KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- ASEAN has proposed establishing the ASEAN+3 (APT) Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies (APTRMS) to enhance the region’s preparedness for future health crises.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who chaired the APT Summit, said the initiative is crucial to ensuring the region’s collective readiness in addressing potential health threats.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic had underscored the importance of collective resilience, cooperation, and preparedness among regional partners.
“We must double down on engagement and cooperation, which remain the key to stability. We should also proceed with establishing the proposed APTRMS to better prepare for future health emergencies,” he said in his opening remarks at the 28th ASEAN+3 Summit, held on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here on Monday.
The ASEAN+3 Summit was co-chaired by Anwar, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
Anwar also emphasised that regional growth must be fair and inclusive, ensuring that prosperity is broadly shared and that progress contributes to lasting peace and stability.
The Prime Minister said it was vital to prepare the youth and women of ASEAN+3 for a region that is sustainable, inclusive and interconnected.
Anwar also looked forward to a constructive engagement on the future of this cooperation, in which the region continues to serve as a cradle of stability, opportunity, and hope.
The ASEAN+3 Summit was held to discuss ways to further strengthen broader regional cooperation.
Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, is hosting the three-day 47th ASEAN Summit from Oct 26 to 28.
The event brings together more than 3,000 delegates, including prominent leaders from over 30 countries and organisations, aimed at strengthening engagement and cooperation.
-- BERNAMA
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