Malaysia reaffirms commitment to strengthen BIMP-EAGA cooperation

Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation through the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). The statement was delivered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim following his attendance at the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday (7/5). The meeting was also attended by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah, and Philippine President Bongbong Marcos. Anwar stated that BIMP-EAGA serves as a strategic platform to reduce development gaps and expand trade, investment, digital connectivity, and food resilience in the region. During the meeting, he emphasised that the BIMP-EAGA 2035 Vision must be implemented with a spirit of togetherness and sustainable governance. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that remote and underdeveloped areas are not left behind in the tide of development. “Amid a world facing challenges from energy supply crises, climate change, and global economic uncertainty, this region must step forward with a more integrated and bold approach,” Anwar said in a statement quoted in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. Therefore, Malaysia supports strengthening cross-border energy connectivity and renewable energy investments. Malaysia also promotes sustainable solutions such as solar power and mini-grids so that the benefits of development can be enjoyed equitably and inclusively, including by communities in inland areas. Anwar stated that the 2035 Vision is not merely a policy document but reflects a collective determination to build a more resilient, competitive, and humane-oriented region. “With the enduring spirit of ASEAN, we will continue to support a development agenda that honours humanity, empowers local communities, and brightens a more prosperous future for generations to come,” he said.