PETALING JAYA: As the world faces an energy supply crisis, climate change and economic uncertainty, Asean must have a bold and an integrated approach to deal with these challenges, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
As such, the Prime Minister said Malaysia supports strengthening cross-border connectivity investments in renewable energy and sustainable solutions such as solar and mini-grids.
“This is so that the benefits of development can be enjoyed fairly and inclusively by all citizens, including communities in the rural areas.
“Asean will continue to advocate development agendas that honour people, strengthen communities and spur a prosperous future for generations to come,” he said in a social media post.
The Prime Minister is in Cebu, the Philippines, to attend the 48th Asean Summit.
Anwar also said Malaysia is committed to strengthening regional cooperation through the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
The platform, he said, is seen as a strategic vehicle to bridge the development gap, as well as widen the network of trade, investments, digital connectivity and food security across the region.
“At today’s BIMP-EAGA Special Summit in Cebu, I reiterated that BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035 must be driven by the spirit of togetherness, sustainable governance and a commitment to ensure remote and underdeveloped regions do not continue to slip off the flow of development,” he said.
On the sidelines of the Asean Summit, the Prime Minister held a bilateral meeting with his Singapore counterpart Lawrence Wong, where the focus of discussion, among others, included expediting the implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and ensuring the RTS Link project can be operational by the end of the year.
“The meeting also allowed Malaysia and Singapore to continue strengthening strategic cooperation that upholds mutual interest, regional stability and the prosperity of the people of both countries,” Anwar said.
He added that Malaysia also spoke on the importance of continuing maritime border negotiations constructively and in accordance with international law, in addition to ensuring issues of water supply, airspace and management of the Kuala Lumpur Flight Information Region are addressed in a respectful manner and through bilateral understanding.
“Malaysia also emphasises the importance of a lasting ceasefire in the Middle East, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the need for Asean to continue to play a principled role in maintaining stability, security and sustainability of the global supply chain,” he said.
Anwar also met with his Laos counterpart Dr Sonexay Siphandone, stating that Malaysia and Laos share a strong determination to continue strengthening relations and strategic cooperation.
“We also reaffirmed commitment to expand cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, higher education, defence, telecommunications and regional networks.
“Malaysia also expressed support for efforts to strengthen Asean’s economic and logistics integration, including through the Asean Express rail network that connects Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and China.
“In the spirit of Asean togetherness, we believe that sustainable development, mutual respect and prosperity sharing are important vehicles to guarantee stability and the future of the region,” he added.
Earlier, Anwar and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail landed at the Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base.
