Kuala Lumpur: The 46th ASEAN Summit, which concludes today, is set to bolster Malaysia’s leadership in advancing ASEAN’s strategic cooperation with both regional and global partners. The summit builds on the achievements of previous sessions and focuses on Malaysia’s commitment to deliver significant outcomes during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, the Prime Minister’s Senior Press Secretary, emphasized Malaysia’s dedication to ensuring impactful results for the ASEAN community through the ongoing key sessions. He praised the successful hosting of the summit as a testament to the nation’s commitment to enhancing its international reputation.

During a daily briefing broadcasted on Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook page, Tunku Nashrul highlighted today’s agenda, which focuses on strengthening ASEAN’s cooperation with strategic partners. The 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit are expected to discuss expanding trade, investment, and sustainable development.

In addition, the 16th East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit and the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit aim to refine subregional development strategies and boost cross-border connectivity among participating nations.

A significant outcome from yesterday’s summit was the ‘Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future’. Tunku Nashrul described it as a strategic vision guiding the ASEAN Community for the next two decades. This document builds on ‘ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together’ and outlines a roadmap for a resilient and innovative ASEAN Community.

The declaration includes over 500 strategic measures to be implemented by ASEAN’s sectoral bodies and aims to enhance ASEAN’s global economic position as a sustainable and interconnected market. It also focuses on creating an inclusive community with an emphasis on education, healthcare, and social well-being.

Additionally, ASEAN 2045 emphasizes the importance of youth, women, and vulnerable groups in the community-building process and aims to position ASEAN as a proactive player on the international stage through principles of peace and good governance.

The declaration was signed by leaders from ASEAN member states, including Prime Minister Anwar as the ASEAN Chair, and witnessed by Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. Timor-Leste was granted observer status in ASEAN in 2022.