Kuala Lumpur: Paetongtarn, Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of ASEAN unity in dealing with global challenges, emphasizing that ASEAN cooperation is important in restoring the situation in Myanmar, stating that Thailand supports Malaysia's participation in finding a constructive solution. Today, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, attended the 46th ASEAN Summit informally at Conference Hall 2, 3rd floor, Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister revealed that at the 46th Informal ASEAN Summit, ASEAN leaders discussed regional and global situations that are of interest to member countries. For Thailand, the prime minister said the meeting comes at a time when the world is facing geopolitical tensions, economic fragility, and intensifying competition among great powers. Global supply chains are at risk and confidence in the multilateral system is declining.
The Prime Minister stated that amid increasing uncertainty and division, it is important to promote multilateralism to preserve ASEAN's strategic role and interests. ASEAN must avoid being drawn into conflict zone competition, but it must expand cooperation and act as a bridge of trust to ensure that collective dialogue prevails over division and mutual cooperation prevails over confrontation.
The Prime Minister emphasized that ASEAN centrality and unity must be further strengthened to uphold the importance of ASEAN-led mechanisms in promoting regional and global cooperation, while strengthening balance in relations with major powers to build strategic trust through comprehensive and constructive consultations with all parties. Thailand will work with ASEAN members and partners to ensure that ASEAN remains a responsible global player and a reliable partner for all.
On issues affecting the region, the Prime Minister said ASEAN must stand united on important issues and adhere to core values that protect common interests, especially ASEAN's joint approach to the US tax policy that is constructive and unified. On the South China Sea issue, the Prime Minister noted the South China Sea remains a point of tension that could affect regional security. Thailand urges all parties to avoid provocative actions and find a way to resolve the dispute peacefully, adhering to international law.
On the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine, the Prime Minister called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, full protection of civilians, and the provision of non-discriminatory humanitarian assistance. On the situation in Myanmar, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of restoring the situation in Myanmar, emphasizing that ASEAN cooperation remains important in leading to a peaceful political transition. Thailand supports Malaysia's engagement in finding a constructive solution in Myanmar and in promoting cooperation in assisting earthquake victims.
Thailand will continue to work with Myanmar's neighbors and the ASEAN Chair to promote border peace and security and combat transboundary crime to strengthen ASEAN's efforts in implementing the Five-Point Consensus. The Prime Minister stressed that increased engagement in humanitarian assistance in Myanmar is important, especially for communities affected by conflict and natural disasters. 'Thailand believes that ASEAN has an important role to play in building a peaceful, stable and sustainable region, with all parties working together to use this period of uncertainty as an opportunity to lead ASEAN forward with unity, clarity of purpose and determination to maintain ASEAN's role on the world stage,' the Prime Minister concluded.