14-11-2023 (SAN FRANCISCO) Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in San Francisco on Monday, November 13, to participate in the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) scheduled from November 14 to 17. This marks Anwar’s inaugural APEC meeting as the head of the Malaysian government.
The aircraft carrying Prime Minister Anwar and his delegation, including his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, and Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, landed at San Francisco International Airport at 9:37 pm (local time) on Tuesday, November 14.
The Malaysian delegation was warmly received by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, Malaysian Ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, and Consul General of Malaysia in Los Angeles, Anil Fahriza Adenan, among others.
Anwar is set to share Malaysia’s priorities and principles under the Madani Economy framework during the AELM, emphasizing inclusivity, sustainable development, and cooperation for shared prosperity.
One of the focal points of Anwar’s participation will be addressing the Palestinian situation, advocating global support, humanitarian access, and a just resolution to the conflict. He will also engage in various forums, including the Apec Economic Leaders’ Informal Dialogue with Guests, the Apec Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Dialogue with Apec Economic Leaders, and the Apec 2023 CEO Summit.
Anwar’s itinerary includes the Second Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Leaders’ meeting and a public lecture at the University of California, Berkeley, titled “Superpower Rivalry and Rising Tensions in the Asia-Pacific – The View from South-East Asia.”
Apart from these engagements, Anwar will hold one-on-one meetings with prominent American business leaders to discuss high-value investments aligned with Malaysia’s economic priorities. He will also have bilateral meetings with several leaders of APEC Economies to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation.
During the visit, Anwar is expected to witness the exchange of an agreement between BlackBerry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on cybersecurity cooperation.
The APEC 2023 summit, themed “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All,” aims to adopt the APEC Leaders’ 2023 Golden Gate Declaration. The summit will also focus on advancing efforts to address global challenges in line with the Apec Putrajaya Vision 2040.
Anwar’s engagements include connecting with the Malaysian diaspora and students in San Francisco before returning to Malaysia. APEC, founded by 12 countries, now consists of 21 members, representing close to three billion people, 62% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and 48% of world trade in 2021.
