KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (NNN-BERNAMA) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), rejects external pressures that seek to disrupt the region, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, said here, yesterday.
In his closing remarks at China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz stressed ASEAN’s neutrality and reaffirmed the right of its member states to develop on their own terms.
Zafrul noted that, the bloc must close ranks and prioritise its collective good, over any member’s ties to external powers or alternative groupings.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining ASEAN consensus, uniting member nations and speaking with one voice, he said, it is also important for ASEAN to actively engage with other economies.
“Several ASEAN member states are warming up to BRICS, whether through membership or partnership. This is a development that all member states need to consider, in crafting their policies,” he said.– NNN-BERNAMA
