47th ASEAN Summit: Malaysian Prime Minister Emphasizes ASEAN's Cohesion Factors

According to the special correspondent of the Vietnam News Agency, on the morning of October 26, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, Malaysia, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of ASEAN countries and Timor Leste attended the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits, the second series of summits in Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2025 under the theme "Inclusiveness and Sustainability."

Also attending the opening ceremony were Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB) and a number of regional and international organizations.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warmly welcomed ASEAN leaders, partners and friends from all continents to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit.

Looking back at the year 2025 with many fluctuations, not only testing the resilience of ASEAN economies but also the will and belief in cooperation, dialogue and understanding in a time of many divisions, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim affirmed that ASEAN continues to stand firm, thanks to the firm belief that respect and justice will always unite member countries; emphasizing that the signing of the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand this time has demonstrated the strength of belief, as well as the courage in choosing reconciliation and peace.

Congratulating Timor Leste on officially becoming the 11th member of ASEAN, the Malaysian Prime Minister emphasized that this is a historic milestone in the development process of the Association, contributing to the completion of the ASEAN family, and at the same time demonstrating ASEAN's commitment to support Timor Leste in the process of development and enhancing strategic autonomy.

Regarding the future direction, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that ASEAN needs to continue to strengthen cooperation for the common goal of peace and prosperity in the region, including further deepening economic connectivity, expanding trade, improving competitiveness, effectively implementing economic cooperation agreements, as well as initiatives to support connectivity and green growth such as the ASEAN Power Transmission Network, the Blue Economy Framework, the electric vehicle ecosystem, and enhancing digital economic cooperation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and heads of delegations pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

Faced with protectionist trends and changes in the global supply chain, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim suggested that ASEAN be ready to establish new partnerships, along with further deepening existing relations.

Within the framework of the Opening Ceremony, ASEAN Leaders signed the Declaration officially admitting Timor Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN.

Speaking at the admission ceremony, Timor Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão affirmed that officially joining ASEAN is a historic milestone, realizing the country's integration aspiration after a persistent and steadfast journey.

Prime Minister Gusmão thanked member countries and partners for accompanying and supporting Timor Leste during the preparation process; emphasizing that Timor Leste considers ASEAN as a natural common home and a strategic choice for the future.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Gusmão reaffirmed Timor Leste's commitment to fully comply with the provisions and obligations stated in the ASEAN Charter, promote solidarity, cooperation and actively contribute to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 for a peaceful, prosperous and people-centered region.

On this occasion, the Organizing Committee awarded the ASEAN 2025 Prize to the Youth Union of Cambodia (UYFC) for its contributions to promoting the spirit of volunteerism, enhancing the role of youth and strengthening solidarity and cohesion among youth of ASEAN countries.

Launched in 2018, the ASEAN Awards are presented annually to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the process of building the ASEAN Community and strengthening the connection between the people of ASEAN countries.

According to the program, on October 26, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and ASEAN leaders will attend the Plenary Session and the Retreat Session of the 47th ASEAN Summit, and the Summits between ASEAN and the leaders of the United States, Japan and India.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Prime Minister attended and spoke at the High-Level Dialogue of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, the Bloomberg Business Summit in ASEAN, as well as had bilateral meetings with leaders of many countries and international organizations./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/hoi-nghi-cap-cao-asean-47-thu-tuong-malaysia-nhan-manh-cac-yeu-to-gan-ket-asean-post1072803.vnp