The Kuala Lumpur Roundtable on Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) was held on Aug 27 in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital.

More than 200 representatives attended the event, discussing ways to deepen regional cooperation and advance the process of integration.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in his speech that ASEAN has set an example in pursuing open and inclusive regionalism. As this year's chair, Malaysia will take concrete steps to strengthen cooperation and safeguard ASEAN centrality, he noted.

Ban Ki-moon, chairman of the BFA and former UN secretary-general, called on Asian countries to embrace open regionalism, boost supply chain collaboration and connectivity, promote the digital and green economy, and work together to tackle external challenges.

Ho Hau Wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), underscored the need for Asia and the Asia-Pacific to pursue open development, build closer partnerships amid global economic shifts, and jointly contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

BFA Secretary-General Zhang Jun said the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change, making regional cooperation increasingly important. He called on countries to steer the right course, choose the right path, and build regional cooperation and economic governance models with Asia-Pacific characteristics, enabling the region to serve as a stabilizing force in global uncertainties.

The two-day roundtable also featured in-depth discussions on topics such as the future of Asia-Pacific integration through openness and connectivity, promoting regional solidarity and cooperation in the Bandung Spirit, and tapping new growth drivers through green transition and digitalization.