Kuala Lumpur: The ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit represents the strength of regional blocs’ cohesion, which is expected to positively affect the global landscape, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, who currently serves as the Chair of ASEAN, emphasized that the unity among these regions signifies the successful adaptation of regional partnerships to the changing dynamics of a multipolar world. During his opening remarks at the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, Anwar highlighted the importance of preserving the multilateral system among ASEAN member countries.

Anwar, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, stressed that the 57-year-old ASEAN grouping should ensure that the ASEAN-GCC-China geo-economic model continues to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future for both the region and its people. The theme for Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship is set to be ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability.’

The summit was attended by several prominent leaders, including Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Additionally, Timor Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmo participated as an Observer, along with ASEAN’s Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

Notably, this year marks the fifth instance of Malaysia chairing the regional bloc, having previously held the ASEAN chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.