JAKARTA: It is an opportune time for Asean to use its platform to bring together rival world superpowers to encourage dialogue and cooperation, which continue to be the foundation of the 11-member regional bloc.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said through the annual Asean Summit and Related Summits involving its dialogue partners, or known as the Asean "Plus platforms" consisting of superpowers, it could lead the way for amicable solutions in pressing issues.
He said rivalry among superpowers affected the region as well , and this left an impact on these dialogue platforms such as the East Asia Summit and Asean Regional Forum.
Anwar said the Asean way of dialogue, and maintaining unity amidst differing opinions are attracting even more non-member countries to be party to Asean treaties.
He said those outside the region have recognised Asean as one of the most successful regional organisations, particularly with regard to its ability in maintaining a region that is peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous.
"This has attracted many to establish relations with Asean, including major powers, whose rivalries are being played out right at the centre of and adjacent to our region.
"The competition among them is impacting the implementation of cooperative initiatives under Asean-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit and Asean Regional Forum.
"Asean has a unique opportunity through its plus platforms, to bring together the competing parties to remind them of the need to prioritise dialogue and cooperation, to promote healthy competition and to ensure what they bring into their relations with Asean, would help maintain peace, stability and prosperity in this region," Anwar said in Malaysia's intervention at the plenary session at the 43rd Asean Summit and Related Summits here today.
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