KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s standing as an influential player in international diplomacy continues to rise, with the country frequently mentioned at major global conferences and forums, reflecting its active role as Asean chair for 2025, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said that Malaysia was now recognised not only as a stable and successful nation in the region, but also respected for its moderate and principled approach to international relations.
“Insya-Allah, Malaysia’s name is always on the lips of participants at every conference. This includes the recent United Nations General Assembly, where I was invited to deliver a keynote address on behalf of the Prime Minister,” he told Bernama while observing preparations for the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today.
He said the continued invitations for Malaysia to participate in prestigious global forums reflected the international community’s confidence in the country’s perspectives and leadership on regional and global issues.
Mohamad said that Malaysia’s performance as Asean chair 2025 was measured not only by the organisation of meetings, but also by its success in serving as a bridge between major world powers and regional partners.
“Malaysia is now regarded as a successful nation in the region, especially as we play an active role as Asean chair 2025. This not only enhances Malaysia’s image but also strengthens Asean’s position as a respected regional bloc,” he said.
He added that Malaysia was committed to ensuring that the strong relationships it had built with other countries continue beyond its Asean chairmanship, which will be handed over to the Philippines in 2026.
“We want to ensure that existing strategic partnerships are not temporary, but continue to be harnessed for mutual benefit,” he said.
Kuala Lumpur is set to become a global focal point once again when more than 3,000 delegates, including world leaders and senior officials, gather from Oct 26 to 28 for the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, under the Asean 2025 chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
Among the high-profile attendees will be United States President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, European Council President António Costa, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
This marks the fifth time Malaysia has chaired Asean since the bloc’s establishment in 1967, following previous chairmanships in 2015, 2005, 1997, and 1977. – BERNAMA
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