KUALA LUMPUR: The 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, which kick off today, mark a pivotal moment for Malaysia as it hosts one of the region’s most significant diplomatic gatherings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Malaysia, as Asean Chair for 2025, is expected to set the tone for discussions aimed at strengthening regional unity and steering Asean through mounting global uncertainties.
The summit will also spotlight Malaysia’s leadership in promoting economic integration, digital cooperation, and sustainable growth across the 10-member bloc.
Today’s opening ceremony will feature the presentation of the Asean Prize and a historic signing ceremony for the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into Asean, officially welcoming the bloc’s 11th member, its first expansion since 1999.
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Following the plenary session, leaders are expected to endorse the Second Protocol to Amend the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), a move aimed at modernising trade facilitation and boosting intra-Asean commerce.
Beyond economic matters, leaders will also address regional security challenges, including the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, escalating maritime tensions in the South China Sea, and rising transnational threats such as cybercrime.
The summit, which will see the presence of United States President Donald Trump at the 13th Asean–United States Summit, is also expected to draw considerable attention as it underscores Washington’s renewed engagement with the region.
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Trump is scheduled to hold an expanded bilateral meeting and signing ceremony with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the summit.
Key issues concerning Malaysia’s trade interests and global peace efforts, including the situation in Gaza, are expected to be discussed behind closed doors with the US President, Anwar said.
Anwar added that the US leader had been supportive and had played a “major” role in halting bombings in Gaza, noting that Trump had shown strong commitment to peace efforts.
Aside from the summit with the US, other sessions scheduled for the first day include the 28th Asean Japan Summit, the 3rd Asia Zero-Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders’ Meeting, and the 22nd Asean India Summit, reflecting Asean’s expanding partnerships beyond its traditional economic and security frameworks.
At the same time, a joint declaration on a ceasefire is expected to be signed today between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the summit, witnessed by Trump and Anwar.
The ceasefire, widely seen as a major Asean achievement, has helped prevent a broader military escalation and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians living on both sides of the border.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
