KUALA LUMPUR: Peace in Myanmar can only be durable if reconciliation efforts are led by locals, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said Asean member states, guided by the Five Point Consensus, have used every available channel and partner to reduce violence and ease the humanitarian crisis.
A military junta has ruled Myanmar since a coup in February 2021.
“Together with fellow member states, we have worked to foster the conditions for peace in Myanmar,” he said at the 47th Asean Summit.
“We know this requires patience, persistence and an honest appreciation of realities on the ground. But lasting peace cannot be imposed. It must be Myanmar owned and Myanmar led, only then will reconciliation endure,” added Anwar.
The Asean Summit will bring together leaders from all member states, but Myanmar’s acting president Senior General Min Aung Hlaing will not attend.
Anwar said Timor Leste’s historic admission into Asean on Sunday (Oct 26) completes the Asean family.
“Within this community, Timor Leste’s development and strategic autonomy will find firm and lasting support,” he said.
Anwar said the peace and prosperity enjoyed by Asean for nearly six decades is not self sustaining and must be renewed through cooperation and shared purpose.
“That is why Asean is deepening economic linkages, widening trade and enhancing competitiveness,” he added.
Anwar said the upgrade of the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement, to be launched at the Summit, will create a more seamless regional market.
He said this will unlock scale, efficiency and opportunity for businesses and workers in the region.
“We are also advancing the Asean Power Grid,” he said.
“The new APG financing facility will help bridge funding gaps and accelerate our transition to cleaner and more secure energy,” he added.
“We are moving forward on the Asean Blue Economy Framework and the Regional Electric Vehicle Ecosystem,” he said.
He said these will build the foundations of sustainable industry and green growth.
The 47th Asean Summit takes place from October 26 to October 28.
