He signed bilateral trade agreements with Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, and critical mineral supply chain memoranda of understanding with Thailand and Malaysia.
At the ASEAN-US Summit, Trump told ASEAN leaders they could look to the US for full support and friendship for years to come.
“Our message to the nations of Southeast Asia is that the US is with you 100 per cent and we intend to be a strong partner and friend for many generations to come,” he said.
At Tuesday’s press conference, Anwar pointed to China and ASEAN signing the second upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) a day after Trump’s departure.
The FTA, first inked in 2002, was China’s first free trade agreement and ASEAN’s first with a major external partner. The latest version covers areas such as the digital and green economies as well as supply chain connectivity.
“If we are scared of the US, why would we have signed this agreement (with China) a day after Trump leaves? This is (part of diplomacy),” Anwar said.
NO CHAIRMANSHIP CAN “RIGHT EVERY WRONG”
Asked to summarise his achievements during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, Anwar said a priority was to secure regional peace and strengthen economic fundamentals.
He cited progress on the ASEAN Power Grid – which has a new financing facility – and “diplomatic efforts to ensure there is peace”.
“That’s why the whole world is looking at us (ASEAN), because it is peaceful and has potential to propel economic growth. Now, have we achieved everything? No, certainly not,” said Anwar.
At the closing ceremony, Anwar had joked that “it was a relief” for Malaysia to hand over the chairmanship to the Philippines, and said there was more work to be done.
Source: CNA
