ASEAN 2045 ‘Our Common Future’ Launched at Kuala Lumpur Summit

The 46th ASEAN Summit, held on 26 May 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, served as the main forum for ASEAN leaders to discuss the strength of the ASEAN community in the political, economic, and social fields. One of the documents issued was ASEAN 2045 “Our Common Future,” which outlines the strategy for ASEAN 2025 and covers innovation, resilience, inclusiveness, and prosperity for the next two years.

As the leader of ASEAN 2025 and host of the Summit, Malaysia plays an important role in guiding regional development. Malaysia also contributes to strengthening regional and national governance, upholding the principle of ASEAN sovereignty, and ensuring ASEAN remains relevant amid the multipolar global dynamics. As a strategic alliance between East and West, this summit also strengthens Malaysia’s international reputation and influence.

Economically, the summit provides long-term support for Malaysia through investment, SMEs, and the tourism sector. Malaysia’s diplomacy and cooperation strengthen its ability to collaborate both bilaterally and multilaterally. Additionally, the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit strengthens economic cooperation between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with ASEAN as the primary partner. The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, led by Malaysia, creates broader opportunities for trilateral cooperation in the economic and investment sectors.

Southeast Asian countries remain resilient in the face of global uncertainty caused by tensions between major powers and US import tariffs. Malaysia, which will chair ASEAN in 2025, considers this year to be crucial for the formation of the ASEAN community and its vision for the next 20 years, which requires cooperation and commitment from all parties. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the challenges posed by the disruption of the global trade system due to U.S. protectionist policies, but ASEAN demonstrated solidarity by establishing a special Geoeconomics Task Force to address the issue swiftly.

He also emphasized the importance of an open, inclusive, and rules-based international system to ensure peace and prosperity, even though the foundations of that system are currently facing challenges. Regarding the crisis in Myanmar, ASEAN has formed an informal consultation group led by former regional leaders, with the aim of finding a solution to the conflict slowly and carefully.

The 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur reaffirmed ASEAN’s strength in political, economic, and social fields with the launch of the ASEAN 2045 Vision. Malaysia, as chair of ASEAN in 2025, plays an important role in leading regional development and strengthening economic cooperation, including with the GCC and China. ASEAN has shown solidarity in the face of global uncertainty and in maintaining an open international order, while continuing to work carefully to resolve the crisis in Myanmar. This summit has strengthened ASEAN’s position as a strong and inclusive regional bloc for the future.

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