KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (pic) on Monday (Oct 27) attended the 26th Asean-Republic of Korea Summit, the 28th Asean Plus Three Summit and the Reception on the Occasion of Timor-Leste’s Admission to Asean, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia.
Accompanying His Majesty was Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
26th Asean-Republic of Korea Summit
The establishment of the Asean-Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) is a new chapter in Asean – Republic of Korea cooperation and allows for closer collaboration in addressing shared challenges and creating greater opportunities for the people. This was among the matters highlighted in His Majesty’s titah during this summit.
His Majesty highlighted that deepening economic regional integration is crucial in the face of global economic uncertainties.
Trade facilitation must help business sectors overcome challenges and to contribute to more sustainable growth. In this regard, His Majesty looked forward to the upgrade of the Asean-Korea Free Trade Agreement as it reinforces Asean’s collective pursuit of resilient, inclusive and forward-looking economic partnerships.
In concluding the titah, His Majesty expressed appreciation for the Republic of Korea’s continued support for sub-regional cooperation through the ‘BIMP-EAGA – ROK Cooperation Fund’ which complements broader regional development goals.
Other matters of interest raised at the summit were green transition, digital economy, creative industries and infrastructure development.
28th Asean Plus Three Summit
In this summit, His Majesty joined other Asean leaders and Asean Plus Three in discussing matters of interest such as economic security and integration, digital security and green energy, to further strengthen cooperation under the Asean Plus Three (APT) platform.
In a titah, His Majesty highlighted the importance of the APT as an Asean-led mechanism that has enabled the region to respond to crises, from weathering the 2008 global financial crises to the COVID-19 pandemic. Touching on food security, His Majesty emphasised the importance of the Asean Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) as an instrument to enable swift and coordinated responses to food shortages and emergencies.
Therefore, the APTERR mechanism must always be ready to face a growing range of risks.
His Majesty further stated that the upcoming APTERR Tabletop Exercise to be hosted by Brunei at the end of the year will reinforce the reserve’s preparedness and capacity for rapid action.
Reception on the occasion of Timor Leste's admission to Asean
His Majesty attended a reception hosted by Timor-Leste on the occasion of its admission to Asean.
The reception was also attended by other heads of state and government of Asean, leaders of dialogue partners and guests of the chair attending the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits. Timor-Leste formally acceded as the 11th Asean member state during the 47th Asean Summit. This new membership is expected to expand Asean’s regional reach and economic integration, as well as strengthen Asean’s commitment to inclusiveness. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
