Photo: Bernama
GYEONGJU: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the spirit of Asean is clearly reflected at this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, adding that world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping personally congratulated him on Malaysia's success in hosting the 47th Asean Summit, which concluded on Tuesday (Oct 28).
The Prime Minister said that APEC leaders were curious about how Malaysia, as Asean chair at the time, employed "soft diplomacy" to balance the regional bloc's relations with both the United States and China.
"President Xi conveyed his warmest congratulations to us on Asean's success, as did nearly all the APEC leaders. I was deeply moved that leaders from the United States, China, and even as far as Mexico, when meeting me, immediately expressed their admiration for Asean's achievements, including our efforts in fostering peace in Cambodia and Thailand.
"They also asked how Asean managed to balance the power of the US and China with that of other developing and emerging nations," he told reporters at a press conference after wrapping up his three-day working visit for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) here on Saturday (Nov 1).
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the appreciation shown by APEC leaders reflected Malaysia's credibility on the international stage.
He noted that the Prime Minister's presence in the leaders' holding room drew the attention of many world leaders, demonstrating the high level of respect for Malaysia's leadership.
"When the Prime Minister entered the leaders' waiting room, he became the centre of attention. Many leaders approached him to chat and exchange views. This shows the recognition and respect accorded to Malaysia's role," he added.
Also present was Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz.
On Wednesday (Oct 29), US President Donald Trump, in his speech at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025, praised Anwar's leadership, acknowledging Malaysia's key role in brokering the peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.
This sentiment was reiterated during a bilateral meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday (Oct 31).
Anwar said Asean's growing economic strength and commitment to sustainability and inclusivity were among the key points discussed with APEC leaders.
"This is aligned with what was outlined in the Putrajaya Vision 2040, which APEC adopted earlier, and is being further developed within the forum's broader economic framework.
"I also emphasised that if we truly wish to strengthen the spirit of multilateral unity and expand free trade relations, our role must include building wider networks that reach beyond APEC - involving Africa and Latin America as well," he added.
Malaysia has been a founding member of APEC since 1989. In 2023, APEC economies accounted for 78% of Malaysia's total trade, amounting to RM2.6 trillion.
APEC, an informal and flexible consultative forum, represents 21 member economies that collectively account for nearly 60% of global GDP and 47% of global trade.
This year's gathering marks 20 years since the South Korea last hosted the AELM in Busan in 2005. – Bernama
