Malaysia affirms to cooperate with India to ensure ASEAN is the "flagship" of regional integration

Malaysia will work closely with India and other dialogue partners to ensure that ASEAN remains at the forefront of regional integration and continues to be a driving force for sustainable development in the region.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Bernama news agency reported that the above affirmation was made by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a speech at the Indian Council of World Affairs in New Delhi on August 20, in the context that Kuala Lumpur will assume the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

Kuala Lumpur hopes that New Delhi, as one of ASEAN's long-standing dialogue partners, will play a pivotal role as the ASEAN-India partnership is vital in promoting economic growth, security cooperation and cultural exchanges across the region.

“We see great potential in enhancing this cooperation, especially as we seek to link ASEAN priorities with broader initiatives to support the Global South,” the leader said.

Malaysia will not only focus on strengthening existing ASEAN mechanisms and institutions and making them fit for purpose, but also explore interactions with other frameworks that are important to the region's development and prosperity, Mr Ibrahim said.

In addition, Malaysia also plans to strengthen engagement between ASEAN and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), which is expected to not only connect the regions but also focus on overlooked challenges and priorities.

These challenges stem from the unique geography, demographics and resources of the regions, and need to be acknowledged and addressed.

In pursuing these goals, Mr. Ibrahim stressed that the agenda of the Global South must be anchored in shared norms and values ​​that reflect the distinctive diversity of these regions.

Apart from India, ASEAN's other dialogue partners include Australia, Canada, China, the European Union (EU), Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the UK and the US.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/malaysia-khang-dinh-se-hop-tac-voi-an-do-de-dam-bao-asean-la-la-co-dau-hoi-nhap-khu-vuc-283380.html