(MENAFN) The 46th ASEAN Summit commenced on Monday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, drawing leaders from Southeast Asia to deliberate on significant regional and international matters.

Discussions focused on topics such as US-imposed tariffs, the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The summit began with the customary ASEAN handshake, symbolizing unity as the delegates prepared to tackle pressing challenges, set strategic priorities, and strengthen regional solidarity, according to a news agency.

Malaysian Premier Anwar Ibrahim, serving as the summit’s rotating chair, is overseeing the proceedings.

In his opening remarks, Anwar revealed that he had sent a letter to United States Leader Donald Trump proposing an ASEAN-US summit within the year to address the tariff conflict.

"Indeed, a transition in the geopolitical order is underway and the global trading system is under further strain with the recent imposition of US unilateral tariffs," he stated.

He further remarked, "Protectionism is resurging as we bear witness to multilateralism breaking apart at the seams."

ASEAN countries have been subjected to US tariffs varying between 10 percent and 49 percent, although Trump announced a temporary 90-day suspension last month, prompting the regional nations to swiftly engage in negotiations with Washington.

Anwar emphasized that ASEAN possesses the resilience to withstand geopolitical pressures arising from the “arbitrary actions” of powerful nations.

He pointed out that Southeast Asia’s growth has historically depended on inclusiveness, adherence to the rule of law, and open trade, but warned that "prosperity is now threatened."

"For ASEAN, our peace, stability and prosperity have often depended on an open, inclusive, rules-based international order anchored in the free flow of trade, capital and people,” he added, noting that “these foundations are now being dismantled under the force of arbitrary action."

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