Malaysia Continues To Elevate ASEAN’s Stature, Focus On 47th Summit In october

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia remains committed to maintaining the positive momentum of its ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, with only four months left, particularly in ensuring the success of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits to be hosted next month.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said the presence of world leaders next month will elevate Malaysia’s profile as a respected regional diplomatic hub, while also underscoring the nation’s commitment to peace, stability and prosperity at both the regional and global levels.

“Malaysia’s foreign policy, which is independent and neutral, and anchored on principled and pragmatic approaches, continues to strengthen the nation’s standing on the world stage,” he said when winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for the Foreign Ministry in the Dewan Negara today.

He said the hosting of the 46th ASEAN Summit, the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, as well as the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related sessions, serves as critical platforms for ASEAN member states to voice deep concern over current global challenges.

These, he said, include geopolitical tensions, climate change, global economic uncertainties and humanitarian crises such as those in Myanmar and Palestine.

“Malaysia has stressed the need for ASEAN to strengthen internal unity, take firm action on issues that undermine its solidarity and credibility, and remain principled in articulating the region’s stance on global issues,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamad said Malaysia will continue to enhance bilateral ties with the United States (US) through open dialogue and strategic cooperation in key areas including trade, investment, defence, security, health, education and people-to-people relations.

He said ties established since diplomatic relations were forged in 1957 have made significant contributions to economic growth, technological advancement and high-value investment opportunities.

In 2024, Malaysia’s trade with the US amounted to RM324.91 billion, while the US also ranked as Malaysia’s top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) that year, valued at RM105.94 billion.

“This reflects the level of confidence US investors have in Malaysia as a stable and competitive destination for trade and investment.

“Malaysia adheres to a pragmatic and balanced approach based on the principle of fostering good relations with all nations while respecting sovereignty and international law,” he said.

-- BERNAMA