1st ASEAN+3 Task Force Meeting Welcoming Dinner

WELCOMING REMARKS
YBHG. DATO’ ZAMZURI BIN ABDUL AZIZ
DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL OF TREASURY (POLICY)
1ST ASEAN+3 TASK FORCE MEETING WELCOMING DINNER
CASSIA RESTAURANT, PARKROYAL LANGKAWI RESORT
14 JANUARY 2025 (TUESDAY)
7.45 – 9.00 PM

YB Dato’ Dr. Nadzman bin Mustaffa
Deputy of State Secretary of Kedah

YBhg. Dato’ Haslina Abdul Hamid
Chief Excecutive Officer of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)

Encik Mohamad Subhi bin Abdullah
Langkawi District Officer

Encik Mohd Hamri bin Abidin
President of Tourism City of Langkawi Municipal Council

Encik Mohd Amran bin Mohd Haris
Director General of The National Department of Culture and Arts

Puan sabrina binti Masadi
Director General of The National Department of Culture and Arts Kedah

YDH ACP Tuan Shariman bin Hj. Ashari
Langkawi District Police Chief

Encik Azhar bin Ahmad
Langkawi district customs chief

Dr.Adlan Zafrulan bin Ismail
Director Langkawi Hospital

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalammualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Alhamdullilah Nahmahduhu Wa Nusalli Ala Rasoolilah Kareem.

Good evening, to our friends from ASEAN+3 member states, Selamat Datang/Sawasdee Khrub/Kha (Thailand)/Sabaidee (Lao PDR)/ Xin Chào (Vietnam)/ Suosdey (Cambodia)/ Mabuhay (Philippines)/ Mingalaba (Myanmar)/ Konnichiwa (Japan)/ Annyeong Haseyo (Korea)/ Nǐ hǎo (China) — welcome to Malaysia and this beautiful island of Langkawi.

It is a great honour to host this welcoming dinner as we gather for the 1st ASEAN+3 Taskforce Meeting. This marks the beginning of what promises to be a significant year for Malaysia as ASEAN Chair and Co-Chair of ASEAN+3 with the People's Republic of China.

As we look ahead to this important year, I am excited to share some wonderful news. Malaysia has just launched Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) on 6 January 2025 and this year, we are also welcoming visitors for Visit Kedah Year 2025. Additionally, the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) will be held from 20–24 May 2025. As the Joint Chairman of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) Board, I am proud to invite all of you to join us in promoting Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage and amazing attractions. Together, let us show the world why we call it “Malaysia Truly Asia.”

2025 is a milestone year, as Malaysia once again assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship and ASEAN+3 Co-Chairmanship, a decade after our last chairmanship in 2015. Langkawi is the perfect place to start our discussions. With sunshine all year round, it is a perfect escape from the freezing moment you had just experienced in Korea, particularly in Pyeongchang.

It feels like we have hit the fast-forward button to summer here. Its lovely beaches and peaceful surroundings make it a wonderful place to relax under the coconut trees.

Langkawi is also a UNESCO Global Geopark, recognised since 2007 for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique geological features. For chocolate lovers, it is a duty-free paradise offering an array of sweet delights and the list of attractions here goes on.

Malaysia has high hopes that our collective efforts this year will strengthen financial cooperation and regional integration, benefiting all member states.

The ASEAN+3 platform has been fundamental in fostering resilience and cohesion, providing a forum for dialogue, coordination, and collaboration. We are determined to ensure that the deliverables identified during our Co-Chairmanship are promptly endorsed and implemented.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the ASEAN+3 officials for their unwavering commitment. This welcoming dinner is our way of showing appreciation for your dedication, which is crucial in realising our shared vision of deeper integration, stability, and growth in the face of upcoming challenges.

As we reflect on the discussion held during our meetings, I hope you enjoy every dish tonight. Let me tempt your taste buds with something special. You’ll get to try Laksa Kedah, a famous Malaysian noodle dish made with thick rice noodles in a coconut curry broth. Topped with chicken, prawns, and mint, and served with lime and sambal for extra flavor. Laksa Kedah is a delicious taste of Malaysia you definitely do not want to miss.

Therefore, during your stay or extended visit, I also encourage you to take time to explore the island’s natural beauty and rich heritage, contributing to the local economy and embodying the spirit of inclusivity and sustainability that we champion within ASEAN+3.

I eagerly anticipate the outcomes of the 1st ASEAN+3 Taskforce Meeting. But for tonight, I invite all delegates to enjoy the dinner and the performance and I wish everyone a pleasant night ahead.

Thank you, and enjoy your dinner.

Wassalamualaikum warahmatullaahi wabarakatuh.