ASEAN must focus on implementation of ASEAN Vision 2045 - Mohamad Hasan

In his opening remarks at the 37th Meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC), Mohamad said that the Vision, which builds on three foundational pillars of ASEAN Community - namely the Political-Security Community (APSC), the Economic Community (AEC), and the Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) - and supported by four strategic plans, provides a clear, cohesive framework to guide the region's transformation over the next two decades.

"This would not have been possible without the tireless work of the High-Level Task Force and the dedication of all officials across the three pillars, as well as the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee. We commend their efforts.

"Moving forward, we must now turn our collective focus towards implementation, as we advance a people-centred ASEAN Community that is inclusive, sustainable and resilient," he said at the meeting held today on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits.

Mohamad said ASEAN's recent achievements, including the full admission of Timor-Leste as the bloc's 11th member and the acceleration of the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, reflect the region's continued resolve to deliver tangible benefits to its peoples.

The Foreign Minister said the fact-finding missions by the APSC, AEC and ASCC were instrumental in shaping a comprehensive Roadmap for Timor-Leste's membership.

He said crucial steps have been taken on regional sustainability and energy cooperation, particularly through the acceleration of the ASEAN Power Grid, and as a flagship initiative, it strengthens connectivity, advances energy transition and supports ASEAN member states' commitment to a greener and more resilient future.

"These achievements speak to the strength of our coordination mechanisms, but they also remind us that the ACC must remain at the centre of cross-pillar coherence.

"The challenges we face are increasingly complex and interconnected, and it is only through a whole-of-ASEAN approach that we can deliver meaningful results," he said.

The ACC is part of a series of meetings held ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit, which gathers regional leaders to deliberate on key political, economic, and security issues under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.'

Malaysia is hosting the summit as part of its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, which concludes this year.