Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim affirmed on Saturday that the trilateral summit launched this week between ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China represents an "unprecedented trilateral partnership and development."

Speaking at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue Asian Security Summit in Singapore, Ibrahim stated this initiative extends ASEAN's strategic outreach, referencing the successful GCC summit and the formation of an "Economic Geography Task Force" designed to coordinate responses to global economic shocks and enhance institutional connectivity.

He noted this development comes amid unprecedented global geopolitical tensions and divisions, emphasizing that solutions lie not in closed blocs or spheres of influence but in expanding open trilateral cooperation around shared interests.

On humanitarian issues, Ibrahim declared "the genocide in Gaza tests our collective conscience," stressing that the scale of destruction, blatant disregard for humanitarian norms, and paralysis of civilian protection institutions "demand more than sympathy - they require consistent positions and concrete action."

Expressing concern over escalating violence in Sudan and Africa's Sahel region, he warned that "civil conflicts pose direct threats to global stability."

Regarding regional developments, he highlighted that the 46th ASEAN Summit hosted last week in Kuala Lumpur adopted the "ASEAN 2045" roadmap focusing on employment, connectivity, and sustainability, while formally approving Timor-Leste's membership to be finalized at the next summit.

Economically, Ibrahim cautioned against fragmentation in global trade systems, noting any trade flow reduction would increase costs, diminish investments, and destabilize emerging markets - particularly export-dependent nations like Malaysia.

On the South China Sea, Ibrahim expressed Malaysia's deep concern about escalation risks, advocating for "principled quiet diplomacy over provocations," while insisting on full compliance with UNCLOS as the universal legal framework for all claimants.

Singapore hosts the Shangri-La Dialogue from May 30 to June 1, with participation from Kuwait's Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Sabah and defense leaders/experts from 47 nations. Established in 2002, this annual summit remains Asia's premier defense and security forum.