By Vicky Singmin and Jodi Robinson

This week, Canada’s newly appointed foreign minister, Anita Anand, made her first official trip to Asia in her new role.

Her destination? Malaysia. Her reason? Asean.

This was no coincidence – it was a deliberate message. A message of support. A message of commitment. A message of partnership. In Southeast Asia, showing up matters. And for Canada, Asean matters.

As Canada’s engagement with the Asean continues to deepen, we reflect with pride and optimism on our nearly five-decade relationship.

Over the past 48 years, our bond has evolved from a dialogue partnership into a robust strategic partnership, grounded in mutual trust and shared interests. This journey highlights the enduring power of multilateralism in an increasingly uncertain world.

As a consistent voice for multilateralism on the global stage, Canada values Asean’s central role in promoting regional stability and prosperity.

This year, as Malaysia – a founding member of Asean and a long-standing friend of Canada – assumes the Asean chairmanship, we welcome the opportunity to further strengthen our collaboration with both Malaysia and Asean.

Malaysia’s leadership, with its focus on inclusivity and sustainability, aligns closely with Canada’s values and ambitions for the Indo-Pacific region.

Under Malaysia’s chairmanship, Asean recently achieved a key milestone with the adoption of the Asean Community Vision 2045, which reaffirms Asean centrality and advances a united, inclusive Indo-Pacific through a people-centered regional agenda.

Canada’s strategic partnership with Asean, reinforced through international assistance, reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and mutual respect.

Key initiatives – such as the Canada-Asean Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development programme; the Asean-Canada Trust Fund; collaboration with the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance; the Women, Peace and Security project; and the Mitigation of Biological Threats programme – demonstrate Canada’s strong alignment with Asean priorities.

Looking ahead, Canada will continue to work closely with Asean and other partners to narrow development gaps and support a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous region.

As we expand our engagement, economic diversification and resilience remain central to our shared agenda. Negotiations for the Asean-Canada free trade agreement are progressing steadily, with the potential to unlock significant, rules-based opportunities for businesses and consumers across both regions once finalised.

Yet our ambitions go beyond traditional trade. Canada is eager to deepen sectoral engagement and collaborate with Asean on key issues such as digital transformation, and energy and food security.

In particular, we are seeking to engage through the Asean Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting, underscoring our commitment to strengthening digital cooperation.

These efforts are not just about trade figures – they are about empowering businesses, diversifying supply chains, and delivering tangible benefits to people and communities.

Canada’s role in the Indo-Pacific is multifaceted. We are actively involved in critical capacity-building and security initiatives.

The BlackBerry Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Malaysia is a prime example of collaboration between a leading Canadian company and the Malaysian government, with support from the Canadian government – a testament to our joint efforts in enhancing digital security.

Likewise, our Canada Border Services Agency border management symposiums have supported regional initiatives to strengthen border integrity and facilitate legitimate travel and trade.

These projects reflect Canada’s commitment to practical, impactful support that advances safety and stability.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Asean-Canada relationship in 2027 – coinciding with Aean’s 60th founding anniversary – we look back on a long-standing partnership grounded in even deeper ties, including 68 years of diplomatic relations with Malaysia.

Canada’s comprehensive Indo-Pacific Strategy has further elevated this relationship, providing a clear framework for enhancing our presence and partnerships in the region.

As both Canada and Asean champion inclusive dialogue and rules-based cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, continued collaboration through the Asean framework will help foster peace, resilience, and prosperity for all our people.

We look forward to supporting the Asean Community Vision 2045 and building a closer, more meaningful partnership between Canada and Asean in the years ahead.

Vicky Singmin is Canada’s ambassador to Asean and Jodi Robinson is Canada’s high commissioner to Malaysia.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.