47th ASEAN Summit Showcases Nation's Diplomatic Strength - Fahmi
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits underscore Malaysia's strength and finesse in diplomacy in navigating international geopolitical dynamics, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said Malaysia’s capability as a respected diplomatic player was evident when Kuala Lumpur became the venue for several historic moments in the region, including the official admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member, the signing of the KL Peace Accord between Cambodia and Thailand, and the visit of the United States President Donald Trump.
“Malaysia does not have a large military and is a small nation, but we possess one superweapon — the finesse of our diplomacy,” he said.
“It cannot be denied that Malaysian diplomats are among the best at the international level, and we are certainly becoming one of the most respected institutions,” he said while speaking at the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly here today.
Also present were Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Information Department (JAPEN) Director-General Julina Johan, and Broadcasting Department Director-General Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman.
Fahmi said that as a small nation hosting ASEAN on a rotational basis every 10 years, and every 11 years following Timor-Leste’s inclusion, Malaysia cannot separate its role as chair from the global geopolitical situation.
"We are aware that the economy will be affected if we do not maintain good diplomatic relations with our trading partners... that is why Malaysia's approach is to be non-aligned," he said.
History was made in Kuala Lumpur yesterday with the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Cambodia and Thailand during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
The agreement, signed between Thailand and Cambodia on the sidelines of the official summit, is a crucial step towards fostering peace between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, with Trump commending Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's vital role in facilitating the peace deal.
Kuala Lumpur also became the site of a historic moment for ASEAN when the regional bloc expanded for the first time in 26 years, with the official admission of Timor-Leste as a full member through the signing of the Declaration on Timor-Leste’s Accession to ASEAN.
In addition, the United States and Malaysia also signed the US-Malaysia Reciprocal Trade Agreement, ending months of bilateral negotiations.
Under the agreement, Washington is committed to maintaining a 19-per cent tariff on goods originating from Malaysia and identifying 1,711 Malaysian products that will enjoy a zero-per cent reciprocal tariff.
The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits under the ASEAN-Malaysia 2025 Chairmanship are being held for three days at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, beginning yesterday.
A total of 30 leaders and senior officials from the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada attended the summit to discuss regional security, economic resilience, and inclusive growth.
-- BERNAMA
