KUALA LUMPUR, 26 October 2025 — Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially opened the 47th ASEAN Summit’s Plenary Session, urging the bloc to stay united amid global geopolitical uncertainty and to build a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive regional economy.
Addressing ASEAN leaders, invited guests, and dignitaries, Anwar highlighted that Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, comes at a defining juncture for the region, as the world grapples with economic fragmentation, shifting power dynamics, and evolving trade realities.
“ASEAN’s resilience rests on openness, on the free flow of trade, capital, and people,” Anwar said, emphasising that regional cooperation must remain the cornerstone of economic and social progress.
A Historic Milestone for Timor-Leste
The Prime Minister welcomed His Excellency Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, marking the country’s first full participation as ASEAN’s 11th member. Anwar hailed the moment as a “historic milestone in our regional journey,” reinforcing ASEAN’s commitment to unity and inclusivity.
Strengthening Regional Trade and Integration
Anwar reaffirmed ASEAN’s collective commitment to economic integration through key trade frameworks:
- The upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), described as a decisive step toward deeper economic collaboration.
- The forthcoming ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0), to be signed on 28 October, signalling the region’s shared push for fair trade, digital transformation, and sustainable energy development.
- Malaysia’s hosting of the 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Leaders’ Summit, aimed at accelerating the world’s largest free-trade pact and deepening regional economic ties.
Guests of the Chair and Global Partnerships
The session also welcomed key international guests, underscoring ASEAN’s global relevance:
- The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
- His Excellency António Costa, President of the European Council
- Madam Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund
Their attendance reflected ASEAN’s expanding dialogue partnerships and its increasing influence as a regional anchor in global economic governance.
Shared Commitment to an Open, Fair, and Sustainable Future
Prime Minister Anwar called on ASEAN to remain steadfast in pursuing economic openness, even as global trade becomes more fragmented. He underscored that “trading more among ourselves, investing more in one another, and advancing integration across sectors” are essential to safeguarding ASEAN’s prosperity and strategic relevance.
With that, Anwar struck the ceremonial gavel to officially open the Plenary Session, declaring the 47th ASEAN Summit underway and calling for the region to “chart a collective path forward, one that is inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready.”
