ASEAN Secretary-General commends Malaysia’s leadership in brokering Cambodia-Thailand peace accord and securing Timor-Leste’s full membership.
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn has commended Malaysia’s crucial role in brokering peace between Cambodia and Thailand.
He specifically praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership in achieving the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord.
“The ceasefire was reached through the work of the ASEAN Chair,” Kao said during his opening remarks at the 9th ASEAN Media Forum.
He described the accord, achieved with US and Chinese support, as “a remarkable achievement” that prevented further conflict escalation.
Kao revealed that Anwar conducted telephone diplomacy with several leaders to secure support for the ceasefire and subsequent peace agreement.
He expressed optimism that ASEAN will continue focusing on peace and stability with the agreement now in place.
The secretary-general also lauded Malaysia for achieving another diplomatic milestone with Timor-Leste’s full admission.
Timor-Leste became ASEAN’s 11th member on October 26, marking a historic moment for the regional bloc.
“I think Malaysia has achieved a milestone there with the full membership of Timor-Leste,” he stated.
Kao noted this represented the final round of ASEAN’s enlargement as envisioned in the ASEAN Charter.
He highlighted that Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship successfully concluded the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
“The 47th ASEAN Summit was a success and a truly remarkable achievement not just for Malaysia as the Chair, but for ASEAN as a whole,” Kao emphasized.
He described the Kuala Lumpur-hosted summit as one of the most dynamic gatherings in ASEAN history.
The event attracted leaders from Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Africa, demonstrating ASEAN’s growing global stature.
Economically, Kao noted significant progress through the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement signing.
He highlighted the substantial conclusion of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement.
Malaysia also hosted the fifth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Summit, reinforcing ASEAN’s economic centrality.
Kao emphasized ASEAN’s expanding cooperation through the ASEAN-China FTA 3.0 upgrade and US trade engagement.
He noted the Chair’s invitation to Brazilian and South African leaders reflected ASEAN’s openness to new partnerships.
The 9th ASEAN Media Forum brought together senior media figures, policymakers and thought leaders in Kuala Lumpur. – Bernama
