VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will lead a high-level delegation to the 44th and 45th Asean Summits and related summits here which will discuss regional issues on security and economic partnership among others.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to Laos, Edi Irwan Mahmud, said other issues to be discussed include digitalisation, artificial intelligence, new technology, climate change, transnational crime, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar and the Middle East.
“Malaysia will continue voicing out its stern stance regarding the South China Sea in relevant platforms to protect the nation’s sovereignty,” he told a press conference at a hotel in Vientiane on Monday (Oct 7).
Edi said the issue is complex and sensitive, but Malaysia is consistent in its stance.
“Malaysia is committed to resolving issues regarding the South China Sea by using the appropriate diplomatic channels, including Asean meetings.
“This includes the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, where the Five-Point Consensus was unveiled in 2021,” he added.
The Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar was a peace effort by Asean announced in April 2021.
Currently, the Myanmar military junta has refused to engage in talks with its rivals, accusing them of being terrorists.
Edi said the Five-Point Consensus will remain Asean’s main reference in tackling the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
“Asean will continue its efforts to facilitate peace talks in Myanmar based on consensus and this summit is expected to discuss challenges in implementing the Five-Point Consensus,” he said.
Edi also said Anwar will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, as well as high-level officers from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the Economy Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry.
Anwar is expected to arrive in Vientiane, Laos on Tuesday (Oct 8) and attend the summits on Wednesday (Oct 9).
On Thursday (Oct 10), he will attend the 27th Asean-China Summit, the 25th Asean Republic of Korea Summit, the 27th Asean-Japan Summit, the 27th Asean Plus Three Summit, the 4th Asean-Australia Summit, the 21st Asean-India Summit and an Asean-Canada special Summit on Enhancing Asean Connectivity and Resilience.
On Friday (Oct 11), Anwar will attend the 12th Asean-US Summit, the 19th East Asia Summit, the 13th Asean-United Nations Summit, and the 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community Leaders meeting.
The last event on Friday would be the closing ceremony of the 44th and 45th Asean Summit, which will see Laos handing over the Asean chairmanship to Malaysia.
Dr Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said the Asean summit this year will continue its tradition of deepening and broadening economic cooperation among member countries and also with other major economies.
“All eyes are also on Malaysia hopefully unveiling what would be some of the priorities for its Asean chairmanship next year.
“Malaysia will be well advised to also focus on socioeconomic issues, such as breaking new grounds with the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa),” he said.
Geopolitical expert Dr Azmi Hassan said Malaysia is expected to raise issues on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East at the upcoming Asean summit.
“I think Malaysia wants Asean to be more proactive in tackling global issues,” said Azmi.
About 2,000 delegates and 1,000 journalists from Laos and other countries are expected to attend over 20 meetings during the summits.
