PUTRAJAYA, May 26 (Bernama) -- The Prime Minister’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail today warmly welcomed the spouses of ASEAN leaders at the Seri Perdana Complex in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit.
Among the distinguished guests were First Lady of the Philippines Louise Araneta-Marcos, Le Thi Bich Tran of Vietnam, Vandara Siphandone of Laos, Dr Pich Chanmony of Cambodia, and Loo Tze Lui of Singapore.
Also in attendance were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, her deputy Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Raja Datin Seri Salbiah Tengku Nujumudin, the spouse of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Dr Wan Azizah hosted a luncheon in honour of the delegation, followed by a welcoming speech in which she expressed her appreciation for the presence of the ASEAN leaders’ spouses and the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening regional ties.
“This year’s ASEAN theme is Inclusivity and Sustainability. As Malaysia chairs this year’s summit, we hold firmly to the belief that development must uplift every community and that our growth must respect both people and planet.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has spoken of the importance of ‘truly shared development’, ensuring that no one is left behind. That includes not only economic opportunities, but also upholding dignity, identity and the well-being of all,” she added.
Dr Wan Azizah also underscored the important role of ASEAN leaders’ spouses in promoting the values of inclusivity and sustainability during this year’s summit.
“As spouses of our ASEAN leaders, we play an essential role in nurturing that spirit. Through our work in community welfare, education, arts, and culture, we hope to shine a light on compassion and connection. We build bridges, not just between nations but between hearts,” she said.
Guests were also treated to a choral speaking presentation by students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Subang Utama, Subang Jaya, as well as a traditional dance performance by the Selangor Department of Culture and Arts and a musical performance by the National Symphony Orchestra under Istana Budaya.
The programme concluded with a fruit exhibition organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), highlighting Malaysia’s vibrant agricultural offerings.
This year marks Malaysia’s fifth time chairing the regional bloc, having previously held the ASEAN chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
In conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit, two pivotal high-level engagements, namely the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, will also be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation.
-- BERNAMA
