Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Senior officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states convened in Kuala Lumpur on May 23 for their first official meeting within the 46th ASEAN Summit and related events at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
This year’s summit marks a significant milestone with the second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, reflecting ASEAN’s deepening partnerships with key global regions.
Speaking ahead of the event, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the summit would focus on enhancing intra-ASEAN cooperation, boosting regional economic interests, and promoting investment initiatives.
Outlining ASEAN’s strategic future, Anwar underlined deeper economic integration, expanded trade, and cross-border energy connectivity as key pillars under Malaysia’s chairmanship.
As part of the summit week, a Malaysian local goods exhibition is being held to showcase the host country’s products and promote cultural exchange among the ten ASEAN member states.
A gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Anwar and a luncheon at the Istana Negara palace are also scheduled to honour Malaysia’s hospitality.
To ensure security, more than 6,000 police officers have been deployed across airports, hotels, and the convention centre. Remote working and learning arrangements have been implemented at 71 schools, government offices, and private establishments in affected areas to ease traffic and facilitate the movement of delegations.
Held under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, this year marks the fifth time Malaysia has assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship, following previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015./.
