MALAYSIA'S LEADERSHIP PRAISED AS ASEAN NAVIGATES CHALLENGING YEAR - ASEAN SEC GEN

By Siti Noor Afera Abu & Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN chair this year has been commended for steering the regional bloc through a particularly challenging global environment, said ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn. 

He described Malaysia’s role as ‘remarkable’, noting that the country’s ability to provide strategic and bold direction, especially in the economic sector.

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“This year is a very challenging year for ASEAN. First of all, not just for our region, but for the world as well. 

“But to be able to steer and to lead ASEAN during this critical time has been a remarkable achievement for Malaysia, particularly for Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who has been very strategic and bold in leading the economic sector this year,” he told Bernama after the 21st AEM-European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Consultation.

The consultation was on the sidelines of the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM) and Related Meetings today.

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Kao noted significant progress in advancing both the priority economic deliverables and annual priorities, describing it as a clear sign of the meetings’ productivity, and stated that despite the extensive agenda, Malaysia has ensured that key initiatives continue to move forward.

“In addition to that, AEM chair Tengku Zafrul was able to chair some of the special meetings, such as the Special Economic Ministers’ Meeting, to coordinate ASEAN’s positions amid the evolving global economic landscape,” he said.

Yesterday, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer also applauded Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN chair this year and praised Malaysia's leadership and hospitality in steering the regional bloc of 10 countries in their meetings so far this year.

“We have been very pleased with the hospitality offered. Malaysia has shown great leadership as the ASEAN chair,” Greer said.

This marks Malaysia's fifth chairmanship after 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.

Held under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship, the 57th AEM and Related Meetings have drawn more than 500 delegates from the 10 ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners.

With the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, the week-long gathering comprises 20 meetings and side programmes from Sept 22 to 26 at the sprawling Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

-- BERNAMA