“I have taken the liberty to write to President Trump to seek his understanding to organise a US-Asean meeting.
“This reflects our seriousness in observing the spirit of centrality,” the Prime Minister told the association leaders at the opening of the 46th Asean Summit plenary session.
Anwar said the letter to Trump followed the mandate achieved at the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Langkawi earlier this year.
Asean’s economic ministers had previously said that the 10-member bloc would not impose any retaliatory measures as the group wanted to engage in a “frank and constructive” dialogue with the United States to address trade-related concerns.
On Sunday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that Malaysia, as Asean Chair this year, is awaiting confirmation from the United States on the proposed date for the Asean-US Special Summit.
Anwar also spoke on Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council-China, saying that preserving the geo-economic model is key to securing long-term regional sustainability and inclusivity.
He said the trilateral cooperation model must be safeguarded as a strategic pillar in a multipolar global landscape.
“Above all, we must preserve the multilateral system and ensure that the Asean-GCC-China geo-economic model continues to play a meaningful role in forging a more inclusive and sustainable future for our region and our people,” he said.
Anwar said the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, convened under Malaysia’s chairmanship, reflected a “reservoir of goodwill” and the capacity of regional blocs to act with strategic clarity.
“I believe that this trilateral Summit manifests the successful reshaping of the matrix of partnership that speaks to today’s multipolar reality.
“It symbolises the power of cohesiveness of regional blocs which no doubt would have a positive impact on the world at large,” he said of the summit to be held today.
Anwar also cautioned member states against the growing threat of protectionism and the unravelling of the multilateral order, citing recent unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States.
“We have acted expeditiously with the establishment of the Asean geo-economic task force, a necessary step not just for coordination but to demonstrate resolution and confidence,” he said.
