28/05/2025

WEDNESDAY | MAY 28, 2025

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Asean-GCC marks landmark in regional diplomacy o Anwar urges stronger ties,

KL Declaration charts bloc’s path to 2045 KUALA LUMPUR: Asean’s long-term vision, Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, lays out a forward-looking roadmap for the region over the next two decades, aimed at strengthening resilience and regional integration, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Speaking after the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045 at the 46th Asean Summit yesterday, Ahmad Zahid stressed the importance of unity and cooperation in navigating the shifting global geopolitical landscape. “Asean is on track to becoming the fourth-largest economic powerhouse globally, but this strength must be reinforced by collaborative economic programmes that transcend national boundaries,” he said, adding that any internal challenges faced by member states must be addressed with the bloc’s spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. With Asean’s population projected at 680 million, Ahmad Zahid said greater emphasis must be placed on empowering the younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha. “They are the region’s future assets. We need to design education policies and ecosystems that support mobility and openness across labour markets in Asean countries,” he said. Ahmad Zahid also called for a shift away from a unipolar global structure, saying that a multipolar system offers a fairer and more balanced international framework. “The unipolar model is increasingly irrelevant. A multipolar approach is key to ensuring Asean’s stability and security for future generations.” On Malaysia’s current role as Asean Chair, Ahmad Zahid said it positions the country to play an active part in addressing the Myanmar crisis. “Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has held discussions with Myanmar’s junta leadership, and a negotiator has been appointed to facilitate a resolution,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s leadership has been positively received within the bloc. The Kuala Lumpur Declaration reaffirms member states’ commitment to the Asean Charter, international law, and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Held under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, the 46th Asean Summit brings together regional leaders to deliberate on key issues and chart a shared future for the bloc. – Bernama by Chinese economic and geopolitical influence, Asean needs to act quickly to make Timor-Leste a member,” he said, referring to the country’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Azmi praised Malaysia’s decade-long support for Timor-Leste’s membership bid, calling it a “steadfast advocate” for the fledgling democracy. On Sunday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan confirmed that Timor-Leste has made “meaningful progress” on the roadmap to full membership. Timor-Leste, which gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after 24 years of occupation, applied to join Asean in 2011. It was granted observer status in 2022, but full membership has been delayed due to capacity and institutional challenges. On Monday, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao said he is optimistic about securing full Asean membership by the end of this year, with October seen as a potential milestone.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit as exceptional in the context of Southeast Asia. He highlighted the presence of Asean leaders alongside representatives from the region’s most dynamic GCC countries as a testament to the growing mutual trust and friendship between the two blocs. Anwar hailed the summit as an extraordinary milestone in regional diplomacy with the Gulf countries, aimed at further deepening political, economic and strategic ties between the two regions. “This is, in our experience in this region, quite extraordinary – to be able to bring in not only Asean leaders but also the most dynamic GCC countries to this region, to work together, build on trust, cooperation and true friendship” he said in his opening address at the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday. Anwar said the summit builds on the foundations laid during the inaugural Asean-GCC Summit in Riyadh in 2023, affirming that continued engagement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening ties between the two regional groupings. “Your presence is testament to our shared commitment to fostering stronger bonds between our two regions and further enhancing our strategic ties,” he added. As the key meeting of the Asean Summit 2025, Anwar said the chairmanship theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, reflects the aspiration for growth that is equitable, people-centred and forward-looking – values that align closely with Asean and the GCC. “This theme aligns closely with stability through unity, prosperity through cooperation, and resilience through shared responsibility,” he said, noting that the GCC was Asean’s seventh largest trading partner in 2023, with US$130.7 billion (approximately RM554 billion at an exchange rate of US$1 = RM4.24) in trade and growing investment, reflecting the confidence sustainable partnership and joint collective action for lasting growth PETALING JAYA: Malaysia stands to gain diplomatically, economically and strategically as Timor-Leste edges closer to becoming the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), say regional experts. Long a strong supporter of Timor-Leste’s bid to join Asean, Malaysia’s backing aligns with its broader foreign policy goals and its current role as Asean Chair. Universiti Malaya International Relations and Human Rights expert Associate Professor Dr Khoo Ying Hooi said Malaysia’s support enhances its leadership image and moral standing in the region. “Malaysia’s endorsement makes sense politically and diplomatically. It’s a chance to show regional leadership on an issue that reflects Asean’s founding values,” she said. She added that Malaysia could also strengthen bilateral ties with Timor-Leste Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Anwar welcomes Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman on his arrival for the summit at KLCC yesterday. GCC is Asean’s seventh-largest trade partner, comprising the oil-producing nations of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. – REUTERSPIC

Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Philippine President Ferdinand

between the two regions. Meanwhile, Anwar said growing investment and ties between Asean and the oil-rich GCC countries reflect increasing confidence in the long-term prospects of the partnership between both groupings. The prime minister also said the Asean-GCC Framework of blueprint to deepen collaboration across all three pillars of cooperation and that the momentum is encouraging. Anwar believes that the Asean-GCC partnership has never been more important than it is today, “as we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape marked by economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges”. “Today’s deliberations will be crucial in ensuring that our partnership remains dynamic, responsive and impactful. Let us use today’s summit to reaffirm our collective ambition and translate our shared vision into concrete and impactful cooperation.” Among the Asean leaders in attendance were the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan through cooperation in education, youth exchange, capacity-building and governance, while tapping into new economic and development opportunities. Economist Doris Liew, a specialist in Southeast Asian development, said Timor-Leste’s entry would help reinforce regional cohesion, with Malaysia playing a key supporting role. “Targeted policy support, especially under the Asean Economic Community and Digital Economy Framework, can ease Timor-Leste’s integration process,” she said. Liew noted that although Timor-Leste still faces institutional and developmental hurdles, Malaysia’s experience in public administration and policy could be a valuable asset in helping the country meet Asean standards. From a political and cultural standpoint, Universiti Utara Malaysia senior lecturer Dr Siti Darwinda Mohamed Pero pointed out that Timor-Leste brings a rare democratic example to the region. Cooperation 2024–2028, adopted at the inaugural summit in 2023, provides a

Marcos Jr, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, reported Bernama.

Also present were Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao as an observer, and Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn. Meanwhile, attending the summit from the GCC were Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Others in attendance were Oman Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Farhan Al Saud and UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. “Timor-Leste is the most democratic country in Southeast Asia. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2023 Democracy Index, it’s the only country in the region classified as a ‘flawed democracy’ – the rest are considered authoritarian or hybrid regimes.” She added that Timor-Leste’s experience in post-conflict governance could offer valuable lessons for Asean’s Political-Security Community. “The country has a track record in peacebuilding, reconciliation and post-conflict development. “Economically, Malaysia could explore opportunities in Timor-Leste’s petroleum, fisheries, agriculture and eco-tourism sectors, ” she said. On the geopolitical front, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan warned that Asean – and Malaysia in particular – must act swiftly before external powers, especially China, extend their influence over Timor-Leste. “Before Timor-Leste becomes overwhelmed

M’sia set to benefit as Timor-Leste nears entry