3 days ago
Several world leaders to attend 47th Asean Summit, says Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: Several world leaders including those from Asia, Europe, Canada, the United States, Africa and Latin America are expected to attend the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at a meeting with the Prime Minister's Department staff here on Monday (July 21), Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that so far, among those who have expressed their commitment to attend are leaders from Italy, the European Union, Canada and the United States.
"It (the Asean Summit) will be a major international conference for Malaysia," he said.
On July 8, Anwar said several heads of government from outside Asean had confirmed their attendance at the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits scheduled to be held from Oct 26 to 28.
Among the leaders who have confirmed their attendance are Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whom Anwar met in Rome on July 3, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is also currently President of the G20 Group.
Anwar said that his visits abroad were not for tourism, but rather in Malaysia's capacity as Asean Chair this year, apart from fulfilling invitations from several world leaders.
"I am among the prime ministers who have travelled abroad the most. Coincidentally, Malaysia is Asean chairman this year," he said
Expressing confidence in the services of civil servants including the national security forces based on the excellent performance shown during the recent Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Asean-China Summits, Anwar is confident that the Asean Summit in October would be held successfully.
"If you look at the performance (of the services) of civil servants, police, Immigration Department and airports at Asean-GCC and Asean-China, I am confident in our ability to provide the best for our country," he said.
Anwar said the confidence was based on Malaysia's improved ranking in the World Competitiveness Report by the Institute for Management Development, from 34th in 2024 to 23rd in 2025.
The Prime Minister said the improved ranking also reflected the international community's confidence in Malaysia's administrative capabilities.
The 46th Asean Summit held in Kuala Lumpur in May also featured the second Asean GCC as well as the first-ever Asean-GCC-China Summit.
Malaysia as the 2025 Asean Chairmanship with the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' hosted the 46th Asean Summit and related meetings from May 22 to 27. – Bernama
