KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he will hold discussions with United States (US) President Donald Trump on key bilateral and global issues during the 47th Asean Summit, which Malaysia will host from October 26 to October 28.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for both leaders to strengthen Malaysia-US relations, particularly in trade and investment, while addressing pressing international concerns, including the situation in Gaza and regional peace efforts.
“We had exchanges, phone calls, twice. He has been extremely cordial, very supportive, and he listens quite well.
"I think I want to make use of this opportunity, of course, to protect the interests of Malaysia in trade investments, but also to express some of my personal views on what I think will be good for Malaysia, for the United States, and for the world.
“… including the issues affecting (Gaza). I mean, of course, I commend him for the efforts. Whatever reservations you may have, you must commend the fact that Trump did a major service in stopping at least some of the bombings in Gaza.
“But our challenge, of course, is to ensure that peace prevails, justice prevails, and ultimately, the legitimate interests and aspirations of the Palestinians are fulfilled and they are accorded their rights,” he said during a conversation session after delivering his keynote address at the Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) Knowledge Forum 2025 today.
Anwar added that Malaysia’s engagement with the US remains strong despite occasional policy differences, as both countries share deep economic and diplomatic ties.
Malaysia also continues to uphold a balanced and principled foreign policy that promotes friendship and cooperation with all major powers, including China, the US, and the European Union.
“It is Malaysia, it is Asean, and the policy we use is centrality. We are close to China, firm in the region. We work and maintain these traditional relations with the US.
“As a trading nation, we are pushing ahead not only with Europe, Asia, and America but also with Latin America and South Africa.
“That is why, for the first time within the Asean fraternity framework, we are having Lula of Brazil (Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva) and Ramaphosa of South Africa (South African President Cyril Ramaphosa) here,” he said.
Anwar noted that Malaysia views the gathering as an opportunity to enhance global partnerships under the Asean framework, which continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among key economies.
Yesterday, Trump that he will soon travel to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, while saying he also wants "to be good to China," Kyodo News reported.
The 47th Asean Summit, themed 'Inclusion and Sustainability', is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to October 28, with the participation of top leaders from the 10 Asean member states as well as key dialogue partners, including the US, China, Japan, and India.
