Cebu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim conducted bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Singapore and Laos on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, who arrived in Cebu earlier in the day, engaged with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to enhance strategic cooperation centered on mutual interests, regional stability, and prosperity for both nations. Discussions aimed at accelerating the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) project and ensuring the RTS Link project's completion by the end of this year were highlighted in a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office.
The leaders also focused on expanding cooperation in renewable energy and the ASEAN Power Grid, along with advancing collaboration in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Malaysia emphasized the importance of constructive negotiations on maritime boundaries based on international law, while addressing issues of water supply, airspace, and the management of the Kuala Lumpur Flight Information Region (KL FIR) in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding.
On the international front, Anwar underscored the necessity of a lasting ceasefire in West Asia and the significance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He also reiterated ASEAN's principled role in maintaining regional stability, security, and the continuity of the global supply chain.
In another meeting, Anwar conversed with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, affirming Malaysia's commitment to broadening cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, higher education, defense, telecommunications, and regional connectivity. The statement highlighted the shared determination of Malaysia and Laos to continue strengthening friendly relations and strategic cooperation for the welfare of their peoples and the prosperity of the ASEAN region.
Malaysia expressed support for enhancing ASEAN's economic and logistics integration, including initiatives like the ASEAN Express rail network connecting Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and China. Additionally, the strengthening of regional energy cooperation through the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP) was discussed.
The meetings emphasized the spirit of MADANI Malaysia and ASEAN togetherness, advocating sustainable development, mutual respect, and shared prosperity as crucial foundations for ensuring regional stability and a promising future. ASEAN leaders and representatives began arriving in Cebu on Thursday for the 48th ASEAN Summit, with energy resilience and food security expected to dominate discussions amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia.