.
Malaysia, under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', will host the 47th ASEAN Summit from Oct 26 to 28, bringing together leaders from ASEAN and dialogue partners, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and India. Other prominent leaders expected to attend include Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, European Council President Ant³nio Costa, and Japan's Sanae Takaichi.