Kuala lumpur: The attendance of several world leaders at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia underscores the significance of the event amid ongoing global developments, according to Indonesia's Foreign Ministry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, ASEAN Cooperation director-general Sidharto R. Suryodipuro emphasized the importance of the summit during a media briefing on the ASEAN and APEC Summits. He highlighted the participation of ASEAN leaders, including Thailand's new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. Myanmar will be represented by a non-political official.
Leaders from the United States, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand are scheduled to attend, while India is expected to join virtually. Malaysia has also extended invitations to seven special guests, including leaders from Brazil, South Africa, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, European Council president Ant³nio Costa, World Bank president Ajay Banga, and International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva are invited.
The summit will kick off with ministerial meetings on October 24, including the Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar. Significant events such as Timor-Leste's submission of the instrument of accession to the United Nations Charter into ASEAN and the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation by Finland are also on the agenda.
On October 26, the official opening of the summit will take place, followed by the signing of a declaration marking Timor-Leste's admission as ASEAN's 11th full member. Leaders will also witness the signing of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement and the upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 agreement.
The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from October 26 to 28, will focus on issues concerning regional peace, economic resilience, and inclusive growth under Malaysia's ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.