Asean, Japan can play role in helping find solution to Palestine-Israel conflict, says Anwar

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that Asean and Japan can collectively contribute significantly to attaining a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Palestine-Israel conflict. He noted that all Asean Member States and Japan had voted in favor of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on Dec 12, which demanded a humanitarian ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the release of hostages.

ALSO READ: Asean-Japan collaboration can elevate cybersecurity standards, says Anwar

Anwar drew parallels between the destruction caused in Gaza by Israel and the atomic bombs dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. He made these comments during the Asean-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo on Sunday, emphasizing the need for these demands to be realized.

Several Asean leaders including Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh voiced their concern over Gaza and the need for an immediate ceasefire during the summit.

During the summit, Anwar also highlighted the growing complexity in the regional strategic environment and emphasized the vital role of the Asean-Japan partnership in navigating these challenges.

He mentioned the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region through the cooperation and initiatives implemented through the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

ALSO READ: M’sia, Japan deepen ties

Anwar stressed the importance of strengthening multilateralism and upholding the rules-based international order in collaboration with like-minded countries, amidst the disregard of international law and humanitarian law. He cautioned against the impact of a breakdown in this world order.

ALSO READ: Anwar, Kishida announce Malaysia-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership

Additionally, Anwar addressed Malaysia’s stance on nuclear weapons, expressing the view that their prolonged existence poses risks to mankind. He emphasized the need for cooperation between Asean and Japan in disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy at a global level.

ALSO READ: Honoured for promoting Japan-Malaysia ties

At the summit, members also discussed concerns over Myanmar, with Thailand expressing its efforts to aid in the humanitarian crises at its borders with Myanmar and work for a solution within the Five-Point Consensus framework.

The summit concluded the commemorative activities for the 50th Year of Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, which began with symposiums in Jakarta and Tokyo earlier in the year. Various events and projects were organized throughout the year by the private and public sectors on both sides to mark the anniversary.

These included the Asean-Japan Business Week in June, the Asean-Japan Special Meeting of Justice Ministers in July, and the Asean-Japan Tourism Ministers’ Special Dialogue in October. – Bernama