(Photo: isis.org.my) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - The Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia convened its 31st Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) in Kuala Lumpur on May 22.
Themed “The Future of the Asia-Pacific: Issues and Institutions in Flux”, the three-day event is gathering regional experts to discuss and suggest policies to address challenges arising from the US’s Trump administration and the Brexit.
Subjects tabled were set to include Asian views on the US’s role in the region, tensions in cyber security, the East Sea issue, and Mekong cooperation.
In his opening speech at the function, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak stressed the role of ASEAN and its people.
The bloc has significantly contributed to regional peace in the past 50 years, he said, adding a future task of increasing the living standards for the community’s 620 million people.
He asked each government to support the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises, empower women, and ensure sustainable and inclusive development.
He also underscored the importance of ASEAN’s inner solidarity and constructive dialogues.
ISIS Malaysia Chairman Rastam Mohd Isa said APR sessions focus on not only the Asia-Pacific but also global affairs that are affecting the region.-VNA
VNA
