Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to unify in response to US-imposed tariffs and other pressing international challenges.
According to Kuwait News Agency, during the opening session of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur, preceding the 46th Summit of the association, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohammad Hasan emphasized the significant impact of the US tariffs on ASEAN countries. He pointed out the repercussions of the US-China trade war, predicting a looming global economic slowdown. Hasan also highlighted the accelerating impacts of climate change and technological disruption, which pose significant challenges, particularly to Southeast Asia.
Hasan underscored the region's vulnerability to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the potential for public health crises due to increasing temperatures. He noted the high internet penetration rates in ASEAN countries, stressing the risks posed by the unregulated use of artificial intelligence and other disruptive technologies. Hasan called for ASEAN to tackle these issues collectively, emphasizing the need for regional economic integration to shield against external shocks.
He advocated for enhancing intra-ASEAN trade mechanisms and diversifying partnerships to handle future economic disruptions effectively. Hasan also stressed the importance of ASEAN Centrality, urging the member states to reinforce their unity in facing external pressures.
Addressing global crises, Hasan condemned the siege of Gaza by Israeli forces and the ongoing atrocities against Palestinians, urging ASEAN to use its voice in world affairs to advocate for the oppressed and uphold international law. He reiterated Malaysia's ASEAN theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability," emphasizing the strategic moral proposition of equitable growth and enduring resilience.
Hasan announced that ASEAN leaders would adopt the "ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future" vision, aiming to establish a resilient, innovative, and people-oriented community. This vision seeks to create a deeply integrated, socially cohesive, and globally respected ASEAN.
Malaysia will host the 46th ASEAN Summit from May 26-27, along with two side summits involving the GCC and China. Kuwait's leadership will be represented by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at the ASEAN-GCC summit, in line with Kuwait's Presidency of the 45th GCC Supreme Council.