KUALA LUMPUR: Asean is a great example of how neighbouring countries can work together to improve the well-being and livelihoods of the people in their respective nations, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
"Asean is a community of nations of shared dreams... An excellent example of how neighbours can sit down and work together for the betterment of our people," said Anwar in a clip welcoming Malaysia as the Asean chair.
The two-minute and 36-second clip showed how Malaysia is prepared to assume its role as the new Asean chair to drive progress and empower people in Southeast Asia.
The clip also showed how the bloc has evolved and grown into an economic powerhouse and is poised to become the world's fourth-largest economy.
"Selamat Datang... Welcome to Malaysia," said Anwar at the end of the clip.
It was reported that Anwar yesterday officially received the handover of the Asean Chairmanship from Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, marking the transition for Malaysia to lead Asean in 2025.
It was also announced yesterday that Malaysia has selected the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability" to steer its leadership as it takes on the Asean chairmanship next year.
Anwar had said that the theme reflects Asean's aspiration for shared progress, ensuring that no one is left behind.
"Malaysia has chosen the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' It reflects our aspiration for truly shared progress, ensuring that no one is left behind.
"It conveys our hope that the steps we take today will endure in the long run. It underscores our determination to keep the future firmly in sight as we move forward.
"At all times our actions and decisions will be guided by the principle of consensus.
"Together, we will reaffirm our commitment to building an open, inclusive and rules-based regional architecture," said Anwar in his speech at the handing-over ceremony of the Asean chairmanship from Laos to Malaysia in Vientiane.