CLOSING REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY EDI IRWAN MAHMUD AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO THE LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC ASEAN DAY FORUM 2025

CLOSING REMARKS BY

His Excellency Edi Irwan Mahmud

Ambassador of malaysia

to the Lao People's Democratic Republic

asean day forum 2025

VENUE: National University of Laos, VIENTIANE, LAOS

8 AUGUST 2025, FRIDAY, 2.30 PM

SALUTATIONS

Mr. Phouvong Phimmakong

Director of International Relations Office

National University of Laos

Dr. Soubin Sisavath

Deputy Head of International Mobility Division

National University of Laos

Dr. Saidatunur Fauzi bin Saidin

Student Council Advisor and Senior Lecturer of the School of Business and Economics

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Salam Malaysia Madani, Sabaidee, and a very good afternoon to all of you

1. It is my great pleasure to be here today at the esteemed National University of Laos. I’m delighted to see our Malaysian students engaging with Lao students through exchange programs and volunteerism. These meaningful interactions serve as vital bridges of understanding and friendship between our two nations.

2. Today’s programme goes beyond academic collaboration. It represents a deeper commitment to people-to-people diplomacy, strengthening the foundation of bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Lao PDR. We are particularly proud that Universiti Putra Malaysia has chosen Laos for this initiative, especially as Malaysia chairs the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025

3. Allow me to briefly reflect on ASEAN’s origins. Established on 8 August 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, ASEAN was formed with the aim of fostering peace and stability during the Cold War era. Subsequently, Malaysia championed the inclusion of other Southeast Asian countries, including Laos, into the regional bloc in 1997.

4. While peace and security remain core to ASEAN’s mission, it became clear that sustainable regional harmony also requires economic integration and strong people-to-people links. This led to the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015, under then Malaysia’s Chairmanship.

5. This year, Malaysia is honoured to once again chair ASEAN. Its will again serve as a milestone year as we work to further consolidate the ASEAN Community. At the 46^th ASEAN Summit held in May 2025, ASEAN member states adopted the “Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future”, setting our shared vision for the sustainable and inclusive development of ASEAN Community in the next 20 years.

6. The theme for our 2025 Chairmanship, “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, captures our vision of progress that leaves no one behind.

7. As we enter this new chapter, Malaysia is fully committed to strengthening ASEAN’s role in regional peace, stability, and inclusive development.

8. Recently, our region faced a critical challenge involving a dispute between two ASEAN neighbours. Through Malaysia’s efforts as Chair and the leadership of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, we facilitated a constructive dialogue between the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia. While the matter is ongoing, we remain committed to supporting peaceful resolution through honest and balanced engagement.

9. As the ASEAN Chair, Malaysia’s priorities also include fostering deeper regional cooperation to build a more equitable and resilient ASEAN, one grounded in social justice, sustainable growth, and economic inclusivity.

10. We will also seek to expand ASEAN’s economic potential by encouraging greater intra-ASEAN trade, deepening investment ties, and embracing the transformative opportunities of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

11. Throughout 2025, Malaysia will host approximately 400 ASEAN meetings across various levels, from Heads of State and Ministers to Senior Officials and Working Groups, under the three main ASEAN Community Pillars. The 47^th ASEAN Summit is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur at the end of October.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Celebrating 60 Years of Malaysia-Laos Relations in 2026

12. As we look ahead, we also prepare to commemorate a significant milestone: the 60^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Laos, which will be celebrated on 1 July 2026. Following the successful Official Visit of His Excellency Dr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, to Malaysia on 25 May 2025, both countries have agreed to mark this anniversary with a series of joint initiatives and celebrations. This reflects six decades of enduring friendship and cooperation.

13. Economic collaboration has long been a pillar of our bilateral relationship. Malaysia is currently the fourth-largest foreign investor in Laos, ahead of many developed economies. Our investments span multiple sectors, including education, and support Laos' broader goals for sustainable national development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Visit Malaysia Year 2026

14. Looking forward, I warmly invite all of you to Malaysia for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Tourism is a vital driver of cultural exchange and economic partnership. We welcome our Laotian friends, and your families, to experience Malaysia’s rich heritage, natural beauty, advanced infrastructure, and, above all, our warm hospitality. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, the serene beaches of Langkawi, or the vibrant food scene in Penang, we promise you a memorable and enriching visit.  

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. In closing, I express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you for your continued support of ASEAN and our shared community. Your presence today reflects the deep bonds of friendship that unite our region. As university students today and future leaders tomorrow, your role in shaping the ASEAN of the future is both vital and inspiring. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to build a more peaceful, sustainable, and connected ASEAN, through education, volunteerism, and regional cooperation

Thank you, Khob Chai Lai Lai.