PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on world leaders to place dialogue at the heart of conflict resolution, saying that genuine peace can only be achieved through trust, patience and sustained engagement.
Speaking during the intervention session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting here on Friday, Anwar said the lessons from the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia should guide efforts to resolve the ongoing crises in Gaza and Ukraine.
“Resolutions based on dialogue, not force, is the only way towards true peace,” he said.
The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, signed at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last week, formally ended hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia after years of border tensions.
The landmark agreement was witnessed by ASEAN leaders and United States President Donald Trump, who lauded the deal as a major step towards lasting regional stability.
Anwar said Malaysia’s role in facilitating the accord reflected ASEAN’s evolving capacity as a platform for regional diplomacy and peace-building. “The accord reminds us that peace and prosperity are fragile if not grounded in trust and continued engagement,” he said.
On the economic front, Anwar also met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the sidelines of APEC, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations.
“Focus is also given to efforts to strengthen bilateral economic relations. This includes joint commitments between the US Treasury and Bank Negara Malaysia in ensuring that the foreign exchange policy is resilient, financial markets remain stable, and governance is transparent and conducted with integrity,” he said.
Anwar further shared that several APEC leaders had extended their congratulations to Malaysia for successfully hosting the ASEAN Summit, praising the country’s steady leadership.
“I appreciate the words of congratulations on Malaysia’s successful chairmanship of the 47th ASEAN Summit, a testament to our ability to lead with wisdom and resolve,” he said in a statement.
The ASEAN Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur from 26 to 28 October, recorded notable achievements, including Timor-Leste’s admission as ASEAN’s 11th member and progress on the Myanmar peace process.
“These developments underscore ASEAN’s enduring commitment to cooperation, peace and stability in the region,” Anwar added. - October 31, 2025
