By Maybelene Marcelino
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has lauded the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) growing international standing, highlighting its resilience in navigating complex global challenges.
Capacity for unity in crisis
Speaking at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), Anwar emphasised the strong foundation of trust and confidence among member states as key to the organisation’s success.
He underscored ASEAN’s ability to maintain unity and cooperation despite facing significant regional challenges, including the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
The premier noted ASEAN’s engagement with both the Myanmar junta and the National Unity Government (NUG), asserting that the bloc was able to proceed with the support and confidence shown by all leaders.
Anwar also highlighted ASEAN’s swift and unified response to the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, emphasising the shared commitment to peace and stability.
“We had no hesitation at all to immediately call our colleagues in both countries to express our concern and support all intended initiatives to secure a lasting peace,” he shared, according to a report by Bernama.
Bloc’s rising global influence
The Malaysian leader attributed ASEAN’s growing international recognition to successful diplomatic engagements with global leaders.
“Everyone has recognised the role of ASEAN. ASEAN has now achieved a spectacular position (gaining) major respect and international recognition.”
“I thank you all, particularly the foreign ministers,” he stated.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: EU EOM urges Philippines to implement electoral reforms
Pillars of ASEAN’s success
He further stressed the importance of preserving ASEAN’s unity to protect the interests of its more than 600 million citizens, viewing its strength as the central pillar of regional peace and progress.
“ASEAN’s strength is a guarantee of security; ASEAN’s strength is also a guarantee of economic growth, and this strength is expected to safeguard the interests of the ASEAN people as a whole,” the prime minister said.
Meanwhile, Anwar acknowledged areas for improvement, including intra-ASEAN trade and investment, but expressed confidence in ASEAN’s ability to continue its positive trajectory, thanking past and present leaders for building a solid foundation of trust.
The 58th AMM and related meetings are currently underway in Malaysia, running from July 8 to 11.
Under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” guides 24 ministerial-level engagements with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.
These four-day high-level events bring together around 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste and representatives from various partner organisations.
READ NEXT: UN chief António Guterres calls for reform of global institutions at BRICS summit
Shameeka Voyiya 
Lucia Caporalini 
Kamille Q. Cabreza