President Ramaphosa calls for enhanced ASEAN-AU cooperation

President Ramaphosa calls for enhanced ASEAN-AU cooperation By Neo Bodumela Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a strengthened strategic alliance between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and African Union as two major blocs in the global South. The President was delivering remarks at the 20th East Asia Summit during a Working Visit to Malaysia. The two regional blocs represent billions of people with countries within the groupings still considered developing or emerging nations. “The world is undergoing profound change and uncertainty. We face crises of climate change, inequality and geopolitical instability. Rising protectionism, supply chain disruptions and unequal access to markets continue to undermine development prospects. These challenges demand coordinated responses and innovative partnerships. “We see great potential in strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and the African Union. These platforms can serve as vehicles for enhanced connectivity, economic resilience and peacebuilding across and between our regions,” President Ramaphosa said. He noted that ASEAN’s ethos of “mutual upliftment and regional solidarity is one we share” adding that it resonates with “South Africa’s values and those embedded in the African Union”. The President emphasised that increased trade is one of the tools that can be used by both blocs to drive prosperity. “Throughout history, trade has been a powerful instrument of economic growth and social progress. “We must therefore increase mutually beneficial trade by improving market access, reducing non-tariff barriers and enhancing trade connectivity between our regions,” he said. President Ramaphosa highlighted that cooperation can lead to the development of “solutions to the challenges we all face as developing economies”. “Together, we can defend multilateralism and address critical issues such as climate change, development and resolution of conflict. We must seize this moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to multilateralism and to deepen our partnerships. “We must honour the legacy of Band building a future defined by unity, dignity and progress,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za NeoB Mon, 10/27/2025 - 15:22 100 views

Read on the original site