GYEONGJU: The KL Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia is a poignant reminder that peace must never be taken for granted, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Fresh from the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, he reinforced his belief that dialogue and cooperation at regional levels are not just useful, but essential.
At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Dialogue with Guests, Anwar reminded Apec economies on what is still happening in Gaza and Ukraine.
“The KL Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia is a reminder that peace and prosperity will not last without trust, patience and continued negotiations.
“The same principle must be upheld in the context of Gaza and Ukraine that a solution based on dialogue, not violence, is the only path to genuine peace,” he said during Malaysia’s intervention, Bernama reported.
Anwar said Apec has proven to be a pioneer in driving the spirit of openness, assuming moral responsibility and introducing global economic norms based on voluntary cooperation, not coercion.
“The same is true of prosperity; both must be nurtured and sustained through dialogue and trust,” he said.
Malaysia has been instrumental in brokering the peace accord between the two countries, which also gained continuous praise from the United States and other Asean member states.
Malaysia’s successful role in brokering the peace deal gained many praises, including from US President Donald Trump.
The peace deal was signed by Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, witnessed by Anwar and Trump.
Anwar also called on Apec members to serve as a bridge beyond the platform with greater participation from Latin American and African countries.
He said by doing so, it would enable Apec’s agenda to be translated into something more substantially transformative, inclusive and truly impactful.
“Expanding engagement with the Latin American and African regions will lead towards a more just and balanced global economic order between developed and developing nations.
“This could also set the trajectory towards a more equitable economic architecture that narrows the gap between the Global North and the Global South,” he said.
Anwar added that Apec, which includes 21 economies, is currently nurturing new ideas that address challenges shaping their collective future.
This include green growth and sustainable finance; equal access to technology; resilient supply chains and critical minerals; food security, smart agriculture and clean energy transitions.
“These themes resonate deeply with Malaysia’s own aspirations under the Madani Economy framework, to build a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy that works for all,” he said.
On another matter, Anwar said congratulatory messages from Apec leaders for Malaysia’s successful hosting of the recent 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits underscore the country’s ability to lead with wisdom and determination.
Anwar received the commendations during an informal meeting with leaders on the sidelines of the meeting.
“I had the opportunity to have a casual meeting with fellow leaders. We exchanged views on various issues, including efforts to strengthen a more equitable and resilient economic cooperation, in a warm and friendly atmosphere,” he said.
Malaysia is one of Apec’s 12 founding member countries along with Australia, Brunei, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.
