Economic Cooperation Pacts With Partners Reinforce ASEAN’s Central Role - Anwar
By Karina Imran, Harizah Hanim Mohamed and Zufazlin Baharuddin
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The signing of economic cooperation agreements between ASEAN countries and strategic partners underscores the bloc’s role in forging centrality, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
While cooperation with the United States remains important, the ASEAN 2025 Chair also emphasised that the bloc would continue to deepen its engagement with other markets, particularly to maintain regional peace and economic growth.
To a question about his conversation with Trump during “The Beast” ride with the US President on Oct 26, Anwar said he raised the issue of the high reciprocal tariffs imposed by Washington as well as issues related to peace and security.
“I mentioned that 19 per cent is still high, and we discussed a zero tariff rate on selected products,” he told a press conference at the end of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits today.
Anwar said he also told Trump that Malaysia is open to trade discussions with the US on rare earth elements (REE), semiconductors, and maritime issues, while maintaining trade ties with other major countries.
Regarding the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, he said that it reflected the bloc’s centrality in promoting regional peace and economic diplomacy.
“ASEAN is one of the regions with the fastest economic growth in the world, and other countries are attracted to strengthen relations with the bloc,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar Ibrahim handed over the ASEAN chairmanship gavel to Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, marking the ceremonial transition as Malaysia nears the final phase of its 2025 chairmanship.
Commenting on the East Asia Summit held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit, Anwar said it is the group’s effort to provide a platform for discussion between major powers such as the US, China, Russia, and ASEAN countries.
“There is preparedness to engage and listen. They may agree or disagree, but there is a (clear) position, and the consensus within ASEAN is to ensure that there is an engagement,” he said.
On regional security issues, Anwar underscored Malaysia’s approach of maintaining balanced ties with all major partners through various military exercises, such as with Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, as well as maritime collaborations with China.
“But Malaysia, at least in terms of our maritime alliances, will never allow the presence of any military force that we deem provocative against others, because it is inconsistent with our policy of centrality by engaging with the force,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
