Latest news with #ASEANInter-ParliamentaryAssembly
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Anwar: ASEAN, GCC and China present vast collaborative potential with combined US$24.87 trillion GDP
Anwar delivers his opening remarks during the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (May 27): ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and China together represent a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$24.87 trillion (US$1=RM4.21) and a population of about 2.15 billion, offering vast opportunities to synergise markets, deepen innovation, and promote cross-regional investment, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today. 'For the first time, ASEAN, the GCC, and China come together in this unique configuration – three partners, each rich in history, civilisation, culture, and shared aspirations, gather to open a new chapter of dialogue and cooperation,' he said in his opening remarks at the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit themed 'Synergising Economic Opportunities Towards Shared Prosperity.' Also present were Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who is also the president of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC; China's Premier Li Qiang; Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; and Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. In 2023, ASEAN's GDP reached US$3.8 trillion, making it the world's fifth-largest economy. That same year, total trade with the GCC stood at US$130.7 billion, with foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of US$390.2 million. China, meanwhile, remained ASEAN's largest trading partner with US$696.7 billion in trade and US$17.3 billion in FDI, which indicate immense existing linkages as well as substantial untapped potential. 'I hope this summit will stand as a new chapter in ASEAN's journey of outward-looking engagement, demonstrating what can be achieved when partners work together in mutual respect and shared purpose,' said Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister. He expressed confidence that ASEAN, the GCC, and China can draw upon respective unique attributes, and shape a future that is more connected, more resilient, and more prosperous for generations to come. Among the ASEAN leaders attending today's events were the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Also attending were Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao as Observer, and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. – Bernama anwar ibrahim asean China GCC lead summit
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
KL Declaration On ASEAN 2045 Paves Way For Next Phase Of Regional Integration
GENERAL Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers speech at the signing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) — ASEAN took a major step forward in shaping its long-term future today with the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, a landmark document that stood out as the highlight of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings held here. The forward-looking roadmap, signed by Southeast Asian leaders, outlines ASEAN's collective vision for the next two decades — one that aspires towards a more resilient, innovative and people-centred community amid rising global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, representing Malaysia as current ASEAN Chair, described the declaration as 'a defining chapter in ASEAN's journey,' calling for future cooperation to be rooted in sustainability, inclusion and regional solidarity. 'Regional integration must be genuinely people-centred – that means closing development gaps, raising standards of living, and investing in the human spirit and potential of all our citizens,' he said in his address at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Anwar noted that while the world is increasingly shaped by technological advancement, economic fragmentation and climate disruptions, these same forces demand collective governance. 'We must not only embrace innovation – we must learn to govern it together and with care,' he said. Describing the 2045 vision as 'anchored in realism, animated by resolve, and made possible by trust,' the prime minister urged ASEAN leaders to move forward with 'clarity in our vision, steadiness in our purpose, and unity in our will.' The declaration succeeds the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, which was introduced during Malaysia's previous ASEAN chairmanship in 2015 and has guided regional cooperation across the bloc's political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars. Today's summit also featured ASEAN Leaders' Interface sessions with representatives from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), ASEAN Youth, and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) — reinforcing ASEAN's commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
AIPA pushes for women, youth empowerment in ASEAN nation-building
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) president Tan Sri Johari Abdul have conveyed a strong and unified message on the need to enhance female and youth participation across various sectors to advance inclusive nation-building within ASEAN. He stressed that women and youth must be given greater space in leadership, politics and decision-making processes, as they are essential to building a sustainable and people-centred ASEAN. 'Alhamdulillah, in Malaysia, women's involvement is very encouraging in certain areas, particularly in the public sector's supporting services, where we have likely surpassed 50 per cent, and in the education sector as well,' he told reporters after ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of AIPA, held on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit here today. However, he noted that women remain underrepresented in other key fields, especially politics, and emphasised the need to empower young women to take on leadership roles. 'This is the area we want to push, so that the participation of young ladies becomes more active and prominent,' he said. Johari, who is the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, also called for greater empowerment of youth as future leaders, stressing that their aspirations must be meaningfully incorporated across all sectors, including politics, the economy, social development and education. He reaffirmed the shared commitment of ASEAN leaders and AIPA member parliaments to advancing a more inclusive, sustainable and people-centred regional community. Meanwhile, in a statement, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives noted that Johari commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership as ASEAN Chair and emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in shaping regional policy. The statement also highlighted the need to strengthen parliamentary initiatives supporting the empowerment of women and youth, the acceleration of digital integration and the advancement of green and sustainable economic growth. As the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from May 26 to 27. The ASEAN-AIPA Leaders' Interface is a dedicated platform for dialogue between ASEAN heads of state/government and the Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and representatives of AIPA Member Parliaments to align regional priorities through inclusive, multi-stakeholder governance.
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
AIPA Pushes For Women, Youth Empowerment In ASEAN Nation-building
President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Tan Sri Johari Abdul addresses participants at the ASEAN Leaders' Interface With Representatives Of AIPA session in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who is also the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) president during a press conference after the ASEAN Leadersâ Interface With Representatives Of AIPA session in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. Also present secretary-general of AIPA Siti Rozaimeriyanty Abdul Rahman (left). KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) president Tan Sri Johari Abdul have conveyed a strong and unified message on the need to enhance female and youth participation across various sectors to advance inclusive nation-building within ASEAN. He stressed that women and youth must be given greater space in leadership, politics and decision-making processes, as they are essential to building a sustainable and people-centred ASEAN. 'Alhamdulillah, in Malaysia, women's involvement is very encouraging in certain areas, particularly in the public sector's supporting services, where we have likely surpassed 50 per cent, and in the education sector as well,' he told reporters after ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of AIPA, held on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit here today. However, he noted that women remain underrepresented in other key fields, especially politics, and emphasised the need to empower young women to take on leadership roles. 'This is the area we want to push, so that the participation of young ladies becomes more active and prominent,' he said. Johari, who is the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, also called for greater empowerment of youth as future leaders, stressing that their aspirations must be meaningfully incorporated across all sectors, including politics, the economy, social development and education. He reaffirmed the shared commitment of ASEAN leaders and AIPA member parliaments to advancing a more inclusive, sustainable and people-centred regional community. Meanwhile, in a statement, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives noted that Johari commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership as ASEAN Chair and emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in shaping regional policy. The statement also highlighted the need to strengthen parliamentary initiatives supporting the empowerment of women and youth, the acceleration of digital integration and the advancement of green and sustainable economic growth.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
AIPA president defends ASEAN's position on Gaza amid criticism
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN parliamentarians have made a clear and unified call for an end to the violence in Gaza, Palestine, emphasising that the regional bloc has not turned a blind eye to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, according to ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) president Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul. The matter has not been ignored and was recently discussed at AIPA meetings, he said in response to criticisms over ASEAN's perceived silence on the Gaza conflict, especially when compared to its strong stance on issues in Myanmar and Ukraine. 'If you look at our previous statement, which was a consensus among all leaders, we called for an end to the violence in Gaza. This includes a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian assistance, and an end to acts of genocide. 'It is a very strong statement. There's nothing to hide,' Johari, who is also the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, said at a press conference after the 14th ASEAN-AIPA Leaders' Interface, held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit here today. He said as ASEAN is doing its best to solve the Myanmar problem, he also hopes that there will be more discussions among parliamentarians and government leaders in ASEAN to also push for collective efforts regarding the Gaza issue. 'The whole world knows what's happening in Gaza and we hope that there are more inner meetings to come to discuss this issue,' he said. Asked about Myanmar's military government's push to hold national elections by the end of the year, Johari noted that ASEAN's approach focuses on engagement and dialogue with all parties involved. 'There are many factions and reasons for the ongoing conflict. Each group has its own aims, desires, and needs. To understand the situation, ASEAN has decided to engage with all parties and we've received some positive responses, and we hope a mutual understanding can be reached without interference from the outside,' he said. Meanwhile, on whether the ASEAN summit under the shadow of escalating United States (US) tariff tensions could be one of most critical summit to its members, especially for export-orientated nations, Johari said ASEAN leaders are exploring ways to address the situation. He said while each country may deal with the US individually, there is also a shared understanding among ASEAN members on how to navigate these challenges. 'The ASEAN leaders have approached a way on how to handle whatever the President of the US is saying. But nevertheless, I guess ASEAN also allows each and every country to deal directly, as long as I think there's a perimeter of understanding between ASEAN leaders,' he said. The ASEAN-AIPA Leaders' Interface is a dedicated platform for dialogue between ASEAN heads of state/government and the Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and representatives of AIPA Member Parliaments to align regional priorities through inclusive, multi-stakeholder governance.
