LOC12:38
09:38 GMT
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Tuesday he will raise key trade interests and global peace efforts -- including the Gaza situation -- in a closed-door meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur schedueled October 26-28.
Speaking at the Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) Knowledge Forum, Anwar said Trump was "supportive" and "played a major role" in halting Gaza bombardment, noting two earlier friendly phone calls.
The upcoming meeting aims to protect Malaysia's trade and investment and present its views on regional and international issues, he said, stressing the need for sustainable peace, justice, and Palestinian rights.
Anwar underscored ASEAN centrality and said Malaysia maintains close ties with major powers, including China and the US, as well as growing links with Europe, Asia, Latin America, and South Africa.
He confirmed Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the summit.
Additionally, Russia's President Vladimir Putin has not confirmed his attendance; Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak may represent Moscow, he added, while noting a strong possibility Putin could still come.
Anwar also referenced Trump's announcement of an upcoming trip to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea -- his first Asia visit of his second term.
As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia will host the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, with leaders of the 10 ASEAN member states and partner countries -- including the US, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Australia -- under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability." (end)
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