Addis ababa: ASEAN-African Union relations must move beyond symbolism and take shape through genuine, people-centred cooperation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasized the need for both regions to proactively develop mechanisms based on shared priorities, drawing from their experiences of resilience, reform, and renewal.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar highlighted the historical context of ASEAN-African Union relations by recalling the spirit of international cooperation that emerged from the Asian-African Conference in Bandung, Indonesia, seven decades ago. He urged both regions to revitalize this spirit and create a new compact of cooperation aimed at mutual benefit and shared prosperity, beyond mere slogans.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of global cooperation among communities from the Global South during these transformative times. He pointed out the unprecedented opportunity for regions in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and other parts of the world to redefine their roles in the global order. Anwar called for more representative and equitable leadership within regional and global frameworks, emphasizing collaboration and accountability to all stakeholders, not just the powerful and wealthy.
The ‘Youth Partnership for Shared Prosperity’ forum, where Anwar delivered his speech, was co-organized by the Ethiopian Youth Council, Pan-Africa Youth Union, and Majlis Belia Malaysia, attracting 250 participants. Notable attendees included Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergoge Tesfaye, and Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, among others.
Ethiopia marks the first stop on Anwar’s visit to the African continent, which is the first by a Malaysian Prime Minister. His three-day trip to the Horn of Africa concludes today. Following this, Anwar will proceed to Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit, before making a final stop in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 23 to 24, before returning home.