The final day of the 43rd Asean Summit saw discussions on several issues such as Myanmar, Ukraine, North Korea, and Palestine, as world leaders emphasized the need for constructive dialogues to bring stability.
During the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed the importance of strengthening commitments to the EAS fundamental principles in light of the prevailing geopolitical dynamics. He called on partners to work together with Asean to implement the four key areas of the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific: maritime cooperation, connectivity, sustainable development goals (SDG), and economic cooperation.
Notable attendees at the East Asia Summit included US Vice-President Kamala Harris, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, providing an opportunity for direct high-level diplomacy between the countries.
Anwar expressed concern over North Korea’s continual launch of ballistic missiles and development of its nuclear program, which clearly violates UN Security Council resolutions. He also emphasized that Asean cannot ignore the issues surrounding Myanmar and the challenges posed by the influx of over 200,000 refugees.
Anwar further condemned aggression in Ukraine and called for meaningful dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution. He also raised concerns about the disproportionate treatment in the recent Ukraine conflict and the 75-year conflict in occupied Palestinian territory.
The Prime Minister highlighted the continuous assault by Israel against the fundamental rights, livelihood, and dignity of Palestinians, as well as the global rise of fascism and Islamophobia. He emphasized the need to address these problems with the presence of prominent leaders in the forum.
In a separate meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the United Nations and Asean to find a peaceful solution in Myanmar. Guterres expressed deep concerns over the worsening political, humanitarian, and human rights situation in Myanmar and called on the military authorities to listen to the aspirations of the people and restore democratic rule.
Malaysia also expressed concerns over the lack of substantial progress in the five-point peace plan for Myanmar and urged Myanmar to fulfill its obligations as an Asean member state.
The summit concluded with the formal handover of the Asean chairmanship to Laos, witnessed by Prime Minister Anwar.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
