Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 Earns Global Recognition, Says Foreign Minister

SERDANG, 19 January: Malaysia’s successful stewardship of ASEAN in 2025, including its ability to convene world leaders amid a challenging global geopolitical environment, has drawn strong international attention and recognition, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Speaking at an appreciation ceremony for the ASEAN–Malaysia 2025 Chairmanship here today, Mohamad said the country demonstrated not only strong logistical capabilities but also delivered meaningful outcomes throughout its tenure as ASEAN Chair.

“Despite navigating an uncertain and complex global geopolitical landscape, Malaysia successfully fulfilled its role as ASEAN Chair in 2025. We managed to bring together global leaders and organized high-level platforms such as the ASEAN–GCC Summit and the ASEAN–GCC–China engagement, in addition to the 46th and 47th ASEAN Summits. These achievements have captured global attention,” he said.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Mohamad noted that Malaysia continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of ASEAN member states, citing its appointment as the permanent “shepherd” to guide the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 over the next two decades. He said this role reflects the region’s belief in Malaysia’s capacity to provide leadership, coordination, and facilitation.

Highlighting Malaysia’s credibility as a neutral and trusted partner, Mohamad said neighboring countries Thailand and Cambodia had turned to Malaysia to help resolve their border dispute, underscoring the country’s role as an honest broker during its ASEAN chairmanship.

“This is a source of pride for us as host, coordinator, and facilitator during our tenure as ASEAN Chair,” he added.

He also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in ensuring the success of ASEAN–Malaysia 2025, including both the public and private sectors, noting the complexity of managing the arrival and participation of leaders from across the world.

In October last year, Malaysia officially handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines, symbolically marking the transition as Malaysia entered the final phase of its chairmanship year. Since assuming the role from Laos, Malaysia had focused on strengthening unity, inclusivity, and sustainability within the region.

Among the major milestones achieved during Malaysia’s chairmanship were the admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member state and the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.

Malaysia’s leadership in 2025 marked the fifth time the country has served as ASEAN Chair since the regional bloc was established in 1967, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.