Malaysia’s Asean leadership lauded

A fruitful trip: Anwar speaking to the media at the end of the three-day working visit to South Korea. He is accompanied by Mohamad (left) and Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. — Pic from Prime Minister’s Office Facebook page

GYEONGJU: Malaysia’s success in hosting the 47th Asean Summit not only led to praises but also piqued the curiosity of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the spirit of Asean was clearly reflected at the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting, as world leaders, including China President Xi Jinping, personally congratulated him on the success.

As for Apec leaders, Anwar said they were curious about how Malaysia 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 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 said, Bernama reported.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the appreciation shown by Apec leaders reflected Malaysia’s credibility on the international stage.

“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 said.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump, in his speech at the Apec CEO Summit, praised Anwar’s leadership, acknowledging Malaysia’s key role in brokering the peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.

Meanwhile, Anwar said Asean’s growing economic strength and commitment to sustainability and inclusivity were among the key points discussed with Apec leaders.

“This aligns 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 was a founding member of Apec, established in 1989.

In 2023, Apec economies accounted for 78% of Malaysia’s total trade, amounting to RM2.6 trillion.