Jakarta, May 26 -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underscored the significance of poverty alleviation in achieving inclusive development among ASEAN member states.

"We must reduce extreme poverty to zero percent. Countries cannot allow poverty levels to rise, and they must tackle this issue," Ibrahim stated in response to an ANTARA question about poverty alleviation efforts in the region, on Sunday (May 25) local time.

In a special interview with the media ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ibrahim stated that eradicating poverty must go hand in hand with efforts by ASEAN countries to advance their national and regional economies.

He called on ASEAN nations to reaffirm their commitment, through joint agre...