KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26 May 2025 for the 46th ASEAN Summit, under the Chairmanship of Malaysia. The Summit was chaired by the Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and convened in accordance with the ASEAN Charter.
We reaffirmed our support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, reflecting our shared commitment to regional peace, security, stability, and prosperity within an inclusive and sustainable framework. In this regard, we agreed to prioritise efforts towards narrowing development gaps and reducing inequalities, improving living standards, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
We reaffirmed the need to strengthen ASEAN Centrality by promoting strategic trust among nations through dialogues, diplomacy, and goodwill, while further enhancing ASEAN’s external relations and expanding ASEAN’s mutually beneficial partnerships in the region and beyond.
We reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN Centrality and Unity in shaping a peaceful, stable, and inclusive regional architecture. We stressed the need to strengthen strategic trust and mutual confidence among ASEAN Member States and external partners through dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law, while deepening ASEAN’s external engagements through mutually beneficial partnerships.
We underscored the importance of deeper economic integration and intra-ASEAN trade and investment flows, with a focus on inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. In this regard, we agreed to advance cooperation in areas such as green finance, sustainable investment, digital transformation, and supply chain connectivity, to ensure ASEAN’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.
ASEAN COMMUNITY-BUILDINGWe recognised the substantive progress made over the past decade in building the ASEAN Community across the Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural pillars. This includes strides in enhancing regional connectivity, bridging development gaps, and fostering a stronger sense of ASEAN identity and shared purpose.
We reaffirmed our full commitment to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and its associated Community Blueprints. As 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the ASEAN Community’s formal establishment, we adopted the
Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN Community, celebrating our achievements while preparing for the next phase of ASEAN’s integration journey.
We commended the work of the High-Level Task Force on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision (HLTF-ACV) for its development of
ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future. In this regard, we endorsed the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Strategic Plan, which outlines key strategies to uphold peace, stability, and regional resilience amidst emerging geopolitical challenges.
We welcomed the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which builds upon previous integration efforts to further strengthen ASEAN’s position as a single market and production base. This plan will serve as a roadmap to help ASEAN achieve its aspiration of becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, through enhanced innovation, digitalisation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
We recognised the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Strategic Plan for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 as an important framework for the ASCC over the next decade, as it charts priorities and measures that advance sustainable development in the region.
We also emphasised the importance of strengthening regional connectivity through the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, building upon the progress made under the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025. Enhanced physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity remains critical to realising a seamlessly connected and integrated ASEAN.
We reiterated the need to further strengthen ASEAN’s institutional capacity and operational effectiveness. In this context, we adopted the
Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, along with the Strategic Plans of the three ASEAN Community Pillars and of ASEAN Connectivity, to guide ASEAN’s long-term trajectory toward a more adaptive, cohesive, and dynamic regional organisation.
KEY DELIVERABLES
Theme: "Inclusivity and Sustainability"We reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening the ASEAN Community, its unity, and Centrality through sustained dialogues, diplomacy and goodwill, as well as to reinforcing its proactive role as the primary driving force in shaping and leading an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law, through ASEAN-led mechanisms.
We reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening the ASEAN Community, upholding its unity and Centrality, and reinforcing its role as the primary driving force in shaping a peaceful, rules-based regional architecture. We emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue, and diplomacy, and goodwill, and reiterated our support for ASEAN-led mechanisms as platforms for inclusive and constructive regional cooperation.
We underscored our strong commitment to inclusivity as a cornerstone of ASEAN’s progress and future. We acknowledged that the region’s growth and integration must be people-centred and leave no one behind. In this regard, we pledged to bridge development gaps, empower people in vulnerable situations and expand equitable access to economic opportunities, education, social protection, and environmental sustainability.
We recognised the urgent need to narrow development gaps, particularly in rural and remote areas. We welcomed forthcoming initiatives such as the ASEAN Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the
ASEAN Master Plan on Rural Development and the ASEAN+3 Forum on Empowering Rural Women and Digitalisation. These initiatives are expected to create synergies that ensure rural communities are effectively integrated into ASEAN’s broader development and digital transformation agenda.
We placed high priority on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this regard, we acknowledged the Complementarities Initiative which maps the synergies between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda, and looked forward to the development of the Complementarities Initiative 2.0 that will succeed the current roadmap and will address new priority areas in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the Pact for the Future.
ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITYWe reaffirmed the continued relevance of the
Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) as the foundational code of conduct governing inter-state relations in the region, and as a key instrument for maintaining regional peace and stability. We reiterated our commitment to upholding and promoting the principles of the TAC and to further enhance the relevance of the Treaty in the region and beyond. We encouraged all High Contracting Parties (HCPs) to honour their obligations under the Treaty. We welcomed the increasing interest of non-regional countries to accede to the TAC, in accordance with its purposes and principles. We looked forward to the accession of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. We also looked forward to the convening of the second iteration of the Conference of HCPs to the TAC in August 2025, to be held at the ASEAN Secretariat, as part of the preparations for the 50th Anniversary of the TAC in 2026. We looked forward to the successful adoption of an ASEAN-sponsored resolution to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the TAC by the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
We expressed concern over the weakening of global cooperation in and declining of commitment to, and weakening cooperation in, disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control architecture. We called on all States, particularly Nuclear Weapon States (NWS), to uphold and fully implement their commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and reaffirmed the importance of advancing nuclear disarmament in accordance with Article VI of the NPT. We reiterated that the complete elimination of nuclear weapons remains the only absolute guarantee against their use or threat of use under any circumstances.
We reaffirmed our commitment to preserving Southeast Asia as a region free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction, consistent with the
Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and the ASEAN Charter. We underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the SEANWFZ Treaty, including through the
Plan of Action to Strengthen the Implementation of SEANWFZ Treaty (2023–2027).
We noted ongoing efforts by the Executive Committee of the SEANWFZ Commission to explore the possibility of allowing individual NWS, willing to sign and ratify the SEANWFZ Protocol without reservations and with formal written assurances, to proceed with accession. We welcomed any such expressions of readiness and reaffirmed our commitment to continue engaging all NWS, including those with reservations. We encouraged ASEAN experts to explore pathways to bridge remaining differences, including through NWS expert-level engagements.
We committed to elevating the global profile of the SEANWFZ Treaty, including by strengthening cooperation with other Nuclear Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs). We looked forward to the adoption of the biennial SEANWFZ Resolution by the First Committee of the 80th Session of the UNGA, which will reaffirm the Treaty’s important contribution to international peace and security. We welcomed the submission of ASEAN's Contribution on the SEANWFZ Treaty to the UN's Comprehensive Study of the Question of NWFZs in All Its Aspects that underscore ASEAN's commitment to maintaining Southeast Asia as a region free from nuclear weapons and to contributing to global disarmament and non-proliferation objectives.
We recognised the importance of Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN agreements as part of its membership process, in line with the
Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Membership in ASEAN. In this regard, we looked forward to Timor-Leste’s accession to the SEANWFZ Treaty by the 47th ASEAN Summit, following the approval of the SEANWFZ Commission, which will further reinforce the region’s commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
We commended the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM) for their continued efforts in enhancing cooperation among the nuclear regulatory bodies in the region and in strengthening practices and standards of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards guided by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and international best practices. We welcomed the operationalisation of the ASEAN Radiation Data Exchange Platform, supported by the European Commission, where ASEAN countries will share and exchange radiation monitoring data as part of the regional Early Warning Radiation Monitoring Network, and we are committed to sustain the continued functionality to provide public confidence given the increased interest to consider the deployment of nuclear energy. We noted the progress of the implementation of the
Practical Arrangements (PA) between ASEAN and the IAEA on Cooperation in the Areas of Nuclear Science and Technology and Applications, Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards, following the PA’s renewal for another five-year period in September 2024. We looked forward to the convening of the 12th Annual Meeting of ASEANTOM in August 2025, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
We noted the UNGA Resolution A/RES/79/144 emphasising in the Preamble, the universal and unified character of the
1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and reaffirming that the Convention sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out and is of strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and global action and cooperation in the marine sector, and that its integrity needs to be maintained.
We reaffirmed the role of the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) and Expanded AMF (EAMF) as Track 1.5 platforms in promoting maritime cooperation in the region through dialogue and consultations. We looked forward to the convening of the 15th AMF and 13th EAMF in September 2025, in Malaysia, as a platform to enhance dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues. We noted the submission of nomination by EAMF Participating countries to the pool of experts and looked forward to the convening of the online consultation workshop to finalize the EAMF website. These initiatives aim to strengthen the EAMF while ensuring ASEAN Centrality.
We encouraged the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)’s efforts to advance human rights cooperation, build common approaches to address challenges, report on recent developments, and ensure impactful and balanced discharge of its mandates. We looked forward to the adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment.
We noted continued work of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) with relevant ASEAN bodies and external partners to contribute in the promotion of peace, conflict management and conflict resolution in the region, especially through research.
We are determined to intensify cooperation, through concrete actions, under the significant role of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in leading law enforcement cooperation and addressing transnational crimes, particularly the growing threat of online scams and trafficking in persons (TIP) in the region. We further recognised the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMD) in spearheading coordination to prevent and combat illicit drugs in the region, towards a drug-free ASEAN.
With the view of strengthening our commitment to combat terrorism and TIP, led by the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC), we welcomed continued contribution of all relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies/Organs/Entities in the implementation of the
Work Plan of the ASEAN Plan of Action to Prevent and Combat the Rise of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism (Bali Work Plan) 2019-2025 and the
ASEAN Multi-Sectoral Work Plan against Trafficking in Persons 2023-2028 (Bohol TIP Work Plan 2.0).We welcomed progress in regional defence cooperation aimed at maintaining security and stability. We acknowledged that the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) continues to expand its areas of cooperation, while enhancing existing initiatives for greater impact. We noted the timely adoption of the
Joint Statement by the ASEAN Defence Ministers on Cooperation in the Field of Artificial Intelligence in the Defence Sector by the ADMM Retreat in February 2025, and looked forward to the full operationalisation of the ASEAN Cyber Defence Network. We further welcomed the ADMM’s exploration of the defence establishments and militaries’ roles in promoting critical underwater infrastructure security, given the growing significance of this issue. We commended efforts to strengthen civil-military coordination through the ASEAN Militaries Ready Group (AMRG) on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, as demonstrated in its contribution to the work of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre). We welcomed the commitment to reinvigorating defence industry collaboration in ASEAN. We also applauded the ongoing implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) from a Defence Perspective.
We recognised the importance of the ADMM-Plus as a platform that is open and inclusive, led and driven by ASEAN. We welcomed the second iteration of the Observership Programme, which involves a diverse range of ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups (EWGs) and now more Observers, namely Canada, France, Germany, Türkiye and the United Kingdom. We noted that the ADMM-Plus also actively promotes the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and addresses climate change, which attests to its responsiveness and adaptiveness.
We commended the work of the ASEAN Law Ministers’ Meeting (ALAWMM) and the ASEAN Senior Law Officials’ Meeting (ASLOM) in strengthening ASEAN’s legal cooperation and promoting a rules-based regional order. We noted ALAWMM’s engagement with Dialogue Partners, in particular the planned 1st ALAWMM+Japan Meeting, to be held in conjunction with the 13th ALAWMM in November 2025 in the Philippines.
We welcomed the significant progress in negotiations on the ASEAN Extradition Treaty, and looked forward to its early conclusion. This Treaty, alongside the
Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (ASEAN MLAT), will further strengthen ASEAN’s cooperation in the fields of crime prevention, criminal justice system, and combating transnational crimes.
We looked forward to the ASEAN Law Forum on International Arbitration and Mediation Development and the adoption of a
Joint Stametent by ASEAN Law Ministers in August 2025, in Kuala Lumpur. This will reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to promoting arbitration and mediation mechanisms aligned with international standards to support regional economic integration.
We commended the work of the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Central Authorities on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (SOM-MLAT) on the Guidelines for Accession to the ASEAN MLAT by non-ASEAN Member States (Guidelines for Accession) and its efforts toward the completion of the model templates for Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) requests to ensure effective implementation of the ASEAN MLAT. We looked forward to the endorsement of the Guidelines for Accession by the ASEAN Ministers/Attorneys General Meeting of the Central Authorities on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.
We noted the continued progress toward establishing the ASEAN Prosecutors/Attorneys General Meeting (APAGM), which will enhance prosecutorial cooperation in addressing transnational crimes, build institutional capacity, and strengthen ASEAN’s commitment to justice, the rule of law, and a rules-based regional order.
We affirmed our commitment to support peacekeeping frameworks, as outlined in the ASEAN-UN Plan of Action, in line with ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia and beyond.
We welcomed the significant contribution of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) to the ASEAN Community-building efforts and remain convinced that their role is instrumental in driving the region’s progress. We welcomed AIPA’s partnership in key issues such as food security, climate change, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development as our region embraces the next development phase. We looked forward to the convening of the 46th AIPA in September 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITYWe noted with satisfaction that ASEAN continued to demonstrate economic resilience, achieving a growth rate of 4.7% in 2024, outpacing the global average. This was driven by robust manufacturing exports and increased public capital spending in key Member States. We also noted that the region’s preliminary growth projection for 2025 remains at 4.7%. However, we expressed caution that the persistent uncertainties in the global geoeconomic landscape, including trade tensions and supply chain disruptions, pose significant downside risks to the region’s economic outlook.
We expressed deep concern over the growing geoeconomic uncertainties, including the imposition of unilateral tariff measures, which pose complex and multidimensional challenges to ASEAN’s economic growth, stability, and integration. In response, we reaffirmed ASEAN’s collective commitment to a predictable, transparent, non-discriminatory, fair, inclusive, sustainable and open regional economic development with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. We committed to refraining from imposing retaliatory measures in response to unilateral tariff actions as expressed in the Joint Statement of the ASEAN Economic Ministers on the Introduction of Unilateral Tariffs by the United States. We underscored the importance of enhancing ASEAN’s economic resilience and long-term competiti
veness through the Upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), strengthening of our Free Trade Agreements, cooperation in mutual areas of interest, and effective implementation, utilisation and expansion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
We also emphasised the urgency of diversifying trade beyond traditional markets, deepening ASEAN-United States (U.S.) economic engagement in high-value sectors through ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (ASEAN-US TIFA) and Expanded Economic Engagement (E3), and ensuring the substantial conclusion of the negotiations of the
Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to accelerate digital transformation, boost interoperability, and unlock new engines of growth.
We welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force, an ad-hoc, specialised, high-level advisory body to provide coordinated, strategic, and region wide analysis and actionable policy recommendations to support ASEAN Sectoral Bodies in addressing the current geopolitical and geoeconomics challenges.
We adopted the ‘ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on Responding to Global Economic and Trade Uncertainties’ to stress our strongest resolve to stand together as ASEAN in safeguarding the region’s economic stability, resilience, and long-term growth trajectory, amidst growing uncertainty in the international economic landscape.
We were pleased with the overall progress in the implementation of the AEC Blueprint 2025, and looked forward to the achievement of meaningful outcomes that will strengthen the foundation for a more resilient, competitive, and integrated ASEAN economy, while paving the way for a nimbler post-2025 ASEAN.
We appreciated the objective assessment presented in the End-Term Review (ETR), and the AEC’s Outcome and Impact Assessment Report of the AEC Blueprint 2025. The ETR and the Outcomes and Impact Assessment Report recognized the AEC’s significant contribution to the region’s growth and development, and at the same time also provided valuable insights on how to enhance our economic cooperation in ASEAN. We have tasked the Sectoral Bodies to consider the key findings and recommendations in shaping efforts to future-proof ASEAN’s regional economic integration.
We welcomed the 18 Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) under the ASEAN Chairmanship of Malaysia, and were encouraged by the positive momentum and progress of their implementation. The PEDs will continue to deepen our region’s economic integration, enhance our connectivity, and strengthen the resiliency of our production network as we continue to speed up our digital transformation and promote an inclusive and sustainable pathway for our growth and development.
We welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations of the ATIGA Upgrade and looked forward to the signing of the Second Protocol to Amend the ATIGA at the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025. The upgraded ATIGA is expected to contribute meaningfully to deeper and wider economic integration among the ASEAN Member States.
We noted steady progress in the implementation of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS), including the planned initiation of ACTS movements from Myanmar by third quarter of 2025. We encouraged Participating Member States to enhance the system’s utilisation by incorporating feedback from the private sector. We also noted progress on the ASEAN Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA) among six ASEAN Member States and urged the remaining Member States to expedite domestic procedures to ensure full implementation by end of 2025.
We looked forward to the finalisation and adoption of the ASEAN Sustainable Investment Guidelines within 2025, one of Malaysia’s PEDs for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, to guide investment policy formulation that supports the achievement of the SDGs.
We welcomed the ongoing discussions at the ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (AFMGM) on the proposed development of the
ASEAN Power Grid Financing Framework (APGFF) as a promising step in advancing the region’s sustainability agenda. We also called on the private sector, financial institutions, philanthropic capital providers and relevant stakeholders, including multilateral development banks, to actively support the APG’s development, and the region’s overall transition efforts by mobilising to mobilise green financing, expertise, technology, and resources.
We recognised that the ASEAN Power Grid is central to achieving a more resilient and sustainable energy future for ASEAN which will unlock investments and create new jobs in the renewable energy manufacturing sector. We looked forward to the signing of the enhanced
ASEAN Power Grid (APG) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and the endorsement of the
Terms of Reference of Subsea Power Cable Development Framework in 2025. This will strengthen the legal and institutional framework for multilateral power trade and support the development of multiple cross-border overland and subsea electricity interconnections within ASEAN so as to realise the APG vision by 2045. We welcomed the strong partnership and looked forward to the continued collaboration of all ASEAN Member States, Dialogue Partners, and stakeholders in ensuring the successful delivery of these key regional energy milestones under Malaysia’s Chairmanship.
We welcomed the entry into force of the
Second Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) on 21 April 2025, and looked forward to its full ratification and effective implementation. We also welcomed the conclusion of the
ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade negotiations, and looked forward to the signing of the
ACFTA Upgrade Protocol at the 28th ASEAN-China Summit later in 2025 and ensuring that the ACFTA stays relevant, future-ready, and responsive to global challenges.
We looked forward to the issuance of the
Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and looked forward to its effective operationalisation through practical projects and activities framework, including embarking on a Joint Feasibility Study on an ASEAN-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
We commended the progress made by ASEAN DEFA Negotiating Committee (NC) and looked forward to the substantial conclusion of the DEFA negotiations in 2025. As a PED under Malaysia’s Chairmanship, DEFA will serve as a future-ready, high-ambition agreement to propel ASEAN’s digital economy.
We noted the ongoing development of the Declaration on the
Establishment of the ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Safety Network (AI Safe), which will institutionalise regional principles of AI safety, ethics, and governance. As the first such regional initiative globally, ASEAN AI Safe will position the region as a leader in responsible AI development. We commended Malaysia’s leadership in advancing this PED during its ASEAN Chairmanship 2025.
We welcomed the adoption of the Implementation Roadmap for the ASEAN Unique Business Identification Number (UBIN) initiative, endorsed at the 31st AEM Retreat in February 2025. This initiative will support cross-border digital verification, improve interoperability, and enable a trusted regional digital trading environment which will benefit economic development in the region, particularly for MSMEs.
We noted the progress in operationalising the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) following the inaugural ASEAN Regional CERT Task Force Meeting in Singapore, in August 2024. The ASEAN Regional CERT strengthens regional cyber resilience by facilitating timely information exchanges and fostering the sharing of best practices among ASEAN Member States to combat cyber threats effectively. We welcomed the endorsement of the
ASEAN Norms Implementation Checklist, which will support capacity-building and responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, in alignment with ASEAN’s voluntary norms framework. We also commended the ongoing regional capacity-building work undertaken by the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC) and the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (ASCCE) in building regional cybersecurity resilience to address emerging threats.
We welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Green Transition, which will assist businesses, particularly MSMEs, in advancing low-carbon, circular economy practices. We also welcomed the release of the
ASEAN Greening Value Chain Playbook and the launch of
ASEAN Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide (SEDG) Version 1 to support SMEs in navigating ESG standards.
We welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the
ASEAN Framework Agreement on Competition (AFAC), a significant step in promoting a fair, dynamic, and rules-based regional market. We looked forward to its signing in 2025.
We welcomed the conclusion of the
ASEAN Regional Strategy on Sustainable Ship Waste Management, which will harmonise practices across ASEAN ports, reduce maritime waste, and promote greener port competitiveness.
We reaffirmed our commitment to advancing a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism ecosystem in ASEAN, aligned with the
Action Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism Development in ASEAN. We resolved to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN Member States and with the external partners to advance sustainable tourism development in the region. We also welcomed the formation of the Ad-Hoc Task Force on Tourism and Transport (ATFTT) as a platform to promote second- and third-tier destinations and enhance regional connectivity.
We welcomed the development of the
ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the Vision of Agriculture 2045 and the
Framework for ASEAN Agriculture: Toward 2045, which will guide the food, agriculture, and forestry sectors in navigating climate risks, enhancing food security, and promoting agro-innovation.
We noted the development of the
ASEAN Minerals Development Vision (AMDV), which outlines a strategic 20-year roadmap to position ASEAN as a prime destination for sustainable mineral investments, a trusted supplier of strategic minerals, and a key enabler of global supply chain diversification. We looked forward to the adoption of the AMDV Declaration at the 47th ASEAN Summit.
We commended the
ASEAN Technology Start-up Ignite initiative under the science, technology, and innovation sector. We welcomed the launch of the Startup ASEAN online platform and celebrated the ASEAN Startup Year 2025, which will feature over 100 startup-focused initiatives and highlight ASEAN’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape, currently valued at USD 131.2 billion.
We welcomed the interface with the Representatives of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) and commended efforts to bridge the gap between policy and business, fostering collaboration and driving sustainable economic growth. We encouraged ASEAN-BAC to continue facilitating ASEAN’s efforts to attain a unified and resilient economic community.
ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITYWe commended the strategic ASCC priorities under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, which include: advancing culture and heritage for cultural heritage value creation; strengthening the creative economy; future-proofing skills and talents through Artificial Intelligence, digitalisation, and green jobs; promoting healthy ASEAN health initiatives for healthy lifestyles, food safety, emergency preparedness and resilient health systems towards a prosperous ASEAN; regional well-being; cultivating youth and sports as engines of unity and excellence; smart and sustainable urban development; and enhancing climate action through stewardship, partnerships, and shared responsibility.
With the support of the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy Programme, we adopted the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, a comprehensive roadmap for a regionally integrated creative economy that balances economic growth with social inclusion, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. We look forward to its implementation through a multi-stakeholder and hexa-helix approach. We also welcomed the development of the
Work Plan for Culture and Arts (2026–2035) to guide future regional cooperation.
We commended ASCC’s efforts in strengthening data-driven platforms and evidence-based decision-making through the ASCC Database for Monitoring and Evaluation (ADME) System which supports strategic planning and effective implementation of ASCC initiatives.
We welcomed the efforts to develop the new
Work Plan for Information and Media (2026-2035) and looked forward to the development of the
ASEAN Communication Master Plan III for 2026-2030. We encouraged ASEAN Member States to proactively amplify ASEAN awareness, while fostering a stronger sense of ASEAN identity. We commended the sustained efforts by the Senior Officials’ Meeting Responsible for Information (SOMRI), and the ASEAN Task Force on Fake News (TTFN) in minimising the harmful effects of fake news and actively promoting digital and media literacy.
We welcomed initiatives to promote inclusive and connected education. We looked forward to the
ASEAN Education Forum on Out-of-School Children and Youth and the ASEAN Ministers of Education Roundtables in Langkawi, Malaysia, in June 2025. We looked forward to the adoption of the
ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Higher Education and the Joint Statement on Out-of-School Children and Youth.
We noted the
ASEAN Framework and Action Plan for Green Jobs Promotion, and the Ministerial Statement reinforcing the region’s green transition which reinforces ASEAN’s commitment to the green transition and sets policy direction for enhancing green job opportunities and developing green skills. We commended Malaysia’s leadership in hosting the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025, which aims to advance reskilling and upskilling for sustainable and inclusive growth.
We applauded progress in implementing the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, including the adoption of the Checklist for ASEAN Member State Governments, Labour Recruiters and Employers of Migrant Workers on Fair Recruitment and Decent Employment Practices and welcomed the development of the second edition of the ASEAN Employment Outlook, focusing on the long-term care (LTC) workforce.
We looked forward to the finalisation of the Post-2025 ASEAN Roadmap on the Prevention of Child Labour, including the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, with the involvement of the labour sector and other relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies.
We noted the ongoing development of the
post-2025 ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Programme and ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) Work Programme, which will guide the ASEAN cooperation to be responsive and effective in promoting the well-being of ASEAN citizens and future-ready workforce and enhancing good governance in the region.
We looked forward to the ASEAN Declaration on Future-Ready Public Service by the ACCSM Heads of Civil Service to develop a resilient, innovative and ethical public service in ASEAN through digital transformation, inclusive governance, merit-based practices, regional collaboration, and people-centric approaches that meet citizens’ evolving needs.
We adopted the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on ASEAN Drug Security and Self-Reliance (ADSSR), reaffirming our shared resolve to ensure equitable and sustainable access to medicines, and strengthen collaboration on medicine supply chains, production, and development through enhanced cross-sectoral cooperation within ASEAN and with Dialogue and Development Partners.
We welcomed the Review of the ASEAN Post-2025 Health Development Agenda and Work Programmes 2021-2025 and the development of the ASEAN Post-2025 Health Development Outlook: Achieving SDGs and Beyond, supported by Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). The review will guide strategic health sector planning through 2026 and beyond to realise a healthy and sustainable ASEAN Community.
We commended ASEAN’s efforts in addressing malnutrition through the ASEAN Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Nutrition 2018–2030, and noted progress in Multi-sectoral Approach to Sustain Food System for Healthy Diets in Ensuring Food and Nutrition Security in ASEAN, Establishment of Framework on Healthy Central Kitchen for childcare centres and kindergartens in ASEAN, and Establishment of ASEAN Guidelines on Healthy Plate Concept. We also noted the progress of the ASEAN One Health Network; the operationalisation of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Strengthening Regional Biosafety and Biosecurity; the near conclusion of the Establishment Agreement of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED); the 10-year milestones of the Project on Strengthening ASEAN Regional Capacity on Disaster Health Management; the strengthened ASEAN Risk Assessment Centre for Food Safety (ARAC); and the new intervention to expand ASEAN’s clinical trial market share for industry sponsored clinical trials.
We reaffirmed the importance of youth in regional development and supported ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth’s (AMMY) call for greater stakeholder engagement in reskilling and digital upskilling initiatives, particularly in green and future-ready education and labour sectors.
We welcomed the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEA Youth and expressed our commitment to empower future-ready youth. We agreed to pursue policies that would equip our youth with skills and knowledge, necessary in the rapidly evolving global order. We urged our youth to be at the forefront of ASEAN’s efforts to become a more inclusive and sustainable region.
We underscored the need to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration through sports and youth engagement to promote growth, unity, and excellence.
We welcomed the launch of the ASEAN Sports Fund, which supports implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports and non-professional sports programmes focused on education, mentoring, and capacity-building.
We welcomed the successful implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports 2021-2025 and ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2021–2025 and looked forward to their next iterations.
We welcomed the continued cooperation under the ASEAN and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (ASEAN-FIFA MOU), prioritising integrity, inclusivity, gender equality and climate action.
Recognising the urgent need to tackle threats of climate change, we welcomed the progress in the implementation of ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change to the 30th session of the Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30) and the operationalisation of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change in Brunei Darussalam.
We stressed the importance of a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to climate change and environmental challenges. In this regard, we welcomed the progress on the Post-2025 ASEAN Climate Change Strategic Action Plan and the Post-2025 ASEAN Strategic Plan on Environment, building on the achievements and past lessons. We also welcomed the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan, launched at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 16) in Cali, Colombia, in October 2024, as the region’s biodiversity strategy, complementing the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
We reaffirmed our commitment to fully and effectively implement the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP), and expressed support to the ongoing efforts for the Second Roadmap on ASEAN Cooperation towards Transboundary Haze Pollution Control with Means of Implementation (Haze-free Roadmap) 2023-2030, the Chiang Rai 2017 Plan of Action and the Second ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy (APMS) 2023-2030. We welcomed progress in the finalisation of the Implementation Plan of the ASEAN Investment Framework for Haze-Free Sustainable Land Management to enhance collective efforts in finance, investment and resource mobilisation among ASEAN stakeholders and partners for a haze-free ASEAN by 2030 through transformed land and forest management in ASEAN.
We called on remaining ASEAN Member States to expedite signing the Establishment Agreement of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC THPC) to ensure its full operationalisation in Indonesia.
We reaffirmed our commitment to implementing the A
SEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Sustainable Resilience, to enhance climate and disaster resilience across the region.
Marking the 20th Anniversary of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), we welcomed the development of the ASEAN Ministerial Statement on the 20 Years of AADMER: ASEAN Vision for Global Leadership in Disaster Resilience. We commended the ongoing development of the AADMER Work Programme 2026-2030 and noted the preparations for the ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise 2025 (ARDEX-25) to be held on 22-24 July 2025, in Cambodia, demonstrating our collective efforts to regularly test and strengthen ASEAN’s emergency response mechanisms. We supported ASEAN’s Joint Statement for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 on 2-6 June 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, showcasing ASEAN’s disaster management experience, good practices and continued commitments toward the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
We expressed condolences and praised the resilience of the people in Myanmar and Thailand affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, on 28 March 2025. ASEAN responded swiftly by convening a Special Emergency Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 30 March 2025, followed by a humanitarian mission headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and was joined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand to Nay Pyi Taw. This further demonstrated ASEAN’s solidarity and close cooperation in the humanitarian response following the earthquake. The Special Emergency Meeting reaffirmed our commitment to the “One ASEAN, One Response” approach and stressed the need to enhance regional disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. We commended the efforts by the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand for their disaster response and appreciated ASEAN’s solidarity in supporting emergency response and recovery in the affected areas in Myanmar. We commended the AHA Centre’s prompt and effective actions, including the immediate activation of its Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), deployment of In-Country Liaison Team and the ASEAN Emergency Response Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT), as well as the mobilisation of ASEAN relief items from Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) warehouses. We supported Myanmar’s request to activate the role of the Secretary-General in accordance with the current Terms of Reference of the Secretary-General of ASEAN as the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator (SG-AHAC), and reaffirmed our commitment to implement the
ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN One Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region.We commended the AHA Centre for the continuous implementation of ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance to Myanmar under Phase 2 (Life-Sustaining) to implement Point 4 of the ASEAN Leaders’ Five-Point Consensus (5PC). We appreciated the contributions from ASEAN Member States, partners, and the private sector, and called for all relevant parties in Myanmar to ensure safe, transparent, inclusive, and non-discriminatory delivery of humanitarian assistance for more effective implementation of Point 4 of the 5PC. We reiterated the need for greater international financial support for humanitarian work in Myanmar.
We reaffirmed ASEAN’s continued support for Myanmar’s efforts to bring peace, stability, the rule of law, promote harmony and reconciliation, and sustainable and equitable development in Rakhine State. We emphasised our support for Myanmar’s commitment to the safety and security of all communities in Rakhine State and the safe, dignified, voluntary return of displaced persons. We looked forward to ASEAN’s continued support for Myanmar’s efforts in the repatriation process through the implementation of projects following the recommendations of the Preliminary Needs Assessment (PNA). We also looked forward to the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) when conditions allowed and encouraged the Secretary-General of ASEAN to continue identifying possible areas of cooperation to effectively facilitate the repatriation process.
We welcomed the finalisation of the Mid-Term Review of the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025; Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and looked forward to its recommendations for mainstreaming the rights of persons with disabilities.
We recalled the
ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening the Care Economy and Fostering Resilience Towards the Post-2025 ASEAN Community, and looked forward to the Guidance Note that will provide strategic direction and practical recommendations for ASEAN Member States to integrating care economy priorities into national and regional policies.
We were pleased with the significant progress on the operationalisation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security and looked forward to the convening of the 2nd ASEAN Women, Peace and Security Summit as an important platform to review progress, share best practices, and strengthen regional cooperation.
We commended the ASCC Research and Development Platforms Programme for promoting evidence-based policymaking and looked forward to the trend reports and policy briefs from the Platforms on Future of Work, Future of Education, Poverty Action, and Media, Culture and Arts. We also anticipated the findings from the Platform on the Care Economy, recognising its potential to address the critical social and economic impacts of demographic changes.
We are pleased with the continued valuable publication of The ASEAN Magazine, recognising its contribution to improving public understanding and raising awareness of ASEAN's work.
ASEAN CONNECTIVITYWe commended the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC), Lead Implementing Bodies, ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, National Coordinators, and national agencies for their steadfast efforts in implementing the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025. We looked forward to the completion of the End-Term Review of MPAC 2025 and welcomed the development of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP), which will build on achievements and lessons learned under MPAC 2025 to further advance regional integration and resilience.
We expressed appreciation for the work of the Lead Implementing Body for Sustainable Infrastructure (LIB-SI) and looked forward to the updated Initial Pipeline of ASEAN Infrastructure Projects and the operationalisation of the ASEAN–Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Joint Programme. We expressed appreciation to the continued support of ASEAN’s external partners and looked forward to their contributions to the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan, including within the framework of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
ASEAN EXTERNAL RELATIONSWe underscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN unity and Centrality in our engagement with external partners, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms, in order to build mutual trust and confidence as well as maintain an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms. We underscored the need to promote an enabling environment for peace, stability and prosperity for all by ensuring a culture of dialogue and cooperation, instead of rivalry, enhancing mutual trust and confidence, and respect international law.
We reaffirmed our commitment to shaping an outward-looking ASEAN Community Vision 2045 that advances regional resilience and sustainability. We took note of the growing interest from countries, regional and international organisations in formalising relations and substantive cooperation with ASEAN, reflecting ASEAN’s increasing global relevance and unique convening power for diplomacy amid today’s geopolitical and geo-economic uncertainties.
We welcomed the enhanced engagement between the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and ASEAN’s external partners, including the participation of the 96 Non-ASEAN Ambassadors Accredited to ASEAN (NAAAs). We also acknowledged the continued efforts of the 55 ASEAN Committees in Third Countries and International Organisations (ACTCs) in promoting ASEAN’s visibility and advancing its interests in respective host countries and multilateral fora.
We noted the progress on the comprehensive review of the moratorium on new dialogue partnerships in line with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ decision at their 54th Meeting on 2 August 2021. We looked forward to the decision by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers of a decision on enhancing ASEAN relations with external parties at the 58th AMM/PMC in July 2025.
DIALOGUE PARTNERSWe looked forward to successful outcome of the following Summits to be held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in October 2025 in Malaysia: 5th ASEAN–Australia Summit; 28th ASEAN–China Summit; 28th ASEAN–Japan Summit; 26th ASEAN–Republic of Korea (ROK) Summit; 13th ASEAN–United States Summit; and the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit.
We reiterated that the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with ASEAN should be meaningful, substantive, and mutually beneficial. We welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN–ROK CSP at the 25th ASEAN–ROK Summit. We also welcomed New Zealand’s proposal to establish an ASEAN-New Zealand CSP and looked forward to a Joint Vision Statement on the establishment of the ASEAN-New Zealand CSP to be adopted at the Commemorative Summit on the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN–New Zealand Dialogue Relations.
We looked forward to strengthening of ASEAN’s partnership with Canada, China, India, New Zealand, the ROK, Russia, the United States, and the United Nations through the successor Plans of Action (POAs) for 2026–2030 as well as a Joint Vision Statement with the United States. These instruments will guide the further development of ASEAN’s external partnerships in alignment with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans.
ASEAN SECTORAL DIALOGUE PARTNERS AND ASEAN DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSWe welcomed the progress in ASEAN’s Sectoral Dialogue Partnerships with Brazil, Morocco, Norway, Pakistan, South Africa, Switzerland, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as its Development Partnerships with Chile, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Peru.
We also welcomed the adoption of the Practical Cooperation Areas (PCAs) with Morocco, Pakistan, and South Africa in 2024 and the adoption of the PCAs with the Netherlands and Peru for the period of 2025–2029. We took note the extension of the ASEAN–Chile PCA from the period of 2021–2025 to 2021–2026 and looked forward to the successor PCA with Norway for the period of 2026–2030
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONSWe reaffirmed our strong commitment to upholding multilateralism and international cooperation and emphasised the importance of adhering to key principles, shared values, and norms enshrined among others in the United Nations (UN) Charter and the ASEAN Charter. We underscored the importance of ASEAN’s partnerships with other external partners, including regional and international organisations. We looked forward to the 15th ASEAN-UN Summit at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, and the adoption of the successor
ASEAN-UN Plan of Action (2026-2030) this year.
We looked forward to the 2nd ASEAN–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit to be held on 27 May 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which will further enhance regional partnership, unlock both regions economic potential and galvanise cooperation across multi-sectors.
We looked forward to the ASEAN–GCC–China Summit to be held on 27 May 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under the theme “Synergising Economic Opportunities Towards Shared Prosperity”. We believed that the Summit will facilitate a new partnership that is resilient, sustainable and mutually complementary.
We looked forward to the effective implementation of the Framework of Cooperation (FOC) between ASEAN and the GCC (2024-2028) as well as the FOC between ASEAN and the ECO (2024-2028). We noted the extension of the timeframe of the Work Plan between ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance from 2021-2025 to 2021-2026.
ASEAN PLUS THREE (APT)We welcomed the substantive progress in the implementation of the APT Cooperation Work Plan 2023-2027 and the continued efforts to further strengthen APT mechanisms. We reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen APT cooperation which would support the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans, and contribute to greater regional sustainability and resilience,
EAST ASIA SUMMIT (EAS)We welcomed the commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the EAS and looked forward to the adoption of a Leaders’ Declaration marking this significant milestone. We reaffirmed our support for strengthening the EAS process, ensuring its strategic value, adaptability, and responsiveness to emerging regional and global challenges.
We reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen and broaden cooperation among EAS Participating Countries, including through substantive, practical and tangible cooperation on the four priority areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through ASEAN-led mechanisms.
We noted the progress in implementing the EAS Plan of Action (2024–2028) and welcomed ongoing efforts to further enhance the EAS, including the regular engagement between the CPR and the non-ASEAN Ambassadors of EAS Participating Countries in Jakarta. We encouraged the continuation of such interactions through the Group of EAS Ambassadors to ASEAN, supported by the EAS Unit at the ASEAN Secretariat. We stressed the importance of enhancing strategic coordination between EAS and other ASEAN-led mechanisms.
We also looked forward to the adoption of thematic Leaders’ Statements at the 20th EAS, reflecting ASEAN’s shared priorities and collective responses to regional challenges.
ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM (ARF)120. We reiterated the need to enhance the ARF’s effectiveness and relevance in the evolving regional security landscape. We reaffirmed the ARF’s role as a platform for inclusive and constructive dialogue on regional security issues. We welcomed ongoing discussions among ASEAN Member States on revitalising the ARF and the way forward on the Hanoi Plan of Action II as it is set to expire in 2025. We called for the support of all ARF Participants in advancing cooperation on shared security challenges.
INITIATIVE FOR ASEAN INTEGRATION (IAI)We reaffirmed our strong commitment to narrowing the development gap within and among ASEAN Member States, including through accelerating the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021-2025), with the continued support and assistance of external partners. We expressed strong support for the IAI Task Force in developing the upcoming IAI Work Plan V, which will align with key priorities from the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans and will be guided by the long-term Reframed Strategies for Narrowing Development Gaps and Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth in the ASEAN Region.
SUB-REGIONAL COOPERATIONWe emphasised the vital importance of ASEAN unity and Centrality in advancing sub-regional development across our diverse communities. We reaffirmed our commitment to deepening cooperation with key sub-regional frameworks, including the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), ensuring alignment and synergy between sub-regional initiatives and ASEAN’s broader goals of regional integration and community building. We welcomed the successful convening of the 11th CLMV Summit in November 2024, along with the 16th IMT-GT and 16th BIMP-EAGA Summits in May 2025. These milestones reflect our continued dedication to sustainable equitable, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN Community.
ASEAN SMART CITIES NETWORK (ASCN)We expressed our appreciation for the continuous efforts by the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) in advancing smart and sustainable urban development in the region. We looked forward to the adoption of the ASEAN Smart City Action Plan (ASCAP) 2026–2035, developed under Malaysia’s Chairmanship, at the 8th ASCN Annual Meeting in September 2025. We are confident that the Plan will strengthen regional efforts to build a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive ASEAN Community through innovative technologies and smart infrastructure. We also looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum 2025 in August as part of the project on "Accelerating the Implementation of the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy – Phase II". We acknowledged the ongoing implementation of the ASEAN Smart City Professional Programme and the expansion of the ASCN. We commended the completion of the ASEAN Smart City Financing Toolkit and further expressed our appreciation to external partners that have contributed to the undertaking of projects and activities of ASCN.
TIMOR-LESTE’S FULL MEMBERSHIP IN ASEANWe decided at this Summit to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th Member of ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025 and tasked our Ministers and senior officials to undertake the procedural steps for the admission of Timor-Leste by the 47th ASEAN Summit as well as to expedite negotiations on the key economic agreements.
We tasked the ASEAN Coordinating Council, with the support of all relevant ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies (ASMBs) and the ASEAN Secretariat, to extend the necessary support to facilitate Timor-Leste’s integration into the ASEAN Community.
We welcomed the operationalisation of the Timor-Leste Unit to monitor progress in the implementation of the Roadmap and to coordinate support from ASEAN Member States and external partners. We encouraged our partners to continue supporting Timor-Leste in fulfilling the criteria outlined in the Roadmap.
ASEAN PRIZEWe reaffirmed the importance of the ASEAN Prize as the region’s premier award that promotes regional identity, cooperation, and integration. The Prize serves to highlight and celebrate outstanding contributions by individuals and organisations that strengthen the ASEAN Community. We encouraged all national focal points to continue close collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat in identifying and nominating deserving candidates.
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ISSUESWe exchanged views on regional and international developments, reaffirming our shared commitments to promoting sustainable peace, security, stability, and prosperity within ASEAN and beyond.
We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea. We further reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, avoid actions that may further complicate the situation, and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
We underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the DOC and welcomed the progress in the ongoing negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). We encouraged efforts to make full use of the Guidelines for Accelerating the Early Conclusion of an Effective and Substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and looked forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. We emphasised the need to maintain and promote an environment conducive to the COC negotiations, and thus welcomed practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation. We stressed the importance of undertaking confidence building and preventive measures to enhance, among others, trust and confidence amongst parties, and we reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
We expressed our deep concern over the escalation of conflicts and humanitarian situation in Myanmar and the minimal progress on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC). We reaffirmed our united position that the 5PC remains our main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar and further reaffirmed the corresponding Leaders’ decisions. The Leaders upheld the decision limiting Myanmar’s participation at the ASEAN Summits and Foreign Ministers’ Meetings to the non-political level and reiterated that ASEAN community building and decision-making should not be affected. We welcomed the exchange of ideas and proposals put forward during the Informal Consultation and the Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. We denounced the continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and civilian infrastructures, and create a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue. In this regard, we issued the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on an Extended and Expanded Ceasefire in Myanmar. We welcomed the progress of the provision of ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance to Myanmar by the AHA Centre to implement Point 4 of the ASEAN Leaders’ 5PC. We called for scaled-up additional financial
support from the international community for humanitarian assistance, including to ensure the safety and livelihood of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
We commended the dedicated efforts of H.E. Tan Sri Othman Hashim, the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, since his appointment in January 2025. In carrying out his mandate, the Special Envoy has actively engaged a wide and diverse range of Myanmar stakeholders. The Special Envoy has also engaged ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, Myanmar neighbouring countries, international and regional partners, civil society organisations, humanitarian actors, and think tanks towards finding an inclusive and sustainable resolution to the crisis. This inclusive engagement reflects ASEAN’s commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing the complex challenges in Myanmar. In this regard, we welcomed the convening of the Informal Consultation consisting of the current, previous, and incoming Chairs of ASEAN, as well as the extended informal consultation with the participation of other interested ASEAN Member States to promote concrete progress on the implementation of the 5PC during the 46th ASEAN Summit.
We expressed grave concern over the continued war in Gaza and the Middle East, and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. We strongly condemned all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, which have resulted in immense number of casualties, particularly innocent women and children. We called on all parties to protect civilians and adhere to international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law as well as the Provisional Orders of the ICJ in 2024. We commended the efforts of ASEAN Member States in delivering humanitarian assistance and called on all ASEAN members and external partners to continue facilitating such aid. We affirmed our support for UNRWA as outlined in the UN Resolutions 79/232, and ES-10/L.32, and emphasised the need for full resumption of unimpeded, rapid, safe, and sustained humanitarian access, including through expanded capacity at border crossings and by sea. ASEAN urged all concerned parties to pursue meaningful dialogue toward a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution based on the two-state solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, including A/ES-10/23, A/ES-10/24, and the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024.
We expressed grave concern over the surge in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) intercontinental ballistic missile testing and ballistic missile launches and the increased tension in the Korean Peninsula, which are a worrisome development that threatens peace, and stability in the region. We urged the DPRK to act to de-escalate tension and called on all concerned parties to resume peaceful dialogue, including to create a conducive environment towards the realisation of lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. We re-emphasised the importance of full compliance with all relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions and to abide by international law. We stressed the importance of continued peaceful dialogue among all parties concerned in order to realise lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised Korean Peninsula.
With regard to Ukraine, as for all nations, we continued to reaffirm our respect for sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. We reiterated our call for compliance with the UN Charter and international law. We called for a swift end to the conflict and further urged a lasting peace between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. We supported the efforts of the UN Secretary-General in the search for a peaceful solution. We also called for the facilitation of rapid, safe, and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for those in need in Ukraine, and for the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and persons in vulnerable situations.
Amidst rising global trade tensions, we express deep concern over the recent announcement by the United States to impose unilateral tariffs and their potential impact on our economies. The uncertainties arising from these tariffs and potential retaliation could heighten volatility in both capital flows and exchange rates.
We will continue to engage in a frank and constructive dialogue with the US, and commit not to impose any retaliatory measures in response to US tariffs.
We reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment towards regional unity, economic stability and practical cooperation in navigating external challenges. We also reaffirm our commitment to strengthen financial resilience and accelerate financial integration within ASEAN, thus supporting greater intra-ASEAN trade and Investment integration.
We remained committed to ASEAN as a reliable economic partner and will work to foster a strengthened economic cooperation framework with the US, particularly in high-value and future-oriented sectors. We will also strengthen and expand our economic links with ASEAN’s external partners, including our Dialogue Partners, and to seek out opportunities for cooperation with new partners.
SOURCE: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Communication & Public Diplomacy Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Email: bkda@kln.gov.my
--BERNAMA