Latest news with #ASEAN+3
Malaysia Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim calls BRICS a 'cohesive force within the Global South,' pledges green agenda for ASEAN
Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], May 22 (ANI): Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has described BRICS as a 'new initiative that represents a cohesive force within the Global South,' highlighting the group's potential to enhance cooperation among emerging economies in an interview with TV BRICS. Anwar underlined Malaysia's commitment to strengthening ASEAN's regional and global engagement as the country prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. He stressed the importance of revitalising key dialogue platforms such as ASEAN+3 and the East Asia Summit, calling them 'neutral and constructive spaces' where major powers can engage in dialogue, cooperation, and conflict resolution amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty. 'We must ensure inclusivity and sustainability in ASEAN's development so that no member nation is left behind,' the Prime Minister said, highlighting Malaysia's focus on equitable growth and regional solidarity. On environmental priorities, Anwar reiterated Malaysia's commitment to championing the green agenda within ASEAN. 'Addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development are critical priorities for us,' he said. The Prime Minister emphasised Malaysia's leadership role in accelerating cooperation on environmental issues across ASEAN member states, aiming to build a more resilient and sustainable region. Regarding Malaysia's decision to join BRICS, Anwar said, 'BRICS is not just an economic bloc but a transformative platform that can reshape global governance and foster solidarity among emerging economies.' He views BRICS as a crucial force to amplify the voice and interests of the Global South on the international stage. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia intends to use its platform to promote peace, stability, and inclusivity in the region while expanding ASEAN's global partnerships. 'Our goal is to strengthen ASEAN's role as a driver of regional cooperation and a bridge to the wider world,' Anwar said. Malaysia's proactive stance on inclusivity, sustainability, and regional cooperation reflects its broader vision for a just and balanced international order. (ANI)
Barnama
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
- Malaysia and ASEAN Are Right to Engage Russia Deeply – Despite the War in Ukraine
15/05/2025 04:21 PM Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. By Phar Kim Beng As the geopolitical tremors of the Ukraine war continue to reshape global alignments, it may appear counterintuitive that Malaysia and ASEAN are seeking to deepen engagement with Russia. After all, ASEAN as a regional organisation has collectively expressed concern over the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, following the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. The Chairman's Statement of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in 2022 emphasised 'respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes'. But ASEAN's embrace of diplomacy – even toward contentious actors – is not naiveté. Rather, it is a principled realism shaped by decades of navigating major power rivalries. The path forward is not disengagement, but deeper engagement – one that encourages Russia to act not merely as a great power, but as a responsible power capable of contributing constructively to the peace and prosperity of East Asia. ASEAN was never meant to be a military alliance or a tribunal for disciplining major powers. It is, instead, a convening platform designed to keep open channels of communication among actors with vastly different worldviews. Its architecture -anchored in ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) – functions precisely because it welcomes all parties, including rivals and antagonists. Engaging Russia within this framework is not a sign of approval of its actions in Ukraine, but a recognition that global peace requires the inclusion, not isolation, of great powers. The East Asia Summit scheduled for October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur is an opportunity for Russia to return to the table, to listen, to reflect, and to re-engage with Asian partners beyond the shadow of war. Moreover, Malaysia and ASEAN share a long-term vision of a multipolar world order, one not defined solely by U.S.-China competition. The Indo-Pacific is not destined to be a bipolar arena. ASEAN's own Indo-Pacific Outlook promotes inclusivity, balance, and cooperation. Strategic diversity in this region – through the presence of India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Russia – helps to prevent the domination of any single power, preserving ASEAN's autonomy and policy space. This is why Russia's continued involvement is valuable. Not because ASEAN condones aggression, but because it recognises the dangers of exclusion, polarisation, and bloc politics. Malaysia, as a neutral, trade-dependent country with a tradition of non-alignment, sees engagement as the wiser path. The East Asia Summit is a test of whether Russia is willing to conduct itself in line with the norms and principles of regional stability. Economic, Energy, and Defence Ties with Russia Are Still Relevant Despite Western sanctions, Russia remains a major energy producer, a source of advanced defence technology, and a critical member of global food and fertilizer supply chains. For countries like Vietnam, Laos, and even Indonesia, Russian arms and military cooperation remain significant. Malaysia itself operates Russian-origin Su-30MKM fighter jets, which require sustained technical collaboration. Cutting off ties would not only be impractical but potentially dangerous – forcing ASEAN states into greater dependency on a single supplier or bloc. Pragmatic cooperation, without legitimising aggression, is the wiser path. Russia's Role in Eurasian Integration and the Arctic May Impact ASEAN While distant in geography, Russia's activities in Central Asia, the Northern Sea Route (NSR), and Arctic energy development hold long-term implications for ASEAN's connectivity and climate resilience goals. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) increasingly intersects with Russia's Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), shaping transcontinental trade routes that could complement ASEAN's interests. ASEAN wants Russia to play a thoughtful role in this Eurasian architecture – one that enhances regional integration rather than reproduces Cold War-style blocs. Engagement allows ASEAN to influence, however subtly, the evolution of this role. Russia at the East Asia Summit 2025: A Test of Maturity The East Asia Summit (EAS) in Kuala Lumpur this October will serve as a litmus test for Russia. Will it continue to define itself primarily through antagonism and historical grievances? Or will it embrace the spirit of the EAS – openness, cooperation, and strategic restraint? ASEAN is extending the invitation not as a reward, but as a challenge. It hopes Russia will rise to the occasion, to prove it can be more than a revisionist power – perhaps even a civilisational interlocutor. Malaysia, as host, is uniquely positioned to deliver this message with moral clarity. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's long-standing emphasis on justice, dialogue among civilisations, and inclusive governance offers a template for what a better Russia can look like – if it chooses to be one. Conclusion: From Power to Purpose ASEAN's engagement with Russia does not condone war; it calls for wisdom. It does not validate violence; it invites transformation. At a time when Russia is increasingly portrayed in zero-sum terms, ASEAN offers a third way: principled pragmatism anchored in peace. Malaysia and ASEAN are not naïve. They understand power. But they also understand purpose. The East Asia Summit in October 2025 is a chance for Russia to demonstrate that it, too, can understand both. And perhaps, act accordingly. -- BERNAMA Phar Kim Beng, PhD, is Professor of ASEAN Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of BERNAMA)
Fibre2Fashion
07-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
ASEAN+3 to launch tech assistance tools to address systemic challenges
Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, Japan and South Korea (ASEAN+3) recently supported updating of strategic direction of their financial cooperation and agreed to launch technical assistance tools aimed at addressing medium- to long-term structural challenges. They concluded their 28th annual meeting in Milan recently. Finance ministers and central bank governors from the ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea recently supported updating of strategic direction of their financial cooperation and agreed to launch technical assistance tools aimed at addressing medium- to long-term structural challenges. Their 28th annual meeting ended in Milan recently. The region's outlook is subject to heightened uncertainties. Co-chaired by China and Malaysia this year, the meeting focused on global and regional macroeconomic developments and regional financial cooperation under the 10+3 framework. According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, ASEAN+3 is expected to remain a key driver of the global economy over the medium term, contributing to more than 40 per cent of global growth. Meanwhile, inflation is expected to remain low at below 2 per cent in 2025. The region's outlook is, however, subject to heightened uncertainties, the statement noted. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing regional financial cooperation under the ASEAN+3 framework. The next such meeting will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in 2026. The Philippines and Japan will be the co-chairs. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Interview: Multilateralism key to long-term development, says Malaysian minister
MILAN, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan has called for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and rules-based trade. In an interview with Xinhua on Sunday on the sidelines of the 28th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)+3 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Milan, the minister also said the ASEAN+3 region has to face and address the impact of the trade war initiated by the United States. "We hope to encourage a return to multilateralism and a rules-based trading system," which are crucial for long-term development. This year's meeting, co-chaired by China and Malaysia, focused on global and regional macroeconomic developments and regional financial cooperation within the ASEAN+3 framework. Participants endorsed updates to the strategic direction for ASEAN+3 financial cooperation and agreed to launch new technical assistance tools addressing medium- to long-term structural challenges. With a population of just under 700 million, ASEAN's gross domestic product reached 3.8 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024, Amir Hamzah said, underscoring that the region vibrancy enables ASEAN to boost intra-Asian trade against external uncertainties. ASEAN, committed to multilateralism and to stimulating domestic demand, is striving to sustain its economic momentum, he said. ASEAN is also expanding its community by engaging more countries, including China, and is working to help rebuild a multilateral trading mechanism that benefits all members, he added. Highlighting China's importance as a market for ASEAN countries, the minister said as China's economy expands and its domestic market develops further, ASEAN looks forward to increasing its exports to China and sharing the prosperity brought about through deeper cross-border cooperation. Malaysia is holding the ASEAN presidency in 2025, with data showing that ASEAN and China have remained each other's largest trading partners for the fifth consecutive year.
05-05-2025
- Business
ASEAN+3 Officials Reaffirm Commitment to Free Trade
Newsfrom Japan Milan, May 4 (Jiji Press)--Finance ministers and central bank leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus Japan, China and South Korea, or ASEAN+3, met in Milan on Sunday and reaffirmed their commitment to free and open trade amid uncertainties stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. "We reaffirm our full commitment to multilateralism, and a rules-based, non-discriminatory, free, fair, open, inclusive, equitable, and transparent multilateral trading system," the ASEAN+3 officials said in a joint statement adopted at the meeting. "We call for enhanced regional unity and cooperation as we endeavor to weather the heightened uncertainty," they noted. The ASEAN+3 meeting was held on the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank's annual meeting that kicked off in the northern Italian city on the same day. "The participants mentioned the U.S. tariff measures from their respective perspectives," Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato told reporters after the meeting. He added that the Japanese side noted that it is strongly urging the United States in their tariff negotiations to reconsider a series of tariff measures imposed under the Trump administration. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
