Kuala Lumpur Declaration marks 20 years of East Asia Summit, reaffirms unity, cooperation, and ASEAN centrality

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 2025 :The Kuala Lumpur Declaration, adopted at the 20th anniversary of the East Asia Summit (EAS), reaffirmed the participating nations’ strong commitment to peace, cooperation, and multilateralism in line with the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration — the founding document that established the Summit’s vision, objectives, and guiding principles.

The declaration also renewed support for the 2010 Ha Noi Declaration (marking the fifth anniversary of the EAS), the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Declaration (commemorating the tenth anniversary), and the 2020 Ha Noi Declaration (celebrating the fifteenth anniversary), underscoring the EAS’s continuity and growing significance in regional diplomacy.

Commitment to peace and cooperation amid global challenges

Acknowledging the complex geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and transboundary threats facing the region and the world, the declaration emphasized that these challenges can only be effectively addressed through collective action and joint collaboration.
It reaffirmed the member nations’ commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). It also recognized the 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration and the 2011 Bali Principles as vital frameworks for strengthening trust, cooperation, and mutual respect among member states.

The declaration reiterated that ASEAN’s unity and centrality remain the cornerstone of the East Asia Summit architecture. It called for all participating nations to support ASEAN-led mechanisms and uphold the principles of transparency, predictability, and responsible behavior in regional and global affairs.

Strengthening the East Asia Summit’s institutional framework

Highlighting two decades of progress, the declaration called for further strengthening the East Asia Summit based on its established principles and objectives. It reaffirmed the EAS’s role as the premier leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest.

The declaration acknowledged the complementary roles of EAS Foreign Ministers, Senior Officials, and the EAS Ambassadors’ Group in Jakarta, alongside the EAS Unit within the ASEAN Secretariat, in ensuring policy coordination, dialogue, and effective implementation of initiatives. These mechanisms, it said, have been instrumental in advancing the EAS Plan of Action (2024–2028) and carrying out past leaders’ declarations and commitments.

It further highlighted the need to enhance information exchange on regional development cooperation, security policies, and emerging issues, ensuring that the EAS remains a platform for constructive and candid dialogue.

Commitment to international law and multilateralism

Marking the summit’s milestone year, the declaration reaffirmed the EAS’s commitment to upholding international law, particularly the UN Charter, as an essential foundation for peace and stability. It stressed the importance of mutual understanding, trust, and peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law, calling on all nations to work together for a secure and prosperous East Asia.

The leaders collectively expressed their determination to strengthen multilateralism, describing it as indispensable for a peaceful and rules-based international order. The declaration reaffirmed adherence to the 2011 Bali Principles, which promote mutually beneficial relations, non-interference, and respect for sovereignty among EAS countries.

Economic cooperation and regional resilience

The declaration emphasized that under ASEAN’s leadership, the EAS should continue to promote economic cooperation and integration across the region. It highlighted the importance of collaboration in areas such as trade facilitation, infrastructure development, energy transition, and digital connectivity to enhance regional resilience against global economic challenges.

It also underscored the importance of sustainable development, inclusive growth, and reducing development gaps among member states. The declaration reaffirmed the leaders’ determination to make the EAS a catalyst for regional prosperity and long-term stability.

Support for ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific

Reaffirming its support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), the declaration said the Outlook plays a key role in enhancing regional cooperation and strengthening ASEAN’s Community-building process. It emphasized that AOIP principles — openness, inclusivity, and respect for international law — are essential to promoting peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.

The leaders also endorsed ASEAN’s efforts to mainstream and implement the AOIP, noting that the Outlook complements cooperation with external partners and contributes to maintaining ASEAN’s central role in the evolving regional architecture.

A vision for the future

Concluding the declaration, the leaders collectively reaffirmed their shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous East Asia, grounded in dialogue, partnership, and mutual respect. They emphasized that the EAS will continue to serve as a cornerstone of regional peace and progress, supporting both regional and global stability.

By reaffirming long-standing principles and embracing new challenges, the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Twentieth Anniversary of the East Asia Summit positions the EAS as a vital platform for fostering strategic trust, economic cooperation, and sustainable development in the decades to come.

Summary of Key Points:

• Reaffirmation of 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 EAS declarations.
• Strong emphasis on ASEAN centrality and multilateral cooperation.
• Support for the EAS Plan of Action (2024–2028) and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
• Commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, respect for sovereignty, and international law.
• Focus on economic resilience, sustainable growth, and bridging development gaps.

The declaration concluded with a unified call for continued cooperation, peace, and prosperity across East Asia, ensuring that the East Asia Summit remains a dynamic and inclusive forum in a rapidly changing world.