Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today underscored the need for ASEAN to stay united and resilient amid growing global instability, calling on member states to reinforce ASEAN Centrality as the region’s guiding principle. Delivering his opening remarks at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings here, Anwar said ASEAN must remain the region’s primary anchor for dialogue and cooperation, while continuing to offer value to its Dialogue Partners.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that “ASEAN Centrality must be our North Star, as reflected in the continuous strengthening and innovation of ASEAN-led institutions.” He stressed the importance of ASEAN being the primary anchor for dialogue and urged Dialogue Partners to continue finding value in engaging with ASEAN.
The Prime Minister described the current global landscape as one where old certainties are fading and new threats are emerging; hence, this meeting takes place amid the unravelling of assumptions, “where power unsettles principle, and calm can no longer be taken for granted.” Anwar expressed concern over the fraying global order, marked by conflict, coercion, and mistrust, which has led to countless lives being lost or disrupted.
At the same time, Anwar expressed deep concern over ongoing crises, including the prolonged conflict in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, continued violence in parts of Africa, and the worsening situation in Myanmar. He highlighted the unrelenting suffering in Gaza and Palestine, the ongoing war in Ukraine, violence in parts of Africa, and the elusive peace in Myanmar.
Anwar also pointed to rising tensions in the Middle East, warning that actions of one state against its neighbors threaten to spark a wider regional conflagration, posing risks to energy security, global stability, and international law integrity. He emphasized that the multilateral system cannot endure if its principles are upheld only when convenient, urging ASEAN to stand for rules even when others retreat.
Reflecting on ASEAN’s origins, Anwar reminded delegates that the regional bloc was not built on ease or simplicity but on hard-earned trust between nations with complex histories. He acknowledged ASEAN’s preservation of peace and expansion of prosperity through cooperation and continuous engagement, even amid challenges.
Anwar stressed that ASEAN’s strength lies in managing tension constructively, through mutual respect, continuous dialogue, and consensus-seeking. He urged ASEAN to remain committed to this approach as their guide.
Meanwhile, Anwar expressed Malaysia’s strong support for Timor-Leste’s full accession to ASEAN, noting that its expected membership in October would mark a historic milestone. He encouraged all Member States to support Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN’s institutions and shared regional vision.
The 58th AMM and related meetings, held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025 with the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, will feature 24 ministerial-level meetings involving ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners. The four-day high-level events bring together around 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) participants, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and senior ASEAN Secretariat officials.