ASEAN member countries called to boost internal cohesion

KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN member countries need to bolster internal cohesion, enhance economic integration, cultivate deeper political ties, and present a unified stance on many critical issues.

The 2024 Chair of the ASEAN-ISIS Network Dr Yose Rizal Damuri highlighted the vital role of the Asia Pacific region, particularly through the ASEAN framework, in addressing global challenges amid a period of instability and change.

"In the first phase of escalating geopolitical and economic challenges, it is imperative that ASEAN adopt even more imperative steps. This isn't only about maintaining its role and its centrality but also its call to safeguard the region's stability, peace, prosperity and resilience," he said in the opening remarks at the 37th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (37APR), themed "Crisis in an Interregnum," held here today.

He highlighted that the Asia Pacific region holds the potential to lead in shaping a new world order, championing multilateralism, seeking peaceful conflict resolutions, and advancing sustainable development goals that benefit all. He emphasised that these aspirations can be realised through ASEAN.

"ASEAN also has some underutilised platforms that can be used to amplify this message. For example, the East Asia Summit, which basically brings together leaders from East Asia and also Pacific countries that can be a starting point to discuss development and how to find solutions to the challenges in the economic area.

"Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could also promote comprehensive concept of economic security and resilience, which actually perceives inclusive economic integration and interdependence as sources of greater prosperity, not sources of weakness," he said.

-- BERNAMA