JAKARTA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the potential for Malaysia and Indonesia to further expand their relations in various areas, including trade, economy, arts, and culture. The Prime Minister expressed his intention to enhance bilateral ties and boost the economy during the 43rd ASEAN Summit. However, Anwar highlighted the importance of not neglecting the promotion of arts and culture as well.
During his discussions with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Anwar engaged with various individuals, including investors, entrepreneurs, and celebrities. He indicated that these interactions provided valuable insights and taught him about the significance of empowering arts and culture. Anwar shared these comments with reporters after attending the “Santai Bersama Anwar” event held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jakarta. This gathering provided an opportunity for the Prime Minister to meet with Indonesian and Malaysian influencers and celebrities such as Nur Fazura, Mulan Jameelah, Kartika Putri, and Melly Goeslow.
In a separate statement, Anwar expressed his belief that Malaysia’s participation in the 43rd ASEAN Summit would advance the principle of ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity and openness in the region’s relations with its partner countries. Anwar also expressed hopes that the platform would foster unity and stability within the region.
Anwar further shared his plans to participate in the “Program Temu Anwar,” an event held outside of Malaysia for the first time. Alongside official programs and events, this initiative will allow the Prime Minister to meet with his friends in Indonesia. Anwar expressed his hope that everything proceeds smoothly.
Prior to the summit, Anwar attended a pre-council meeting and engaged in a series of programs involving the Malaysian diaspora and Indonesians. He arrived in Jakarta accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and received a warm welcome from Indonesian Communication and Information Minister Budi Arie Setiadi. Other members of the Malaysian delegation, including Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, were also present.
The 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will be held until Thursday and mark Anwar’s first summit with the seven ASEAN dialogue partners, which include Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the United States, and Canada. During the summit, Anwar has scheduled 11 bilateral meetings with leaders such as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, United States Vice-President Kamala Harris, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Throughout the summit, Anwar will engage in various events, including the summit’s opening ceremony, the Asean-Indo Pacific Forum, and discussions with the Malaysian diaspora during the “Temu Anwar” talk. Additionally, he will participate in six summits on Wednesday, including the Asean-China, Asean-South Korea, Asean-Japan, Asean Plus Three, Asean-US, and Asean-Canada meets. The week will conclude with four summits, namely the Asean-India, East Asia, Asean-Australia, and Asean-United Nations meetings.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
