Malaysia welcomed delegates from across Southeast Asia to the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, marked by reflection, renewed commitment, and forward-looking collaboration.
The summit comes at a time of significant geopolitical flux and rising global economic tensions, yet the message from Malaysia as this year’s Asean Chair is one of unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity.
A key area of focus remains the situation in Myanmar, where Asean – the acronym for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – has advanced a diplomatic approach.
“We have been able to take positive steps with the formation of the Informal Advisory Group for Malaysia as the Asean Chair for 2025,” said Malaysian Prime Minister and Asean Chair, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, this morning.
“The steps may be small and the bridge may be fragile, but as they say, in matters of peace, even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf.”
Amid global disruptions, Asean reaffirms its foundational values.
“Our peace, stability and prosperity have often depended on an open, inclusive, rules-based international order, anchored in the free flow of trade, capital and people,” said Anwar.
“These foundations are now being dismantled under the force of arbitrary action.”
This year is significant for Asean, as it marks a decade since the establishment of the Asean Community.
“We mark a decade since the establishment of the Asean Community, inviting reflection and renewal. At the same time, we will adopt a forward-looking 20-year Vision that necessitates our unwavering commitment and collective resolve,” said Anwar.
Despite a turbulent global landscape, marked by shifting power dynamics and rising protectionism, the Asean bloc demonstrates remarkable resilience.
“These milestones offer a renewed sense of optimism and confidence for Asean, underscored by remarkable resilience against a backdrop of increasingly complex and sobering global developments,” said Anwar.
He said the imposition of unilateral tariffs by the United States is an example of the strains on the global trading system and the fraying of multilateralism.
Nevertheless, Asean’s response has been swift and coordinated.
“We are thankful for the spirit of centrality and the fraternity among Asean Member States in being able to come together to forge a common front in dealing with these challenges,” he said.
The establishment of the Asean Geo-economics Task Force was highlighted as a vital step in navigating new economic realities.
This year also marks the first-ever Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit.
“It demonstrates our reservoir of goodwill, empowering us to deepen and expand our partnerships, and to act with strategic clarity,” said Anwar.
“The trilateral summit manifests the successful reshaping of the matrix of partnership… It symbolises the power of the cohesiveness of regional blocs.
“Above all, we must preserve the multilateral system and ensure that the Asean-GCC-China geo-economic model continues to play a meaningful role in forging a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
Main image: Foreign Affairs Ministry
