ASEAN 47: US Hails Malaysia’s Strong And Effective Chairmanship

By Muhammad Faiz Baharin

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The United States (US) has commended Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair this year, describing it as ‘strong and effective’ in steering the regional bloc through key areas of cooperation.

US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan also expressed his optimism that the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, officially commencing this Sunday, would be a very successful one.

“Malaysia has been exactly what we expected, a strong, effective ASEAN chair. I have had the privilege of being in Malaysia when Malaysia was the (ASEAN) chair in 2015 and 2005. Each time, we’ve seen Malaysia being a very capable (chair). I think this happened again this year.

“And we’re very happy to partner very closely in a number of key areas, including digital, as Malaysia has been developing its approach as Chair,” he told the media today at the United States-Malaysia Digital Dialogue held here.

When asked about US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia this Sunday to attend the ASEAN Summit, Kagan said the visit reflects Washington’s recognition of the importance of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region to the country.

“That’s a big deal. This will be the president’s first trip to Asia (in his second presidency), and it is an important signal that the first place he has said he’s going to come is Malaysia.

“So we are looking forward to productive exchanges and having very productive discussions,” Kagan said.

On Wednesday, Malaysian Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the MADANI Government’s spokesman, confirmed that Trump will attend the regional meeting this Sunday, which is set to be the biggest ever held since the bloc’s inception in 1967.

Trump is scheduled to attend the 13th ASEAN-US Summit.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan was reported saying that Trump will also witness the signing of the ‘Kuala Lumpur Accord’, a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand brokered by Malaysia, during the Summit.

The US began engaging with ASEAN as a dialogue partner in 1977, and both parties have made significant progress in their bilateral relations ever since. In 2022, both sides upgraded the relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Besides its status as a dialogue partner, the US also participates in the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

According to the US Mission to ASEAN website, the US is the region’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with more than 6,000 US companies operating in the region. 

ASEAN is also the fifth-largest export market for US food and agricultural goods, and its digital economy is forecast to reach US$2 trillion (US$1 = RM4.22) by 2030.

Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, will host the 47th ASEAN Summit from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

-- BERNAMA