KUALA LUMPUR: The 47th Asean Summit enters its second day today, following a historic opening in which Timor-Leste was officially admitted as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
The prime minister’s senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said first day of the summit and related meetings proceeded smoothly, marking a significant milestone for both Malaysia and Asean.
“During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to leading Asean in remaining united, relevant, and people-centred.
“Timor-Leste’s inclusion was described as more than a diplomatic gesture — it is the result of Malaysia’s long-standing support for the nation’s participation in Asean through training programmes, technical assistance, and capacity-building efforts,” he said during the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) daily briefing this morning.
In another landmark event, the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement between Thailand and Cambodia was successfully signed yesterday, witnessed by Anwar and US President Donald Trump.
“The agreement marks a turning point in resolving the long-standing dispute between the two countries, following peace negotiations initiated by the prime minister in July.
“Both nations have agreed to cease hostilities, release prisoners, and allow Asean observers — including Malaysia — to monitor the peace implementation process on the ground.”
He said Anwar chaired five key meetings yesterday, which were: the 47th Asean Summit; the 13th Asean–United States Summit; the 28th Asean–Japan Summit; the 3rd Asian Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders’ Meeting and the 22nd Asean–India Summit which was held virtually.
These sessions provided a platform to reinforce Asean’s strategic cooperation with its dialogue partners, particularly in the areas of trade, digital economy, energy, and sustainable development.
Nashrul said the agenda today will focus on five major summits:
-The 26th Asean–Republic of Korea Summit
-The 28th Asean Plus Three Summit
-The 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit
-The 20th East Asia Summit, and
-The 15th Asean–United Nations Summit
“The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening regional economic cooperation, advancing digital transformation, promoting clean energy transition, and enhancing supply chain resilience — reaffirming Asean’s role not only as a centre of growth but also as a key driver of stability and strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Anwar is also scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with regional leaders before attending the Asean Gala Dinner with Asean and dialogue partner leaders later tonight.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
