US Sees Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship as Critical to Regional Peace and Progress

By Nabilah Saleh

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The United States (US) has described Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN this year and the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in October as a significant opportunity for it to deepen engagement with the grouping and advance regional peace and prosperity.

US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said Washington appreciates Malaysia’s leadership and ongoing efforts in preparing for the high-level meeting.

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“It’s very clear that Malaysia is committed to ASEAN’s success and is putting a lot of effort into its year as current Chair,” he told Bernama in an interview.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are among the world leaders expected to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.

The October meetings, Kagan said, would serve as a key platform for US to further strengthen its relations with ASEAN and Malaysia.

He cited recent high-level visits and engagements further demonstrated Washington’s recognition of Southeast Asia’s strategic importance.

These included participation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the 57the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meetings and related meetings, visit by Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Paparo to Malaysia and engagement by Secretary of Defence with Prime Minister Anwar in Singapore.

Commenting on the situation in Myanmar, Kagan said the US recognises ASEAN’s central role in pushing forward the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus (5PCs) and in facilitating peace process in the country.

He said Malaysia as ASEAN Chair could contribute significantly to the process including in efforts aimed at reducing harm to civilians and improving access of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.

“We recognise that Malaysia and ASEAN are taking the lead, and we believe it's very appropriate for Malaysia to do that. We stand ready to provide assistance and support if needed, and to the extent that we're able. But fundamentally, this is something for Malaysia to do,” he said.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will lead an official ASEAN team that also comprised his counterparts from Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia to assess the situation in Myanmar on Sept 19, Bernama reported.

On ASEAN’s founding, which was observed on Aug 8, Kagan said the grouping’s evolution over the decades remains rooted in its original goal to promote peace and stability during uncertain times.

“ASEAN came together at a very challenging time in the region, and although it has evolved, it continues to be driven by that same desire.

“We recognise that ASEAN has been extremely successful. We would like to see ASEAN continue and move forward,” he said.

He added that the US has been a strong supporter of ASEAN since formal relations were established in 1977. 

Ties were upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2015 and further elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

Meanwhile, Kagan who has been posted here since late 2023 said he will continue to serve as US Ambassador to Malaysia, until the appointment of his successor is confirmed by the Senate. 

-- BERNAMA