ASEAN Summit To Reinforce Regional Centrality, Malaysia's Commitment To Moderation - PM Anwar
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur later this month, will mark a historic milestone for Malaysia and the region, serving as a platform to promote ASEAN’s centrality and Malaysia’s commitment to moderation on the global stage.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the summit will bring together not only ASEAN member states and traditional dialogue partners such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand, but also leaders from beyond the region, including the European Union (EU), Canada, the United States, Brazil, and South Africa.
“This reflects a new strategic direction for Malaysia and ASEAN in expanding diplomatic and trade ties with other regions, including Africa and Latin America, especially with the presence of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
“The attendance of US President Donald Trump is also expected to draw significant attention, particularly with trade tariffs on the agenda for discussion,” Anwar said during a special media briefing with local and international editors today.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that Thailand’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, will be attending the summit and making his first official visit to Malaysia, his second international visit since taking office on Sept 7.
In addition to world leaders, representatives from the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Labour Organization (ILO), and FIFA President Gianni Infantino are also expected to attend the summit.
Highlighting the significance of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, Anwar said the country has drawn global attention throughout the year, with hundreds of summits and thousands of official meetings already held, making it one of the most active periods in ASEAN’s history.
“Much credit goes to the Foreign Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for spearheading our engagements and hosting the preparatory meetings with regional counterparts.
“For me, this is a source of national pride. The discussions have spanned across diplomacy, geopolitics, trade, investment, economic cooperation, security, digital economy, artificial intelligence, communication, information, and energy - all culminating in strategic proposals that will be reviewed and endorsed at the leaders’ level,” he said.
The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Oct 26 to 28.
Over 30 heads of state and government are expected to attend the high-level meetings, which will focus on regional peace, economic resilience, and inclusive growth under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.
-- BERNAMA
