KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must focus its efforts on building a future-proof bloc while maintaining both strategic autonomy and the spirit of collective action, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said the regional grouping now faces emerging challenges, including climate change, disruptive technologies, and growing societal divisions driven by political and economic polarisation.

"In the realm of geopolitics, great power rivalries cast long shadows across our region, fuelling protectionism and threatening the open, multilateral trade that once powered our growth.

"Distant conflicts are disrupting our markets, supply chains, and food security. These issues pose risks for all, but especially for those of us in the Global South.

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"As such, with the torch now in our hands, we must lead our people towards a safer and more equitable future. In pursuit of this goal, Malaysia's leadership is guided by the principles of inclusivity and sustainability," he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings today.

Also present was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Mohamad said Asean is working to strengthen regional peace, stability, and prosperity through a future-oriented framework anchored in these core values.

He added that Asean leaders had recently signed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future and adopted the Asean Community Vision 2045.

The 20-year vision, he said, sets the course for a resilient, innovative, and people-centred Asean.

"That journey begins now. Our path will be guided by Asean centrality, enabling us to shape regional architecture on our own terms.

"With strategic clarity, Asean will engage its 11 dialogue partners in the upcoming post-ministerial conferences, laying the groundwork for Asean+3 and the US-Asean Summits.

"This will ensure that economic cooperation and strategic trust continue to progress in tandem.

"We will also convene the Asean Regional Forum, reaffirming its role as the region's key platform for political and security dialogue."