Malaysia passes Asean Chairmanship baton to the Philippines
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Malaysia officially handed over the Asean Chairmanship to the Philippines on Tuesday, marking the ceremonial transition of leadership as Malaysia enters the final phase of its 2025 Chairmanship.
Under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, Malaysia’s Chairmanship encompasses more than 300 meetings, throughout its tenure, with several more scheduled to be held before the term concludes on Dec 31, reflecting its commitment to advancing Asean unity, deepening regional cooperation, and resilience.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim handed over the Asean Chairmanship gavel to Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., symbolising the official transfer of leadership and setting the stage for the Philippines’ stewardship in 2026.
Since taking over from Laos, Malaysia has focused on advancing Asean’s unity, inclusivity, and sustainability throughout its chairmanship year.
Two landmark achievements have defined Malaysia’s Chairmanship so far, namely the admission of Timor-Leste as Asean’s 11th member state and the signing of the KL Peace Accord between Cambodia and Thailand.
Malaysia also spearheaded the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future during the 46th Asean Summit in May.
The declaration marks a significant milestone in the bloc’s collective commitment and long-term vision to build a more resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred regional community.
Malaysia further strengthened Asean’s external engagement by hosting the inaugural Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit and the second Asean-GCC Summit, both aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development, in line with Asean’s aspiration to play a greater role in the Indo-Pacific geo-economic landscape.
This is the fifth time Malaysia has assumed the Asean Chair since the bloc’s inception in 1967, with previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. — Bernama
[Source: Malay Mail]
