KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Asean and its Plus Three dialogue partners — China, Japan, and South Korea — to expedite the establishment of a regional reserve of medical supplies to prepare for future public health emergencies.
The bloc must “double down” on engagement and cooperation to ensure the region’s resilience against future crises, building on the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said this aligns with Asean’s long-term goal of ensuring fair growth, shared prosperity, and lasting peace across the region.
“Our task is clear: to ensure that growth is fair, prosperity is widely shared, and progress brings peace,” he said at the 28th Asean Plus Three Summit, in conjunction with the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits today.
Anwar added that cooperation among the Plus Three countries remains vital as Asean seeks to promote inclusive and sustainable development.
“We must prepare our youth and women for an East Asia region that is sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected,” he said.
The Prime Minister also welcomed Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to the summit, praising their commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation.
The Asean Summit began yesterday and runs until tomorrow at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Malaysia is the current Asean chair, with the Philippines to assume the position beginning January 1 next year.
