Strong momentum for Asean

Where ideas converge: Over 650 Asean meetings, including two summits and 24 ministerial meetings, will be hos­ted by the Philippines during the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, which began yesterday. — Bernama

Anwar to lead Malaysia at Cebu summit

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be leading the Malaysian delegation to the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu, Philippines, from May 7 to 8.

Malaysian ambassador to the Philippines Datuk Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony said Asean leaders are expected to discuss the Middle East conflict’s impact on the region and the bloc’s response towards ensuring regional energy and food security.

He said Malaysia’s participation in the event demonstrates its commitment to strengthen Asean centrality and resilience in a complex global environment.

“The 48th Asean Summit and related meetings will be an opportunity for Malaysia to share and exchange views on various issues regarding Asean Community building and the way forward,” he told Malaysian reporters in Cebu yesterday, Bernama reported.

Abdul Malik said Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, would be accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, and Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah.

Upon arrival today, Anwar will participate in the Special Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area Summit.

“On Friday, he will participate in the 48th Asean Summit and is expected to have sideline mee­tings with some of his Asean counterparts,” he added.

On Thursday, Mohamad will attend the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 31st Asean Political-Security Community Council Meeting, and the 38th Asean Coordinating Council Meeting, as well as the Asean Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting. 

“The Asean Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting is a continuation of the process that was initiated under Malaysia’s chairmanship to ensure coordination between the political­-security and economic pillars.

“It is an approach that is increasingly relevant in light of evolving regional and global developments,” he said.

The Philippines took over the Asean chairmanship from Malaysia on Jan 1, 2026.

Themed “Navigating Our Future, Together”, the Philippines seeks to steer Asean’s priorities through three pillars – Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empower­ment – during its tenure.

Over 650 Asean meetings, including two summits and 24 ministerial meetings, will be hos­ted by the republic.