Kuala Lumpur: The 46th ASEAN Summit, currently underway at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), will focus on addressing the United States’ tariff issues through bilateral discussions among the heads of state, according to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the summit serves as a platform for ASEAN countries, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China to engage in discussions on regional matters, strengthen relationships, and enhance trade. The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of resolving the Myanmar crisis, highlighting Malaysia’s pivotal role in steering Myanmar back on course. He also noted the potential for ASEAN, the GCC, and China to form a stronger trading bloc.

The 46th ASEAN Summit is being held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, with the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” This event marks Malaysia’s fifth time chairing the regional bloc, with previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. The summit and its related meetings are set to tackle various pressing regional and international issues, with Myanmar’s crisis being a significant focus for ASEAN member states.

In addition to the ASEAN-level meeting, the summit will include two significant inter-regional platforms-the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. These platforms reflect the growing cooperation between Southeast Asia and its strategic partners in the Gulf and China.