KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and United States President Donald Trump have pledged to deepen economic, security, and diplomatic cooperation between Washington and Southeast Asia, describing the partnership as the dawn of a new “golden age” for the region.
Speaking at the AseanN–US Summit here today, Anwar said the partnership has immense potential to drive shared prosperity and stability across both sides of the Pacific.
“Economics in the United States and Southeast Asia has the potential to create a golden age for all our nations,” he said.
“Two-way trade reached a record of US$453 billion last year, supporting jobs and businesses across both sides of the Pacific. And today, we will make the promise of our relationship ever greater.”
Anwar announced that Asean and the United States had agreed to adopt a Joint Vision Statement to promote a “stronger, safer, and more prosperous” future for both sides. The document, he said, represents a collective commitment to turn cooperation into tangible outcomes that deliver real benefits for the region.
The Malaysian leader also lauded the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, a historic agreement between Cambodia and Thailand to end decades of hostility. He commended Washington’s role in mediating the accord and praised both governments for their “strong political will and leadership.”
On the Middle East, Anwar welcomed Trump’s proposal for a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, calling it “a glimmer of hope that even in the most intractable conflicts, diplomacy and determination can prevail.”
Taking the podium, Trump thanked Anwar for hosting the summit, describing him as a “spectacular leader” and hailing the day’s events as a milestone for Malaysia and the wider region.
“Today, the Prime Minister and I signed a major trade deal between the United States and Malaysia,” Trump said. “Together, we also took part in the signing of a historic peace agreement ending the hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand. We’re calling it the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.”
Trump claimed the peace deal was one of “eight conflicts” resolved under his presidency and described the Gaza agreement as “an everlasting peace” involving 59 countries.
He also highlighted what he called a “golden age” for the United States, citing record investment levels and ongoing trade negotiations with several Indo-Pacific partners, including Japan, South Korea, and Cambodia.
“My message to the nations of Southeast Asia is that the United States is with you 100 percent,” he said. “Together, we’ll create incredible prosperity for the nations on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.”
Trump concluded his remarks by reaffirming America’s commitment to a free, open, and thriving Indo-Pacific, adding that the bonds between the U.S. and the region “will endure for generations to come.”
