KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts towards establishing the Asean Plus Three (APT) Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Emergencies must proceed, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This is to enhance the region's preparedness for any health crises arising in the future, he added.
Anwar, who chaired the 28th APT Summit here on Monday (Oct 27), said the initiative is vital to ensure that the region is collectively prepared to tackle potential public health threats.
He added that the Covid-19 pandemic showed the importance of collective resilience, cooperation and readiness among regional partners.
In his opening remarks, Anwar also said the APT experience shows that shared challenges can be turned into strengths.
"In this regard, we must double down on engagement and cooperation, which remain the key to stability," he said.
He added the platform, established more than three decades ago, remains one of the most enduring frameworks for dialogue and cooperation.
"Born in the wake of the Asian Financial Crisis in 1996, the APT has prevailed over other crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.
Anwar said APT’s purpose is clear: to ensure fair growth, widely shared prosperity, and progress to bring peace.
"We must prepare our youth and women for an East Asia region that is sustainable, inclusive and interconnected," he said.
In his remarks, Anwar also welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who is making his maiden appearance at the Summit.
Asean Plus Three consists of the Asean member states together with China, Japan and South Korea.
Also present for the summit were Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu, who is also the coordinator for the Plus Three countries.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang was also present.
