Kuala lumpur: Embracing frontier technologies is crucial for the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) to stay agile, coordinated, and forward-looking, ensuring its continued relevance and impact, stated Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He emphasized that ASEAN’s regional digital transformation is expected to add approximately US$2 trillion to the regional gross domestic product (GDP), aided by the technological expertise of China, Japan, and South Korea.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad highlighted Malaysia’s objectives as the Chair of ASEAN to narrow development gaps and promote sustainable growth. The initiatives aim to foster peace through mutual trust and cooperation, improve living standards and human capital, and enhance social cohesion in an inclusive manner. He made these remarks during the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which coincided with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related gatherings.
The meeting saw the attendance of Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, the coordinator for the Plus Three countries, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and South Korea’s First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo. Mohamad noted that the APT represents a combined population of 2.28 billion people, with a nominal GDP of approximately US$29.33 trillion, accounting for 25.77 percent of global GDP. This scale highlights the strategic importance and global relevance of the partnership in ensuring regional stability and sustainable development.
Mohamad reaffirmed ASEAN’s collective commitment to deepening APT cooperation as a driving force for peace, stability, and prosperity in East Asia. He emphasized the importance of platforms advocating dialogue and cooperation amid complex regional and global developments. Reflecting on the region’s journey, Mohamad noted that ASEAN and its partners have overcome numerous challenges through coordinated responses and enduring resilience.
The APT has evolved into a dependable and dynamic framework of cooperation, capable of navigating complex regional realities. It facilitates consultation, coordination, and cooperation not only during crises but also in the pursuit of sustained peace and inclusive growth in East Asia. Mohamad also welcomed recent developments, such as the endorsement of the Rapid Financing Facility under the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation and the momentum generated by leaders’ statements on the Electric Vehicle Ecosystem and Strengthening Regional Supply Chain Connectivity.
These achievements, Mohamad concluded, demonstrate the APT’s capacity to create value, respond with agility, and lead with foresight.