Kuala lumpur: The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings began on Sunday in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’. The event marks a significant convergence of ASEAN member states’ leaders and representatives from key partner countries including China, the United States, Japan, and India.
According to Emirates News Agency, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who holds the ASEAN chairmanship for 2025, emphasized the necessity of enhancing regional collaboration to tackle global economic and geopolitical issues in his opening speech. He highlighted the challenges faced by regions due to rising contestation and uncertainty, urging for continued faith in cooperation and dialogue in a divided world.
Throughout the three-day summit, leaders are expected to engage in discussions on a variety of crucial topics. These include efforts to strengthen regional economic integration, promote sustainable economic growth, improve connectivity among ASEAN nations, and expand cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, clean energy, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the summit will review the progress of the 18 Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) outlined under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship.