Malaysia takes over ASEAN chairmanship from Laos, to officially assume role from 1 Jan 2025

In taking over the leadership, Malaysia selected the theme of 'Inclusion and Sustainability' to reflect the aspiration of shared progress without leaving anyone behind.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has concluded his recent work visit to Vientiane, Laos, where he officially represented Malaysia as the ASEAN 2025 Chairman at the Closing Ceremony of the 44^th and 45^th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits. He also led the handing over of ASEAN Leadership to Malaysia.

As confirmed in Bernama, Malaysia will assume its leadership role from 1 January 2025, and is "set to play a more active role in international issues." It will also continue to strengthen regional peace, stability, and prosperity, the report noted.

In taking over the leadership, Malaysia selected the theme of 'Inclusion and Sustainability' to reflect the aspiration of shared progress without leaving anyone behind, PM Anwar said, affirming that "all actions when Malaysia chairs ASEAN will be decided by consensus".

Looking ahead, 2025 marks an important moment for ASEAN, which will celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN Community, and introduce the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

In this regard, Malaysia plans to lead ASEAN to face the future with confidence, strengthening and expanding regional economic cooperation, including through the organisation of the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC+China Summit in Malaysia next year.

PM Anwar affirmed: "More importantly, ASEAN will stick to the principle of preserving Southeast Asia as a peaceful and prosperous region under Malaysia's chairmanship. Representing the Government and the people of Malaysia, I respectfully welcome the presence of all friends."

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Lead image / PM Anwar Ibrahim