KUALA LUMPUR: The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are set to gain momentum with the participation of newly appointed leaders and invited guests, signalling a key phase in the regional bloc’s evolving partnerships.
Japan, Thailand and Canada will be represented by their new prime ministers, while South Africa and Brazil will attend as Guests of the Chair, highlighting ASEAN’s outreach beyond the Asia-Pacific region.
Associate Professor Dr Roy Anthony Rogers of Universiti Malaya said the new leaders are expected to bring fresh perspectives, though major policy shifts are unlikely in the short term.
“They have just taken office in less than six months. Any changes would be gradual,” he told Bernama.
Prof Dr Azmi Hassan noted Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul brings a pro-business, pragmatic approach that could stabilise the economy and strengthen ties with the United States.
Japan’s new prime minister Sanae Takaichi, described as more assertive than her predecessor, is expected to pursue a stronger defence policy and enhance Japan-US relations.
Dr Rahul Mishra of Jawaharlal Nehru University said all three leaders are influential figures likely to support ASEAN’s internal cohesion and external engagements.
He highlighted Takaichi’s potential role in strengthening Japan’s security presence in the Indo-Pacific and Anutin’s leadership in enhancing Thailand’s domestic stability and regional involvement, including on the Myanmar crisis.
The summit also sees South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa attending a four-day official visit, while Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will join as Guest of the Chair.
Brazil, which became an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2022, remains the bloc’s sole partner from Latin America.
Experts believe the new leaders’ participation, alongside ASEAN’s outreach to partners such as BRICS and the Gulf Cooperation Council, will inject fresh vigour into intra- and inter-regional cooperation. –BERNAMA
