Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stresses the importance of sustained engagement among global powers at the East Asia Summit despite differences.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the East Asia Summit’s crucial role as an engagement platform for global powers despite the absence of a joint statement.
He stressed that sustained engagement and constructive dialogue among major powers remain imperative for regional stability.
The EAS serves as a rare strategic platform where all key players including Russia, China and the United States are present and willing to engage directly.
“You don’t usually have regional meetings with their presence,” Anwar told a press conference after the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit.
He noted that in some meetings, if Myanmar participates, European nations withdraw, while other meetings see boycotts when Russia attends.
“But in the ASEAN-sponsored East Asia Summit, at least there was preparedness to engage and listen,” he said.
Anwar explained that participants may agree or disagree on various issues, but the consensus within ASEAN is to ensure continuous engagement.
ASEAN’s priority is to keep communication channels open despite differing positions among member states and dialogue partners.
“We should not stop engaging, and secondly, peace is critical to us,” he said.
The Prime Minister dismissed perceptions of disagreement over regional issues such as the South China Sea, noting that ASEAN nations are in agreement.
He revealed that Chinese Premier Li Qiang responded that engagement processes should be accelerated for the good of ASEAN and all relevant parties.
“All agree that this region should not be an area of contest by superpowers,” Anwar said.
Malaysia continues to cooperate with multiple partners on maritime arrangements and security exercises while maintaining balance and avoiding provocation.
“The presence of partners is accepted,” he stated.
“We have maritime arrangements with the Americans, and there is also the traditional military exercise with Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore.”
Anwar added that Malaysia has increased maritime collaboration activities with China.
“That’s how it should work, to my mind,” said the Prime Minister.
However, Malaysia will not allow the stationing of foreign military forces within its maritime borders.
This position aligns with the nation’s long-held policy of neutrality and ASEAN centrality.
The East Asia Summit is a high-level regional forum focusing on political, security, economic and strategic issues.
It brings together ASEAN countries with major regional powers and dialogue partners including the US, China, India, Russia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. – Bernama
