Malaysia hosts global leaders for 47th ASEAN Summit

Kuala Lumpur is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit, bringing together leaders from Southeast Asia and major global economies for three days of high-level talks. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is welcoming dignitaries from member states and dialogue partners, including the United States, China, and Japan. The summit, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” aims to address pressing regional and international issues.

Malaysia will be hosting the 2025 ASEAN Summit which is scheduled to take place from October 26 to 28, 2025.

High-Level Participation and Security Measures

The event has drawn a notable roster of world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, is also among the attendees. More than 10,000 police officers have been deployed across the Malaysian capital to ensure security during the meetings. Notable absences include Russian President Vladimir Putin and Myanmar’s military leadership, which was not invited due to the 2021 coup.

Key Agenda Items and Regional Issues

Discussions at the ASEAN Summit are expected to cover a range of topics, including trade tensions, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the plight of the Rohingya community in Myanmar. The gathering will also address territorial disputes in the South China Sea and is anticipated to issue a statement on the situation in Gaza. Additionally, Timor-Leste is poised to officially become the 11th member of the bloc during the summit.

Expanding Partnerships and Global Engagement

In addition to internal meetings, ASEAN will hold dialogues with key partners, including the US, China, and Japan. Representatives from international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund are also participating. The summit underscores ASEAN’s role as a critical platform for regional cooperation and its growing engagement with global stakeholders.