Asean Plus Three Medical Supplies Reserve Crucial for Regional Health Security: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the continued establishment of the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Emergencies, emphasizing that the initiative is vital to strengthen the region’s preparedness against future health crises.

Chairing the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit on Monday, Anwar underscored the importance of collective resilience and cooperation among APT member countries comprising ASEAN nations along with China, Japan, and South Korea.

“This initiative is essential to ensure that our region remains ready to respond effectively to any potential public health threat,” Anwar said. “The Covid-19 pandemic reminded us of the importance of solidarity, resource-sharing, and readiness in the face of global challenges.”

In his opening remarks, the Malaysian Prime Minister highlighted that the APT framework, born in the aftermath of the 1996 Asian Financial Crisis, continues to serve as one of the most enduring platforms for regional cooperation.

“The APT experience shows that shared challenges can be turned into collective strengths. We must double down on engagement and cooperation  these remain the keys to long-term stability,” he added.

The summit, attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu (who serves as coordinator for the Plus Three nations), and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, also addressed economic resilience and supply chain recovery in the post-pandemic era.

Anwar said APT’s broader purpose is to promote fair growth, shared prosperity, and peace across East Asia, while ensuring that the region’s future generations, particularly youth and women, are empowered in building a sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected community.

Meanwhile, trade discussions between US and Chinese officials held on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings have signaled progress toward a possible agreement to de-escalate the ongoing trade war, raising optimism for regional economic stability.

The 28th APT Summit reaffirmed the group’s shared commitment to regional health security, economic integration, and cooperative action in facing emerging global challenges.

— Voice of Malaysia News