Brunei Sultan Urges ASEAN Cooperation to Strengthen Response to Climate Disasters

(Bandar Seri Begawan, 27th) His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei emphasized the need to strengthen regional responses to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change.
His Majesty also highlighted the critical importance of fully implementing the 'ASEAN SHIELD' program, strengthening coordination among ASEAN mechanisms, and urged ASEAN member states to expedite the ratification of the agreement to establish the ASEAN Center for Climate Change to advance regional climate action and support ASEAN's resilience and sustainability goals.
His Majesty delivered his speech yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center during the 46th ASEAN Summit plenary and retreat sessions.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar, as the representing chair of ASEAN for 2025, warmly welcomed His Majesty's presence.
His Majesty the Sultan, along with other ASEAN leaders and the leader of Timor-Leste, attended the 46th ASEAN Summit plenary meeting.
At the plenary session, His Majesty also emphasized that over the past decade, the efforts in ASEAN Community building have significantly advanced the regional integration process and laid a solid foundation for peace and prosperity.
To maintain this momentum, His Majesty stressed the key areas for enhancing the region's resilience in facing emerging challenges.
Due to ongoing global economic uncertainties and trade disruptions, intra-ASEAN trade has remained below pre-pandemic levels and must be strengthened.
In this aspect, His Majesty welcomed Malaysia's prioritization of this area during its ASEAN chairmanship and further welcomed the recent completion of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement negotiations.
His Majesty looks forward to the early finalization of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which is an important initiative to fully realize the potential of the ASEAN market and move toward a robust digitally interconnected economy.
His Majesty acknowledged that the work on building the ASEAN Community is still progressing, with every milestone symbolizing significant growth and development in the three major pillar areas.
Looking forward to post-2025 development, His Majesty emphasized that strengthening the Southeast Asia family is crucial for deepening regional integration and highlighted that the inclusion of Timor-Leste as ASEAN's newest member state will be an important step towards a more unified and integrated region.
In closing his remarks, His Majesty expressed support for the adoption of the 'ASEAN Community Vision 2045,' as it embodies the shared goal that in the next twenty years, ASEAN will become a more innovative, adaptable, and people-centered region with greater centrality.
After the 46th ASEAN Summit plenary session, His Majesty attended an informal meeting with ASEAN and Timor-Leste leaders.