KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 9, 2025 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim opened the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today, calling for bold choices to strengthen the bloc’s regional influence and resilience amid global challenges. The event, held in the Malaysian capital, marks a pivotal moment for ASEAN as it navigates geopolitical tensions and economic shifts.
In his keynote address, Anwar emphasized ASEAN’s enduring commitment to dialogue and cooperation, forged through decades of complexity. “Our strength lies not in the absence of tension, but in our commitment to manage it through mutual respect and continuous dialogue,” he said, highlighting the “ASEAN way” as a source of pride.
Anwar urged member states to align foreign and economic policies more closely to counter rising geopolitical rivalries, where trade and investment are increasingly weaponized. “This is no passing storm. It is the new weather of our time,” he warned, advocating for deeper intra-ASEAN trade and integration to bolster the region’s economic resilience.
The Prime Minister also welcomed Timor-Leste’s progress toward full ASEAN membership, expected in October, and pledged Malaysia’s support. He thanked Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hassan and Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof for their roles in hosting the summit.
Anwar rejected the notion of a world divided into spheres of influence, asserting that ASEAN must act “deliberately, coherently, and with purpose” to avoid being sidelined. He outlined practical priorities, including connectivity, food security, digital transformation, education, public health, and climate resilience, to deliver tangible benefits to the region’s people.
“From Sittwe to Merauke, from Da Nang to Dili, our region can become more peaceful and prosperous if we see ASEAN as one community, moving with purpose,” Anwar said, urging the bloc to focus on outcomes over declarations.
The meeting, attended by ASEAN foreign ministers and dignitaries, comes as Malaysia chairs the bloc this year, with the Philippines set to take over in 2026. Anwar assured full support to ensure a smooth transition and continued success.
The 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was officially declared open, with Anwar expressing confidence that the bloc will remain “coherent, resilient, and respected.” – BERNAMA