Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar stated that this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting radiated the spirit of ASEAN, with leaders from several countries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, personally congratulating him on Malaysia's successful hosting of the 47th ASEAN Summit which concluded on Tuesday.
He said that leaders of APEC member economies also inquired how Malaysia, as the rotating chair of ASEAN, balanced ASEAN's relations with both the US and China through "soft diplomacy."
Anwar said this at a press conference on Saturday before concluding his three-day working visit for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting: "President Xi conveyed his warmest congratulations to us, and almost all (APEC leaders also offered their congratulations).
"What moved me deeply was that the leaders of the United States, China, and even as far as Mexico, directly expressed their admiration for ASEAN's achievements during their meetings with me, including the efforts invested in promoting peace between Cambodia and Thailand.
"They also (inquired) how ASEAN manages to strike a balance between the US and China, while also considering the interests of other developing and emerging economies."
Mohamad Hasan: All Countries Praise Malaysia, Showcasing International Credibility
Additionally, Foreign Minister Dato'Seri Mohamad Hasan pointed out that the praise from APEC leaders towards Malaysia demonstrates Malaysia's credibility on the international stage.
He said that when Prime Minister Anwar entered the leaders' waiting lounge, he attracted the attention of many world leaders, reflecting the high regard for Malaysia's leadership.
"When the Prime Minister walked into the leaders' waiting lounge, he immediately became the center of attention. Many leaders approached him to interact. This reflects the international community's recognition and respect for Malaysia's role."
Attendees included Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul.
ASEAN Strengthens Economic and Sustainable Inclusive Advantages
Anwar continued that in his meetings with APEC leaders, he highlighted the strengths of the ASEAN region, especially in boosting the economy, as well as sustainability and inclusivity.
"This is in line with the direction set out in their (APEC) previously adopted Putrajaya Vision 2040, which will subsequently be incorporated into the larger framework of the economic organization.
"I also emphasized that if we genuinely wish to strengthen the spirit of multilateral solidarity, as well as enhance free trade relations, we must establish broader cooperation networks beyond APEC, encompassing Africa and Latin America."
Malaysia became one of the founding members of APEC in 1989. In 2023, APEC economies accounted for 78% of Malaysia’s total trade, amounting to RM2.6 trillion.
APEC is a non-binding, loose consultative forum that gathers 21 member economies, collectively accounting for nearly 60% of global GDP and 47% of world trade.
This year's meeting marks the first time in 20 years since South Korea last hosted the Economic Leaders' Meeting in Busan in 2005.