Malaysia Advocates for Regional Peace and Stability at ASEAN Summits
Malaysia is set to prioritize regional peace and stability at the ASEAN Summits in Laos, addressing critical issues such as economic integration, AI, and geopolitical challenges including the South China Sea and the crisis in Myanmar. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will lead Malaysia’s engagement with other ASEAN nations and partners, emphasizing collaborative growth and the importance of the ASEAN community.
Malaysia is poised to prioritize the promotion of regional peace and stability amid escalating geopolitical challenges during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Laos. Ambassador to Laos, Edi Irwan Mahmud, communicated that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to bring attention to several critical issues, including regional economic integration, digitalization, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and improvements in the welfare of ASEAN citizens. The concerns regarding persistent international conflicts, particularly the South China Sea situation and the ongoing crises in Myanmar and the Middle East, notably in Gaza, will also be discussed. Ambassador Mahmud emphasized that Malaysia will maintain a strong and constructive approach concerning the South China Sea, engaging in necessary diplomatic discussions to safeguard Malaysia’s sovereign rights and interests. Regarding Myanmar, he referenced the Five Point Consensus (5PC) as ASEAN’s guiding principle for addressing the political strife within the country, affirming that efforts toward a peaceful resolution will persist based on this consensus. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is to arrive in Vientiane with his spouse, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. During the summit proceedings, Anwar will engage in meetings with ASEAN’s seven Dialogue Partners including nations such as Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the United States, and Canada, along with participation in multiple other summits including the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN-UN Summit. Ambassador Mahmud noted that some of the key meetings scheduled include discussions with representatives from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), ASEAN Youth representatives, and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) on October 9. This participation underscores Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to integral issues such as realizing the ASEAN Community vision for 2025 and addressing both regional and global challenges. Ambassador Mahmud commended Laos for its effective leadership during its ASEAN chairmanship, emphasizing the theme of “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” which has notably fostered trade, investment initiatives, and collaborative opportunities for all member states, thereby ensuring ASEAN’s relevance in promoting stability, growth, and prosperity in the region. The forum also marks the transition of chairmanship from Laos to Malaysia, which will assume the position for the year 2025 at the conclusion of these summits on October 11.
The article discusses Malaysia’s focus on regional peace and stability during the upcoming ASEAN summits in light of challenging geopolitical developments. It highlights Malaysia’s proactive approach to engage with key regional and international issues, including matters concerning the South China Sea, Myanmar, and broader economic integration within ASEAN countries. This reflects Malaysia’s commitment to regional cooperation and stability in a dynamic global environment.
In summary, Malaysia’s participation in the ASEAN Summits signifies its dedication to addressing pressing regional challenges and enhancing connections among member states. The leadership transition from Laos to Malaysia for the 2025 ASEAN Chair speaks to ongoing efforts toward collective growth and stability in Southeast Asia, with a focus on key issues that affect the welfare of the people and the interconnectedness of the region.
Original Source: www.bernama.com
