Malaysia, set to take over as ASEAN Chair on Jan 1, 2025, showcased its vision of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” during a high-level conference in Tehran on Sunday. Organised by the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran in collaboration with Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), the event focused on ASEAN’s evolving role and Malaysia’s leadership goals.
Malaysian Ambassador to Iran Khairi Omar stressed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN’s centrality, fostering economic cooperation, and championing inclusivity and sustainability during its chairmanship. “Our focus ensures ASEAN community-building aligns with the aspirations of our people while addressing contemporary challenges,” he said.
Iranian Ambassador to ASEAN Mohammad Boroujerdi lauded Malaysia’s vision, stating, “Iran sees great potential in partnerships with ASEAN, and Malaysia’s visionary leadership will strengthen ties between our regions. The theme of inclusivity and sustainability aligns perfectly with our shared goals.”
The conference featured panels on political-security, economic, and socio-cultural themes. Discussions ranged from ASEAN’s pragmatic approaches to geopolitical tensions to leveraging ASEAN and Iran’s strategic locations for economic growth and fostering social inclusion and cultural diversity.
Dr Khalil Shirgholami, Deputy Director of IPIS, highlighted ASEAN’s significance as a model for regional cooperation. “ASEAN demonstrates how integration can benefit regions globally. Shared traditions and values between West and Southeast Asia offer immense potential for understanding and collaboration,” he said.
The event was attended by diplomats, policymakers, and scholars, underscoring ASEAN’s role as a platform for neutrality, dialogue, and collaboration in a complex global environment. Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship coincides with the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community, offering a timely opportunity to reinforce its foundational values.
Malaysia previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
