KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — Malaysia and Brunei have reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality in promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity amid an increasingly complex geopolitical and geoeconomic environment.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah made the commitment in a joint statement following the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation between the two countries in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The two leaders also reiterated their support for the shared aspirations of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and called for its effective implementation.
They stressed the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability and safety in the region, while underscoring the need to preserve freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.
Both leaders called for disputes to be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Freedom of navigation
They also emphasised the importance of non-militarisation and self-restraint in activities that could complicate the situation or escalate tensions in the disputed waters.
Brunei expressed support for Malaysia’s role as ASEAN country coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, particularly in facilitating efforts towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
The leaders stressed that the negotiations should remain conducive to building confidence and strengthening mutual trust among regional countries.
They said the Code of Conduct must be consistent with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
The reaffirmation comes as ASEAN faces growing geopolitical and geoeconomic pressures, making regional unity and diplomatic engagement increasingly important to maintaining stability and avoiding escalation in the South China Sea.
