Malaysia PM calls on ASEAN countries to continue promoting peace

The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.

Malaysia PM calls on ASEAN countries to continue promoting peace. (Illustrative photo: Bernama)
Malaysia PM calls on ASEAN countries to continue promoting peace. (Illustrative photo: Bernama)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recalled ASEAN’s outstanding accomplishments and proposed ambitious goals for the bloc’s future while addressing a ceremony in celebration of its 58th founding anniversary in Kuala Lumpur on August 8.

The PM called on Southeast Asian countries to promote friendship and cooperation, as well as a shared responsibility for peace, security, and prosperity of each nation and the region as a whole.

Peace - both among nations and within each nation - is the foundation of the ASEAN regional community, he affirmed.

According to the Government leader, a highlight of Malaysia’s chairmanship was its role as a mediator in the border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia facilitated negotiations between the two countries, he said, expressing appreciation for the support of ASEAN leaders, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping for these efforts.

In addition, PM Anwar also mentioned to the situation in Myanmar, noting that some progress had been made towards achieving a ceasefire. He announced that the Malaysian Foreign Minister, along with his counterparts from Thailand and Indonesia, is expected to visit Myanmar soon to promote dialogue in the country.

He shared that the focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity./.

VNA

See more

Thailand eyes major investment law reform

Thailand eyes major investment law reform

The Thai economy remains imbalanced, relying heavily on exports and services such as tourism, which together account for roughly 70% of GDP. Meanwhile, domestic investment aimed at strengthening the country’s production structure and keeping pace with global changes remains insufficient, said Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

Indonesia tightens management of forest resources

Indonesia tightens management of forest resources

The total value of recovered assets is equivalent to nearly 10% of Indonesia’s 2026 state budget, estimated at about 240 billion USD, highlighting the large scale of past violations in the forestry sector.

Thailand seeks to offset fertiliser supply shortfall

Thailand seeks to offset fertiliser supply shortfall

Thailand's Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit reaffirmed the policy to suspend farmers' debts for three years, which was announced during his party's election campaign, though details of the measure will be finalised after consultations with state agencies, including the Finance Ministry.

 President Prabowo Subianto signs an inscription at the inauguration of PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas' electric commercial vehicle assembly plant in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday, April 9, 2026. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia targets ending fuel imports within three years

In addition to electrifying power plants, the Indonesian government is promoting electric vehicles and the utilisation of other renewable energy sources. Solutions include processing palm oil and used cooking oil into aviation fuel to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Indonesia's first melamine project, invested by PT GEABH Joint Technology, is held in the Gresik Special Economic Zone, East Java Province, Indonesia, April 8 (Photo: Xinhua)

Indonesia develops strategic chemical industry

Indonesia's first melamine plant in the Gresik Special Economic Zone is seen as a strategic step to boost the development of the country’s chemical industry and enhance domestic value creation.

Illustrative image (Photo: thevibes.com)

Malaysia leads Southeast Asia in global investment appeal

The latest 2026 Global Opportunity Index (GOI) report by the Milken Institute ranked Malaysia 23rd globally, the highest among developing Southeast Asian economies, underpinned by strong institutional quality and solid economic fundamentals.

YouTube logo on a cellphone (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia warns Google over non-compliance with child protection rules

According to the results of an inspection conducted on April 7, YouTube has not fully fulfilled its obligations under Indonesian Government Regulation No. 17/2025 (PP Tunas), which took effect on March 28 and requires digital platforms to implement strict governance measures to protect underage users. The platform has also shown no indication of complying with the rules in the near future.

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil transit choke-point. (Photo: Reuters)

Malaysia reliant on Hormuz Strait for oil supply

Data from the Malaysian Finance Ministry shows that domestic oil consumption stands at about 700,000 barrels per day, nearly double Malaysia’s crude oil production of around 350,000 barrels daily.