KEY discussions on the Myanmar civil war, the South China Sea sea disputes and intra-Asean trade were held by former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman in Brunei on Tuesday (Feb. 18).
In his Facebook post, Anwar Ibrahim, who is the current chair of Asean and was accompanied Thaksin as head of an advisory group, said Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the most senior Asean leader with a wealth of invaluable experience across a wide spectrum of matters concerning Asean.
On the Myanmar civil war the view was that the junta remains bound by the Five-Point consensus and no effort should be spared to continue the process of engagement – with all relevant stakeholders.
The leaders focused on how best to work towards a positive trajectory for a resolution of the Myanmar crisis and to keep respective foreign ministers informed.
There was concern over the rising tide of problems brought on by a thriving illicit economy dominated by the drug trade alongside human trafficking and widespread scam operations.
On the South China Sea disputes, they concurred that there should be greater multilateral diplomatic progress with the aspiration that the Code of Conduct (CoC) negotiations should be concluded sooner rather than later.
The view too was that the proposed Asean-US summit as agreed at Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia, on Jan. 19 should be followed through expeditiously.
“Substantive focus was given to how best to enhance intra-Asean trade and foster greater economic collaboration, including the imperative of a business-friendly and more effective regulatory framework. The strategic thrust in this regard is to promote vibrant capital inflow and stimulate more robust intra-regional growth for shared prosperity.
“About cryptocurrency, we discussed the importance of establishing the proper Blockchain infrastructure and enabling digital accessibility as key prerequisites for healthy and progressive development for the region,” Anwar Ibrahim wrote.
CAPTION:
Photos of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah holding talks in Brunei yesterday, Feb. 18, 2025, and shared by the Malaysian leader on his Facebook page.
Also read: Thaksin confirms holding talks with Malaysian PM on a yacht
George Yeo joins Malaysia PM Anwar in meeting with Thaksin
Over half of senators allegedly involved in electoral rigging
Anutin: Just thinking about seizing Pai is wrong
Not true Israeli tourists are occupying Pai: PM
Oil exports to Laos jump 50% after cut in supplies to Myanmar
Friendship Bridge packed as price petrol in Myawaddy soars to 135 baht a litre
