Good morning.

Your Majesty,

Excellencies,

And a warm welcome to our 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit.

The first order of business is the agenda which I know has been circulated. And are there any additions, amendments that any of the other members would like to propose?

Well, the Chair hears none. So, we adopt the agenda as it has been circulated.

Your Majesty,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great honor and pleasure that I welcome you to this 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit.

This year’s summit holds special significance as we mark eight years of quite remarkable progress since the adoption of our Vision 2025. Since 2017, our cooperation has deepened, our partnerships have delivered tangible benefits for our peoples.

Together, we have laid down stronger foundations for inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven growth.

Our joint initiatives in connectivity, trade and investment facilitation, food and energy security, ecotourism, and green development have advanced significantly, reinforcing our commitment to narrowing the development gap in our sub-region.

As we convene today, let us take this opportunity to not only celebrate these milestones, but to also affirm our shared vision for a more integrated, prosperous, and resilient BIMP-EAGA. The path ahead calls for even greater synergy, innovation, and political will. I am confident that through our cooperation, we will continue to transform these aspirations that we have held into lasting impacts for our peoples.

Thank you and I look forward to a productive summit.

To set the tone of our meeting today, I would like to invite all of us to watch the short video presentation on the 30th Anniversary of the BIMP-EAGA sub-regional economic cooperation.

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