Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to address pivotal trade interests and global peace efforts, including the Gaza situation, during a private meeting with US President Donald Trump at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, scheduled for October 26-28.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Anwar spoke at the Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) Knowledge Forum, indicating that Trump had been "supportive" and "played a major role" in halting the bombardment in Gaza, referencing two prior amicable phone conversations. The upcoming meeting is intended to safeguard Malaysia's trade and investment while articulating its stance on regional and international concerns, emphasizing the importance of sustainable peace, justice, and Palestinian rights.
Anwar highlighted ASEAN's centrality and emphasized Malaysia's strong relations with major powers, including China and the US, alongside expanding connections with Europe, Asia, Latin America, and South Africa. He confirmed the attendance of Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa at the summit. Additionally, he mentioned that while Russia's President Vladimir Putin had not confirmed his attendance, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak might represent Moscow, with a strong possibility that Putin could still attend.
Anwar also pointed to Trump's announcement of a forthcoming trip to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, marking his first visit to Asia in his second term. As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia will host the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, with leaders from the 10 ASEAN member states and partner countries, including the US, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Australia, under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability."