47th ASEAN Summit kicks off in Malaysia, amid warnings of “critical transitional phase”

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 26 (YPA) – The ASEAN Summit kicked off on Sunday in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, with distinguished guests of honor, including the presidents of Brazil and South Africa and the UN Secretary-General.

In his opening remarks, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that the world was undergoing a “critical transition,” noting that the old order was no longer valid and the new order has yet to be defined.

Ibrahim warned that escalating regional confrontations and growing uncertainty threaten economies and the spirit of collective cooperation, emphasizing that mutual understanding and dialogue would be the most effective way to overcome divisions.

Regarding the issue of US tariffs, ASEAN countries agreed to conduct negotiations bilaterally between each country and the United States, in line with US President Donald Trump’s preferred approach. The summit would not issue a collective declaration on the matter.

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