ASEAN summit kicks off in Malaysia with eye on integration, resilience

The 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit kicked off here on Monday in the capital of Malaysia, with greater regional integration and resilience against trade and economic disruptions high on the agenda. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the plenary session, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged ASEAN members to work together to face the challenges brought about by a changing world order to ensure the agenda of sustainable and equitable development is not sidelined. 

Anwar also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with friendly partners of the grouping, noting the significance of the first ever ASEAN-China- Gulf Cooperation Council summit, which brings together the grouping along with China. 

Malaysia is the chair of ASEAN for 2025, and is hosting the ASEAN Summit and related summits under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability."