Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today that the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) partnership has grown into a robust and mature regional framework, with renewed plans to improve collective readiness for future emergencies, including public health crises.
Speaking at the 28th APT Summit, held alongside the 47th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Anwar highlighted the progress of the APT dialogue since its inception over 30 years ago.
Originally formalised after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the partnership has helped strengthen regional cooperation through multiple challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The ASEAN Plus Three experience shows that shared challenges can become our strengths. We must enhance our cooperation, as it is critical for maintaining regional stability,” Anwar said in his opening remarks.
He called for swift action on establishing the proposed ASEAN Plus Three Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies (APTRMS), aiming to ensure better preparation for future health threats.
Anwar also stressed the importance of equitable and inclusive growth across the region, so that prosperity benefits all segments of society. Preparing youth and women for a sustainable, interconnected East Asia was also highlighted as a priority.
Malaysia, he added, looks forward to continued positive engagement under the APT framework, with the goal of keeping East Asia stable and hopeful for the future.
The APT consists of ASEAN member states plus China, Japan, and South Korea. Since its establishment in December 1997, it has become the leading platform for East Asian cooperation, with an ultimate goal of building an East Asian Community led by ASEAN.
