His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam delivered a keynote address during the 43rd ASEAN Summit held at the Jakarta Convention Centre, where he emphasized the need for ASEAN to bolster cooperation in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions that could jeopardize the region’s economic recovery and growth prospects.
His Majesty stressed that while ASEAN is well-positioned for continued growth, global geopolitical challenges pose potential risks. To solidify its role as a hub for economic growth and social development, the region must prioritize collaboration.
In his address, the monarch advocated for the adoption of fresh ideas that contribute to the long-term competitiveness and resilience of ASEAN. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s challenges, ASEAN has leveraged Fourth Industrial Revolution advancements to its advantage. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah welcomed the proposal to establish an ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, foreseeing its potential to lay a secure foundation for a connected digital economy, offering new opportunities and bolstering regional confidence.
Climate change, a pressing global concern, also featured in the discussions. His Majesty expressed appreciation for ASEAN member countries’ support for the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, to be hosted in Bandar Seri Begawan.
During a retreat session of the summit, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah voiced concern over intensifying competition among major regional and global powers. He cautioned against misunderstandings and miscalculations that could escalate tensions and undermine the decades of growth and prosperity achieved in the region. The monarch called for ASEAN to maintain a unified stance, upholding its centrality and remaining neutral amid major power competition. Taking sides, he argued, would weaken the region’s architectural integrity.
His Majesty applauded Indonesia’s efforts in implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, including the convening of the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum. These initiatives underscore the association’s commitment to an open, transparent, and inclusive regional architecture.
Furthermore, the monarch commended Indonesia, as the ASEAN Chair, and neighboring countries of Myanmar for their dialogues with relevant parties, which have led to positive developments in Myanmar. These engagements align with the Five-Point Consensus, aiming to facilitate a long-term and inclusive solution for Myanmar, driven and led by the country itself.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s remarks underscored the urgency of regional unity and collaboration in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and fostering sustainable growth within ASEAN.