The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, has become one of the most significant international events of 2025. This was stated by Lubarto Sartoyo, President of the Alliance of Business Structures and Entrepreneurs of Southeast Asian Countries, in an exclusive commentary on the TV BRICS media network.
The expert noted that the key topics of the summit were peace, sustainable economic growth and the development of inclusive economic models. The participants' focus is on digital integration and the deepening of regional trade, which already accounts for about 24% of the region's total trade turnover. According to Sartoyo, this indicator will grow due to the modernization of trade mechanisms and the unification of standards.
The current meeting is of particular importance due to the official accession of East Timor as the 11th member of ASEAN. The expert called this event a "historic step" that highlights the unity and expansion of Southeast Asia's influence in the international arena.
The summit program includes ministerial meetings, a Business and investment Forum, meetings of the Coordinating Council and the signing of new cooperation agreements. It is also planned to sign a document on accession to the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation of Southeast Asia, which will strengthen the political stability of the region.
The 47th ASEAN Summit is being held under the Malaysian chairmanship under the motto "Inclusivity and Sustainable Development". Among the participants are the leaders and representatives of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Russia, as well as UN Secretary—General Antonio Guterres.
