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PRESIDENT Prabowo Subianto believes that cooperation among ASEAN member countries, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and China can significantly support the growth of the regional economy.
“We must ensure that ASEAN remains relevant, and therefore, we welcome deeper partnerships. For instance, the ASEAN-GCC and ASEAN-GCC-China cooperation. We are confident that tomorrow will deliver tangible outcomes in this matter. Our economic growth is the fastest,” he remarked at the plenary session of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday, as quoted from a statement.
Prabowo also stated that Asia is projected to wield a greater influence in the world this century.
Hence, he urged leaders of other ASEAN countries not to underestimate the region’s strength, especially with Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea joining as full members.
“Let’s not underestimate our strength and power. Therefore, with the additional membership of Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea, it can improve ASEAN’s role in the world,” he affirmed.
He further invited member countries to work diligently to keep ASEAN relevant, strong, cohesive, and adaptive.
“Make ASEAN rise stronger, braver, and more relevant than before,” Prabowo concluded his speech at the panel session of the 46th ASEAN Summit alongside nine other leaders of member countries, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who served as host and chair of ASEAN this year.
In addition to the panel session, leaders of member countries participated in a retreat agenda, a meeting between ASEAN and the parliaments of ASEAN countries (AIPA), a meeting between ASEAN and representatives of ASEAN youth (ASEAN Youth), and a meeting with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC).
They also jointly signed the ASEAN Declaration 2045: Our Shared Future. The event concluded with a dinner hosted by PM Ibrahim at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center on Monday (05/26), 2025. [antaranews]
