During the upcoming 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Malaysia will concentrate on promoting regional peace and stability. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to discuss various topics, including economic integration, digitalization, and pressing issues such as the South China Sea and the crisis in Myanmar. The summits will also facilitate Malaysia’s demonstration of commitment towards ASEAN’s collaborative goals, while the chairmanship transitions from Laos to Malaysia for 2025.
Malaysia is set to prioritize efforts aimed at fostering regional peace and stability during the upcoming 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, scheduled to take place in Vientiane, Laos, from October 9 to 11, 2023. Edi Irwan Mahmud, Malaysia’s Ambassador to Laos, articulated that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will present the country’s statement at the summit, addressing crucial topics including regional economic integration, digitalization, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and broader welfare issues pertinent to ASEAN citizens. The discussions will encompass pressing regional and international matters such as the South China Sea disputes, the crisis in Myanmar, the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza, and violations of international law in the Middle East. Ambassador Mahmud reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to adopting a constructive approach toward the South China Sea issue through various diplomatic channels, emphasizing the importance of protecting Malaysia’s sovereignty rights. On the situation in Myanmar, he reiterated that the Five Point Consensus (5PC) will remain the cornerstone of ASEAN’s strategy to navigate the political crisis, with ongoing efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable resolution based on this framework. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to attend a series of summits, including meetings with ASEAN Dialogue Partners such as Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the United States, and Canada, as well as engagements with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and youth representatives. Moreover, Malaysia’s involvement in these summits will reflect the country’s dedication to the ASEAN Community 2025 vision and enhance its relationships with external partners. Ambassador Mahmud praised Laos for its leadership during its tenure as ASEAN Chair, highlighting the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience” and noting the positive impacts on trade, investment, and regional cooperation. As the chairmanship is set to transition from Laos to Malaysia for 2025 during the summits’ conclusion on October 11, these initiatives are deemed vital for sustaining ASEAN’s relevance in promoting regional stability and prosperity.
The article discusses Malaysia’s strategic focus on promoting regional peace and stability in the context of the ASEAN Summits. As countries navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, Malaysia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aims to address pressing issues facing the region, spanning economic, technological, and humanitarian concerns. The summits serve as a platform for ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners to collaborate, facilitating discussions on regional integration and cooperation, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges such as territorial disputes and political crises in member countries. The transition of the ASEAN chairmanship from Laos to Malaysia also highlights the continuity of leadership and shared goals within the bloc.
In conclusion, Malaysia’s participation in the forthcoming ASEAN Summits underscores its commitment to addressing critical regional issues while fostering peace and stability within Southeast Asia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s engagements are expected to enhance cooperation on various fronts, strengthening Malaysia’s role on the international stage amidst evolving challenges. The transition of chairmanship from Laos to Malaysia marks a significant step toward achieving the ASEAN vision for collective growth and community-building by 2025.
Original Source: www.bernama.com
