Malaysia Emphasises Regional Cooperation on Energy, Trade and Digital Economy
PETALING JAYA — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must continue strengthening unity and collective action in responding to increasingly complex global uncertainties.
According to him, Southeast Asia is currently facing multiple challenges including geopolitical conflicts, energy security concerns, food supply issues and disruptions to global supply chains that are affecting regional stability and economic growth.
He said ASEAN countries cannot move independently and must instead uphold a strong spirit of togetherness and shared responsibility to safeguard regional peace and prosperity.
“ASEAN must remain united, agile and forward-looking in facing increasingly complex global challenges,” he said in a statement posted today.
According to Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia also stressed the importance of strengthening regional connectivity through several major strategic initiatives.
Among the key initiatives highlighted was the ASEAN Power Grid, which is viewed as an important effort to strengthen regional energy cooperation and improve electricity supply stability across member states.
In addition, he said ASEAN must deepen intra-regional trade and accelerate digital economy cooperation to ensure member countries remain competitive within the global economy.
According to him, ASEAN should also continue expanding strategic partnerships with trusted international partners while consistently defending the principles of dialogue, international law and peaceful dispute resolution.
Anwar said the world is currently witnessing growing conflicts and uncertainties that are affecting humanitarian values and global stability.
As such, he stressed that ASEAN cannot remain a passive observer and instead must play a more active role in shaping regional stability and confidence.
“ASEAN must continue to be a consistent voice in defending peace, dialogue and peaceful solutions,” he said.
He also emphasised that Southeast Asia should emerge as a platform capable of generating more inclusive economic growth while ensuring a more peaceful and sustainable future for people across the region.
According to him, the agreements reached during the 48th ASEAN Summit reflected the continued commitment among member states to strengthen regional cooperation.
The summit, held in Cebu, the Philippines, brought together ASEAN leaders to discuss issues involving economic cooperation, regional security, digital transformation and global geopolitical developments.
Observers viewed Malaysia’s position as part of broader efforts to strengthen ASEAN’s role so that the bloc remains relevant and more influential amid an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
-wilayah.com.my
