Asean now respected and recognised globally, says Anwar

New Straits Times

5 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Asean has achieved a 'spectacular' position where it is measured, respected and recognised internationally, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar attributed the regional bloc's current global standing to the deep-rooted trust and enduring friendships among its leaders over the years.
"We have done relatively well. I must reiterate the level of trust and confidence we have in ourselves.
"I was in Rio, and in Italy and France, meeting leaders for bilateral sessions on Malaysia, but without exception, they all asked about Asean.
"Everyone has recognised the role of Asean. Asean has now achieved a spectacular position, measured, respected and recognised internationally," he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 58th
Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) here today.
Anwar listed several contentious issues that Asean was able to address due to mutual trust and close ties within the bloc.
These included the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.
"When we discuss with the leaders in Myanmar, without exception, they are full of support and confidence.
"Similarly, after the event, we were able to engage again to seek a common platform, understanding how to proceed with the Five-Point Consensus.
"Even the unfortunate incident recently between Cambodia and Thailand, which of course all Asean leaders expressed concern about, did not prevent us from immediately calling our colleagues in both countries to express our concern and support all efforts and initiatives to secure lasting peace," he said.
He added that Asean leaders had gone through various phases to ensure the bloc's continued success, including in areas where limitations still remain, such as intra-Asean trade and joint investments.
The 58th AMM and related meetings, held under Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', will feature 24 ministerial-level meetings, including engagements with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.
In conjunction with the meetings, Malaysia will also host the Fourth Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV).
Co-chaired with Japan and Palestine, the conference will discuss initiatives to support the reconstruction and development of Gaza and Palestine.
The high-level meetings, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11, will bring together around 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from Asean member states, Timor-Leste, Asean Dialogue Partners, Asean Regional Forum (ARF) participating countries, Sectoral Dialogue Partners and senior officials from the Asean Secretariat.