President Prabowo Subianto Highlights ASEAN Unity Amid Global Turmoil at 47th ASEAN Summit

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto attends the plenary session of the 47th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia, Sunday (10/26). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Sunday (10/26) attended the plenary session of the 47th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) in Malaysia.

During the session, the President sat next to Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone on his left and Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet on his right.

Before the ASEAN leaders, the President expressed appreciation to the host Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the excellent organization of the summit.

He also welcomed Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member, congratulating Thailand’s new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and conveying deep condolences over the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Mother of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

“Let me also take this opportunity to express my deepest condolences from the Indonesian people over the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand,” the President said.

In his remarks, the Head of State also underscored that ASEAN unity serves as the main strength in facing increasing global tensions, while praising the firm leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in resolving recent disputes and affirming Indonesia’s readiness to support further steps in the ceasefire agreement.

“My appreciation goes to Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s robust leadership in settling recent disputes. Indonesia stands ready to support next steps for the ceasefire agreement. For ASEAN, unity is not just a slogan. It is a planned strategy to keep regional peace and security,” the President said.

The President also surmised that amid geopolitical tensions and rapid global changes, ASEAN must continue strengthening its economic coordination, regional integration, and digital transformation to face external shocks and future uncertainties.

“ASEAN unity must also be reflected in stronger economic coordination, integration, and transformation to face external shocks and future uncertainties,” he said.

On that occasion, President Prabowo Subianto also expressed appreciation to ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Economic Ministers for proving solidarity and close cooperation in facing today’s geo-economic challenges, while emphasizing the importance of new initiatives in goods trade, the renewal of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and the regional digital economy framework.

“We will continue to emphasize ASEAN’s role as a growth driver and center of innovation and opportunity,” he said.

The Head of State also affirmed that ASEAN’s strength in global level must be rooted in a strong domestic foundation.

With this foundation, he added, ASEAN can play a credible and constructive role in shaping a just and inclusive global order.

“The strong domestic foundation enables us to build bridges to the world. This foundation gives us the credibility to engage and help shape the future beyond our borders,” said the President said, while reminding that ASEAN’s journey from conflict to cooperation is proof of the region’s solidarity strength.

The Head of State also stressed the importance of making the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and the 15th anniversary of the Bali Principles at the East Asia Summit next year as more than ceremonial, but a moment to solidify the spirit of togetherness.

Closing his remarks, the President appealed to all ASEAN member countries to remain brave, adaptive, and visionary in facing the future.

“In facing global uncertainties, let us lead with purpose, not only for our region, but for a more stable, just, and inclusive world,” he remarked. (BPMI) (EST/EP)