Kuala Lumpur gears up as delegates arrive for Asean Summit
SEPANG: Malaysia is receiving a wave of diplomatic arrivals today as delegates gather in Kuala Lumpur for the upcoming 46th Asean Summit and Related Meetings.
Among them was United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, who arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here at 2.16pm Saturday (May 24).
Also arrived today were Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn at 2.40pm, followed by Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi at 3pm.
Timor-Leste's Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas arrived at 5pm while Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son arrived at the airport at 5.45pm.
The 46th Asean Summit will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26 and 27, alongside with the second Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit.
The Asean Summit will bring together leaders from member states to deliberate on regional developments and chart the future direction of the regional grouping.
This marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing Asean, following its previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.- Bernama
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Selangor Aero Park to advance Msia's regional air cargo hub ambitions
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook expressed confidence that more private sector players will invest in expanding aircraft operations at KLIA. (Bernama pic) SEPANG : The development of the Selangor Aero Park (SAP) will strengthen Malaysia's ambition to become a leading air cargo hub in Asean, said transport minister Loke Siew Fook. He said the 600-acre project aligns with the government's strategy to enhance Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as a regional logistics and aerospace centre. Loke said KLIA holds a unique strategic advantage, with a vast land area of 100 sq km and strong connectivity, making it an ideal location for such a development. 'We possess the ingredients and prerequisites unmatched by any other Asean country. KLIA has the potential to expand to five runways (beyond the existing three). 'There is no other airport in the region of this scale,' he said at a press conference following the groundbreaking ceremony for SAP earlier today. Located within the KLIA Aeropolis, SAP carries a gross development value of RM2.3 billion and will be executed in phases to ensure a well-structured, future-ready investment ecosystem. The project is expected to contribute RM55.2 billion annually to the aerospace industry and create over 32,000 high-income jobs by 2030. Elaborating further, Loke said Malaysia has also secured support from China to position KLIA as a regional cargo hub for the Asean market. 'China has agreed to support KLIA as its cargo gateway for the Asean region. This is a highly strategic and significant partnership. 'We also aim to attract investments from aerospace supply chain industries, which includes the production of aerospace components, related technologies, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services,' he said. He expressed confidence that more private sector players will invest in expanding aircraft MRO operations at KLIA. To support this vision, he said the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia is currently reviewing KLIA's air traffic control system to address the anticipated increase in both passenger and cargo flight traffic. 'We anticipate a significant increase in air traffic at KLIA, involving both passenger and cargo aircraft. A comprehensive redesign of the air traffic control system is currently under way to enhance operational efficiency and optimise traffic management,' he said. On a separate matter, Loke added that an announcement on the KLIA Aerotrain project will be made soon.


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Laos President commends Malaysian Chief Justice's visit to deepen judicial ties
- Photo: Laos News Agency VIENTIANE: (Bernama-KPL) President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, on Wednesday (June 4) expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Chief Justice of Malaysia, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, in visiting Laos, underscoring the visit's significance in deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the judicial sector. According to the Laos News Agency (KPL), Tengku Maimun is on an official visit to the country from Tuesday (June 3) until Friday (June 6). Thongloun noted that this exchange contributes meaningfully to strengthening ties between the two nations and fosters long-term support, mutual assistance, and the sharing of judicial experiences. The President also voiced strong support for ongoing collaboration between the judicial bodies of Laos and Malaysia and emphasised the Laos' commitment to nurturing its longstanding relations with Malaysia, an important Asean partner with a shared history of cooperation. He highlighted 2026 as a milestone year, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Tengku Maimun thanked President Thongloun for the warm welcome and outlined the objectives of her visit. She said the trip aims to enhance judicial cooperation among Asean countries and to support Laos in its preparations to establish the Laos Lawyers' Association, which is a step towards seeking membership in the Asean Law Association. - Bernama-KPL


The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia brings ASEAN voice to OECD meeting in Paris
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN, which is chaired by Malaysia this year, has expressed full support for all efforts to strengthen open markets and uphold a rules-based multilateral trading system as the foundation for sustainable and inclusive global growth. The Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ambassador Syahril Syazli Ghazali said the ASEAN chairmanship's theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' reflects Malaysia's priority in promoting a fair, sustainable and inclusive trade. 'In addressing the emerging global headwinds and uncertainties, ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force (AGTF) was established to monitor, assess and recommend policy responses to strengthen ASEAN – as a single market,' he said in a statement to Bernama today. Syahril Syazli represented Malaysia at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) held from June 3 to 4 in Paris. Malaysia is also spearheading various initiatives to build a digitally resilient ASEAN, in particular, driving the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations, towards substantial conclusion by the end of this year. 'DEFA is a cornerstone in facilitating and promoting the 'inclusivity' of ASEAN, and ensuring the region will continue to enjoy digital trade benefits,' he said. On empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as women, Syahril Syazli said Malaysia is fostering digital skills for women entrepreneurs via national programmes such as EmpowerHER Digital and Women Exporters Development Programme, aimed to integrate more women-led businesses into the international value chain. 'The landmark initiative to establish ASEAN's first Women's Economic Empowerment Centre in Kuala Lumpur, announced last month, would further enhance the role of women in economic development as well as promote inclusive growth in the region,' he added.