Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim: ASEAN must continue to be the region's 'North Star'

Khai mạc Hội nghị Bộ trưởng Ngoại giao ASEAN lần thứ 58: Củng cố đoàn kết, ứng phó hiệu quả thách thức khu vực

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the opening ceremony of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Speaking to high-ranking representatives of ASEAN countries and partners, the Malaysian Prime Minister emphasized: “ASEAN must continue to be the main anchor of dialogue and cooperation in the region , while emphasizing ASEAN's irreplaceable role in maintaining peace , stability and promoting regional cooperation, while calling for strengthening intra-bloc solidarity and affirming ASEAN's central role in a volatile world.

ASEAN needs to maintain its unity and strength, while continuously creating practical value for its partners. ASEAN centrality is not only a guiding principle, but also a 'North Star' that helps guide the region through increasingly complex geopolitical waves."

According to Prime Minister Anwar, ASEAN is facing unprecedented challenges, in a “period where certainties are falling apart, where might often trumps principle and stability can no longer be taken for granted”.

Malaysian Prime Minister warns of fracturing of global order, rising unilateralism, coercion and conflict, plunging millions into misery.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad bin Hasan – Chairman of AMM-58 welcomed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and the Vietnamese delegation to attend the opening ceremony of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Referring to the international situation, the Malaysian Prime Minister expressed deep concern over a series of crises taking place in many regions, from the prolonged conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, the escalating violence in Africa, to the political-humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. He especially warned about tensions in the Middle East, where unilateral actions could lead to serious consequences for energy security, global stability and the international legal order.

Prime Minister Anwar also called on ASEAN to maintain its independent stance, not to be drawn into strategic competition, but to promote its role as a trusted platform for dialogue and cooperation, promoting peace and inclusive development in the region.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the opening session of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

This year's AMM-58 took place from July 8 to 11 with the theme "Inclusive and Sustainable", focusing on key issues such as building the ASEAN Community after 2025, enhancing cooperation with dialogue partners, promoting the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), as well as discussing prominent international and regional issues, including the East Sea, Myanmar and the regional security architecture.

The conference is expected to attract about 1,500 delegates from ASEAN member countries, dialogue partners and regional organizations, with a total of 24 ministerial meetings. In particular, the conference program includes the signing ceremony of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), reaffirming ASEAN's spirit of cooperation and commitment to international law and the principles of peace in international relations.

The Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, attended all activities within the framework of the conference. Vietnam continued to affirm its active and proactive role in contributing to building a united, self-reliant, people-centered ASEAN Community and promoting ASEAN's central role in the rapidly changing regional environment.