Intensifying major power rivalries including in the Asia-Pacific region have, among other things, resulted in global supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainty, the rise of minilateral blocs and shifting strategic alliances.
Therefore, ASEAN needs to preserve and uphold its centrality and cohesiveness in order to ensure that it remains relevant as a platform for constructive dialogue.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam made the statement in a titah delivered during the Retreat Session of the 42nd ASEAN Summit held at Komodo Ballroom, Meruorah Convention Centre in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia yesterday.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty believed that ASEAN needs to do more in promoting and implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, which would ensure it also remains a platform for dialogue and cooperation towards continued progress, peace and prosperity.
On the situation in Myanmar, the resolution of the problems in the country is in the hands of its people, through a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned process. Therefore, ASEAN should continue to facilitate a conducive environment for their reconciliation.
In concluding the titah, His Majesty proposed that ASEAN should consider engaging Myanmar once again in the near future, to emphasise concerns on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, which ASEAN leaders had agreed upon in 2021.
